Raymond Gutzman

Raymond Gutzman was born on a farm in far north central Kansas. A Dust Bowl kid, he worked his way through college. He said, “I knew I’d have to get good grades or I’d have to go back to the farm!” He loved the farm and leaves behind many relatives in Kansas. During World War II he worked for the Navy.

After the war he taught in Cleveland, Ohio. He lived most of his adult life in Golden doing the work he loved as a mathematics professor at the Colorado School of Mines from 1949-1987. During summer breaks, he taught surveying, worked at Coors and Meyer Hardware.

He was very active at the First Presbyterian Church of Golden for 64 years. He also raised two daughters in Golden. Upon retirement he needed something to keep him busy, so he attended Emily Griffith Opportunity School to learn clock repair.

After he married Tommie, in 1965 she took him traveling all over the world. They loved to square dance; they entertained many friends, and attended Jefferson County Symphony performances and took long walks together. They baked bread with wheat from Ray’s childhood farm, made wine, and Ray continued to fix clocks.

Ray passed away at his home in Golden on April 14, after a long and happy life. He is sadly missed by his wife Tommie, his daughters Molly Blank and Vonnie Ashford, his granddaughter Caitlin Blanks and his many friends.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday May 18, 2013, at 1:00 PM, First Presbyterian Church of Golden.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Raymond's name, to the First Presbyterian Church, 17707 West 16th Avenue (Old Golden Road) Golden, Colorado 80401