Gordon E. Guyer

Gordon E. Guyer, 89, of East Lansing, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. He was born May 30, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Clifford and Hazel (Boughton) Guyer, and was raised in Augusta.

Gordon was a Spartan for life. He first arrived at MSU in 1947 to begin studies in fisheries and wildlife, later switching to entomology and receiving his bachelor's degree in 1950. Two years later, he earned his master's degree, and his doctorate in 1954, both in entomology. He joined the faculty in 1953 and held many leadership roles on campus. Gordon was a professor and chairperson for the entomology department, the director of MSU’s Pesticide Research Center - an institute he played a lead role in establishing - and the director of MSU Extension from 1973 to 1985. He was MSU vice president for Governmental Affairs and MSU President from 1992-93. An esteemed researcher, he authored more than 70 papers on aquatic ecology, insect control technology, integrated pest control, public policy and international agriculture. His experience in entomology and Extension afforded him many opportunities away from campus, He served as consultant to the following groups: Michigan Vegetable Growers' Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, Agricultural Council, Michigan Departments of Health, Conservation, and Agriculture; Agriculture and Ways and Means Committees, Michigan Legislature; and the Michigan Governor's office. He also held Director positions at the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Kellogg Biological Station. Gordon was able to travel extensively for scientific research: he led one of the first American scientific groups allowed to visit China in the mid-1970s, and later traveled to Africa under United Nations’ sponsorship to develop plant-protection education and research efforts in eight countries. He has served on boards of Neogen Corp., King Milling, Pheasants Forever and others.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Guyer, his parents, and his step-son, Thomas W. Gettel. Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Guyer; his children, Dawn (Robert) Gregory Todd and Daniel (Ann) Guyer; his grandchildren, Kelly, Trevor (Karrie), and Cory Gregory, Kyle and Hannah Guyer; his great-grandchildren, Charles Banjo Gregory and Zoie Gregory; and his step-family: children, Margaret (David) McCormick, and Paul L. Gettel; grandchildren, Marissa, Lauren, and Charles McCormick, Erin and Katlyn Gettel, Olivia Gettel; and great-grandson, David McCormick.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 10:00am at the Huntington Club - Spartan Stadium, 535 Chestnut, East Lansing, MI. (parking in lot south of the stadium-complimentary upon exit). The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing on Monday, April 4 from 6pm to 8pm, and again on Tuesday, April 5 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Interment will follow at Boughton Cemetery in Scotts, Michigan.

Go Green…Go White!!!!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gordon’s honor to Guyer Endowed Fellowship Fund in Aquatic Entomology, #A1101, Michigan State University, University Advancement , 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48824, or endowment of your choosing.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.