Robert Earl Guttridge

Robert Earl Guttridge, 80, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving wife, Elidia, and his daughters. Born on January 24, 1946, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he was the beloved son of Earl “Gus” Guttridge and Hazelmae Vaughn.

In his early years, Bob lived in Montana, Colorado, and Alaska while his father served in the United States Air Force. Those vast and rugged landscapes shaped him, nurturing a lifelong love for the mountains and the quiet beauty of the wilderness. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Colorado School of Mines and later received a Merit Scholarship to pursue his master’s degree at the University of Massachusetts.

While studying in Massachusetts, Bob met his former wife, Aysun Gursel. He patiently waited for her to complete her year at Mount Holyoke College before they married. Together, they raised two daughters, Nida and Leyla, whom he cherished deeply. Bob was a man of faith who knew and loved Jesus, raising his girls in Christian fellowship and grounding their childhood in scripture, church community, and summers at Christian camps that shaped their early walk with God.

In the years that followed, Bob married Elidia Sanjur. Together, they wholeheartedly embraced their spiritual path and were active members of Calvary Chapel in Downey and Costa Mesa. He lovingly embraced Elidia as his partner and welcomed her two daughters, Brenda and Lori, as his own. He helped raise and guide them with dedication and love. He also graciously welcomed their grandchildren, cherishing each one and being present for their most meaningful milestones, while faithfully instilling in them the biblical teachings preached by Pastor Chuck Smith.

Education was deeply important to Bob. He consistently encouraged his daughters, stepdaughters, and grandchildren to pursue learning with determination and curiosity. He took immense pride in their accomplishments and was always urging them to “keep going” and reach for the next step.

Bob built a long and respected career as a chemical engineer, with assignments that took him across the globe, including South America, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Though he traveled widely, his heart always belonged to the rugged beauty of Colorado, its hiking trails, historic mining claims, fishing spots, Jeep roads, and sweeping mountain views.

Bob delighted in exploring God’s creation, wandering mountain paths, studying old mining sites, and losing track of time in the wilderness he adored. His family fondly recalls the day he “ran out for ice” and disappeared for hours, returning cheerful and completely unbothered after striking up a long conversation with a gas station attendant. That was Bob: curious, social, and always following the thread of a good story.

He often described himself as “ornery” in the most endearing way. Spirited and sharp-witted, he was always ready for a lively political debate. He loved researching whatever topic caught his interest and could happily disappear down a rabbit hole of learning. He frequently clipped newspaper articles and mailed them to family members, eager to share whatever new discovery had captured his attention.

Bob is survived by a large and loving family, including his grandchildren:Lexi, Jackson, and Ayla, children of Nida and Jack Dillon.Aysun, Sevilen, Esra, Ceyda, and Avni, children of Leyla Guttridge.Savannah, Austin, Maddison and Dallas, children of Brenda and Israel Aguilar.Sofia Ruiz, Ayden Leon, and Gianna Leon, children of Lori Russeau-Leon and Gus Leon.

In honor of Bob’s life, memorial contributions may be made to the Colorado School of Mines Foundation to support scholarships and higher education, a reflection of his deep belief in learning and the opportunities it creates.

His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the mountains he explored, and the faith that ultimately guided him home.