Harlan Hamilton Guy

Born August 14, 1926, to Creighton and Edith (Hamilton) Guy in Moscow, Idaho. Bud was raised on the family farm outside of Moscow and was the fourth of six children. As a boy he worked in his father's garage and farm along with his brothers where he developed a strong work ethic. Bud was a strong-willed and determined young man. He left home at the age of 13, hitch hiking to Los Angeles with only $1.13 in his pocket. He returned home after living with his Aunt Retha and working the summer at a tire shop. He was passionate about sports and especially loved playing basketball and baseball.

Bud graduated from Moscow High School’s class of ’43 lettering in both Basketball and Baseball. Bud joined the United States Navy in September 1944 and upon graduating from boot camp was assigned to “Naval Construction Battalion 85 whom he served with during WW II in the Pacific Theatre. Upon his return and discharge from the United States Navy in 1946, Bud enrolled and played basketball for Boise Junior College while working for Dr. Pittenger in Boise and McCall.

Bud married June White on June 3, 1947, and had five children, Kathyanne, Kristy Lynn, Jon Jay, Kae Lorraine, and Mark Alan. He worked, studied and obtained his B.A. at Northern Idaho College of Education in Secondary Education. He also obtained his master’s degree from Central Washington College of Education.

His career of coaching and teaching began in Moscow, Idaho, eventually settling in Watsonville, California where he made his final home. Bud owned and operated the family business the Riviera Family Billiards and Sporting Goods, it was a home away from home for the family and the entire family worked there. The store was a successful venture which required long hours. Bud also juggled working full time at Pajaro Valley Unified School District, along with being the athletic director he also taught mechanical drawing, woodshop, and pottery. Bud coached Baseball for Watsonville High School from 1966 until his retirement. Bud touched many lives during these years and saw more than one of his student athletes go on to play in Major League Baseball.

Bud married Elisa Ramos in the summer of 1978 after having met at a high school wrestling match and helped raise nine children, sixteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was being called “Grandpa” so much that a new nickname came about – “Grandpa”.

Bud continued to teach, coach baseball, and as the athletic director for Watsonville High School he was the mainstay of the volunteer operations of the Boosters Club. Following his retirement Bud and Elisa settled in Wilton, California to their farm.

Harlan Hamilton Guy leaves behind his wife Elisa her children, Henry, Erasmo Jr., Valentino, Gloria, Elsa, Steven, Armando, and Maria. Their sixteen grandchildren Diana, Henry Jr., Eric, Valentino Jr, Javier, Angelica, Veronica, David, Isabelle, Armando III “Charlie”, Adrian, Kristen, Vincent, Marilyn, Anthony, a handful of great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His children Kathyanne, Jon, Kae, and Mark. His 7 grandchildren Bianca, Payton, Calvin, Russel, Taylor, Jason, and Madelyn. Bud was the last of his generation and was the longest living Guy male to have lived over the last five generations. He was preceded in death by his siblings Creighton Jr, Warren, Connie, Jim and Howard, as well as his beloved daughter Kristy Lynn and stepson David.

Harlan had a huge heart, was tough, dedicated, honest, and always displayed a high degree of integrity. He spread these traits through his favorite past time, “baseball” and sharing his family history through stories.

“Grandpa” loved his large extended family

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the American Cancer Society or Veterans of Foreign Wars.