This man has showed me love in so many different ways he was like the uncle that I never had best doctor I've ever had

I always knew my cousin was a doctor but I never understood the depth of his work.  As a little girl (14 or so yrs younger than he)  I simply loved him as part of a family that I cherished beyond words.  Through the years, when there was any kind of a medical diagnoses within the family that I did not understand, I called Rich!  Although we lived states apart, I always took comfort in knowing he was available to me.  Having read so many memories of those who were under his care, I realize that he was indeed a special man whose chosen profession was dictated through a higher power and that his love for his patients was unsurpassed.   I will always miss Rich, as will so many whose lives were touched by him.

I just had a home built in Texas where we're from. My daughter was dx T1 at the age of 7. She wasn't getting the quality of care in Texas and as her mother, I wasn't going to settle for that! I remember reading about Dr.Guthrie in one of my nursing books. With in three months, I sold my house and moved to Kansas. My daughter's health was more important than stupid possessions. Dr. Guthrie. Dr. Challans and Jolene.. REALLY helped my daughter, in so many ways!! She's adult now, we're still in Kansas and she's STILL making great strides with her disease. All thanks to Dr. Guthrie and his wonderful staff!! You will NEVER be forgotten and may your legacy live on for many years to come!! Prayers to Mrs.Dianne and the rest of y'all's family and friends! 

Dianna,
Just now became aware of Dick's passing.  I have fond memories of him and you in the first days of the "WSU Branch" as we discussed how we were going about teaching our new medical students.  And I hope you enjoyed the green camper bus trip to Big Bend park!
George Dyck

Dear Guthrie family,

Our family has so many memories of Dr. Guthrie and his team of professionals.  We have been touched with two in our family with Type I diabetes.  Mike Robberson (one of Dr. Guthrie's first patients) and his wife Anita, met at Camp Discovery where she was a camp nurse and he was a senior camp counselor.  They have been married since 1979 and Mike is doing well with his diabetes after 50 plus years.

Tracey was a patient since the age of 6 and started on insulin in her late teens.  Today, after 4 successful pregnancies and births, she is doing well with 35 plus years of diabetes lived thus far.  

Dr. Guthrie was like family to us as he helped us weather many medical storms and life changes.  We are thankful for the legacy he leaves behind and will be forever grateful for his  time, compassion, and attention to those he cared for. Our deepest sympathy as well as expressions of joy for a life well lived.

With heartfelt sentiments,

Mike and Anita Robberson
Harold and Tracey Robberson-Small
Martha Robberson

Hi my name is Shanda Fetters dr. Guthrie has been my doctor since I was 12 and now I am 42 he was a great man a great doctor and also a great friend I consider him family he also helped me bring my beautiful daughter and do this world and treated her to her struggles with her diabetes as well he is truly going to be missed my mini mini people you all were blessed with a great man sorry for your loss

So sad. He took care of my son for many years. We loved him.

Dear Diana, Tammy, Laura, Joyce and families,
Dr. Guthrie meant so much to so many people who all share in your grief and in your celebration of a life well lived!  I first met him as a medical student in the 1980s.  Even then, Dr. Guthrie treated me like a colleague and his high expectations helped me to learn and build confidence.  In my residency training, I always enjoyed rounds with him - there was no end to the fascinating stories he shared with us, all with a purpose and some type of valuable lesson.  It was wonderful to have him as a mentor and fellow faculty member for so many years.  His legacy will live on in your lives, in the many memories created over his long tenure in medicine and in the patients whose lives he touched for the better.  Thank you for sharing him with us.
With love,  Kathy Melhorn 

When I was diagnosed with diabetes 30 years ago I was fortunate to have two friends under Dr. Guthrie's care.They recommended I see him.They insisted he was the best.They were right.My GP mistakenly  diagnosed me with Type 2. I wound up in the hospital as a result. From the very moment he literally saved my life, through the years under his expert care, I knew my friends were right.This distinguished, knowledgeable doctor was indeed the best! I feel the same way about Belinda Childs. I thank God for such extraordinary care over the years. My deepest condolences to his associates,  friends and family. 


I was saddened to hear of Dr Guthrie’s passing. Each day since hearing the news, I have been thinking about the huge impact he has had on my life. In the 46 years since my mother and I, a scared 12 year old girl, walked into his Wichita office, I have been blessed to live a happy life. I was able to graduate from college, get married, raise two beautiful boys, work, travel, and lead a normal life while managing diabetes. The care and knowledge given to me by Dr Guthrie allowed all of this to be possible. I am forever grateful for him. 
The lessons he taught his many patients, medical students, and colleagues have allowed so many to lead wonderful lives. I am thankful he was so very eager to share his knowledge and educate others. His legacy will last for years and years to come. 
Diana, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Dick was a pioneer in the field of management of diabetes and was several decades of the rest of the field in his philosophy of diabetes management.  I was fortunate to learn from him and Diana early in my career.  Fortunately, the approach to management that he and Bob Jackson developed was validated by a control trial.  It is impossible to quantitate how much their philosophy has affected the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.  It is immeasurable.  

I started seeing Dr Guthrie in about 1980, he had rules and I didn't follow many. He was strick and was to the point, in later years we got along better, probably because he didn't think I would have lived this long. He was an excellent Dr and I should have been a better patient....

Dear Diana and family, 
We will miss Dick as will so many people in the Diabetes Camp community. He was a special guy dedicated to children and their families dealing with Type 1 diabetes.
Those of us that have been involved in the starting of the Diabetes Education and Camping Association will never forget his impact. 
Thank you Dick for all these years of service,
Lorne and Marilyn

I'm so sorry to hear about Richard's passing.  I have so many childhood memories with the Guthrie's.   Diana and Richard took me into their home during my teenage years.  I want to express my condolences to Diana, Tammy, Laura and Joyce.  The family is in my prayers.  

I will always remember the day at age 10 that I was diagnosed with Type 1. It was a very scary time but the comforting environment Dr. Guthrie had built with his practice helped tremendously when my parents and I attended diabetes education later that evening with Queen Debbie. I also remember all the summers later spent at Camp Discovery with Dr. Guthrie. The experience of spending time with dozens of other kids with diabetes did so much to raise my spirits and remind me that I wasn't alone. I think his legacy will be above all, that of his great kindness- on display in all the patients and students he lifted up during his long career. 

Fair winds and following seas sailor.
"Boatswain... Standby to pipe the side... Shipmate's going Ashore..."

Thank you for your service to this nation.


We were blessed to be a member of Richard’s church family.  Thank you for the celebration of life service 
Our prayers will continue for Diana and family 

I had the honor of working for Dr. Guthrie for many years starting in 1993. I knew I wanted to be a nurse since I was a kid but I didn’t know I wanted to be a diabetes educator until I met him. You could feel his passion to help people with diabetes with every breath he spoke. I could never get enough of listening to him and being inspired. There was never a doubt he was doing was God called him to do. God bless you, Diana, and the rest of your family in your grief. 

Diana and Family,

I met Dr. Guthrie about 35 years ago when he became a full time member of the Air Capital Cosmopolitan Club - "The Club that Fights Diabetes".  It did not take me long to conclude that Dr. Guthrie was a compassionate and caring man with a forward thinking approach to the treatment and care of individuals inflicted with the dreaded diabetes disease.  He was probably one of the smartest individuals I have ever met and his vigor to fight diabetes was unsurpassed by no one.  He occasionally spoke to our Club at its monthly luncheons and was eager to share the developments in the diabetes world.  He also spoke of his worldly trips with Diana and always had a funny story about something that happened on the trip.  A great sense of humor.  On behalf of all of the current and former members of the Air Capital Cosmopolitan Club, whose lives he touched, thank you for your inspiration.  We will be forever inspired to continue our cause against diabetes.  Your legacy will live on in the fight against diabetes locally, nationally and throughout the world.  Thank you Dr. Guthrie - Rest In Peace.

What a wonderful and compassionate man and physician. Knew him from St. Joseph hospital for many years. He will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace 🙏.



THIS AMAZING MAN KEPT OUR DAUGHTER ALIVE. He led my husband and I on the harrowing journey of raising from age 4 a child with Type 1 Diabetes. She is now 32!  He was nurturing and encouraging. He told us that we were doing a good job. We needed that. Many, many times we were terrified.
Also, he was a great teacher to other doctors who shadowed him learning his ways. Our daughter called them his "puppies".
He and his wife Diana opened their home and farm to the littlest patients for fun at KaDiDaCa aka Kansas Diabetes Day Camp so that they could be around other kids like them. I was blessed to have been the camp coordinator for a few years. He joined them at Camp Discovery when they were old enough to go to sleepover camp and learn how to give themselves their own shots. Also, to give weary parents a break and peace of mind that our children were in great care.
He was a pioneer in Type 1 Diabetes research and respected worldwide.
Thank you, Dr. Guthrie. Thank you for everything you've done for all children with T1D, especially ours. May God bless your soul. Rest now.

I was blessed to have been able to work with Dr Guthrie (and Diana) for over 35 years. After helping at the first Camp Discovery as a nursing student, I was hooked.  Dr Guthrie  hired me several years later as their first team member and I had doors opened for a career that I couldn't have imagined.  Our team was lead by a brilliant, passionate, unassuming mission focused Dr Guthrie. He did pioneer research well before DCCT, to demonstrate the need for good control of diabetes.  He was passionate about it.  As an excellent clinician, lecturer, teacher, researcher and writer, he had many important milestone contributions to the diabetes world.  Not the least of which was giving the FIRST injection of rDNA (in the world) to Sandy Atherton.   In Wichita, Kansas!  His clinic at it's busiest, wrote more insulin prescriptions than any other in the country.  He and his team contributed to and pilot tested the National Standards for Diabetes Self Management Education.  His research talk was the highlight of the week long education program for people with diabetes and their care partners.  Dr Guthrie had 10 outreach clinics in Kansas and one organized by Sophie Aggatucci in Peoria, IL.
His innate gift was teaching and inspiring.  He  could take the complex and make it understandable while quoting recent research to support the points.  People with diabetes, health professionals of all disciplines and industry partners came to him for help with diabetes. His following was world wide.  As he retired at age 80, we had to help find providers to care for ~ 4500 people with diabetes..  Dr Guthrie believed everyone deserved good diabetes care and he provided it.  He was generous to a fault.
What  Dr Guthrie could do better than anyone else, was to  make health professionals, ADA staff, clinic staff, community leaders and industry partners all feel like a  valued team and that we were a part of something bigger than ourselves.

  Dr Richard Guthrie was the very best Dr anyone could imagine !  He had the most caring heart and was so generous with everyone .   I knew my Son was always in excellent care for many years with Dr Guthrie .  If I had any question I knew Dr Guthrie would help me . He was a wonderful Man and Friend . I know Richard Guthrie is in Heaven with our Lord now .  

So sorry for the loss of such a great man and doctor. Please know Diana you are in my prayers. 

One of my greatest academic rewards was being a colleague with Dick. I knew OF Dr. Guthrie before I KNEW Dr. Guthrie though the stories of his work at the U of Missouri before moving to Kansas. Many do not know of his major contributions to type 1 diabetes well before the world of finger-sticks, pumps, and CGM. He understood the science of diabetes before the rest of the world, but his gift was bringing it to patients in a way few could do. RIP Dick.

Dr. Guthrie took care of our daughter who had Type I,  and then me as I became a Type II. I have to say he helped make our quality of life better!  

Once, when visiting our son in California, we made contact with a lead diabetic researcher out there. When we talked to him, he asked who our doctor was.  When we said Dr. Guthrie, he responded that we had one of the best doctors who would take good care of us!  We definitely had to agree!

This wonderful man made the lives of diabetics world-wide much better!  His impact will be a legacy of diabetes care that wouldn’t be where it is today without his impact. 

Our condolences to his family. 


Diane and family:
I first met Dr Gutherie in 1978 and have worked with his under various circumstances as a student and ultimately as a colleague and friend.  He was honest and compassionate.  His integrity (as a  member of the Via Christi IRB and physician) was unquestioned and his advice was deeply appreciated.  H will be greatly missed.
John L Smith, MD FACS
Chair Ascension Via Christi IRB
Clinical Professor Department of Surgery KUSM-W

Words have been difficult to find at this time of loss. Drs. Richard and Diana were/are my work parents. It seems I likely spent more hours with Dr. Guthrie than my family.  They always allowed and encouraged their diabetes team to be “out of the box” thinkers. We were expected to be involved in the community. Their dedication to humanity, especially those with diabetes was inspiring. You could not help but want to be a better person around them.  They were like any exceptional parents, guiding and directing their prodigies.
 Seeing the comments on Facebook and the Memorial Page, one gets such a sense of their legacy. I started working with the diabetes team they were organizing at KU in 1979 and I worked with him until the day he died. He led a Great Plains Board meeting on May 12 continuing to lead the efforts to manage and support people with diabetes. I was thinking though some numbers over those years: 150 research studies including the first dose of human insulin, one of four highest enrolling centers in getting Lantus approved, multiple technology studies.  At one point we were seeing 7,000 patients a year with an average of 600 children with diabetes each year. 
And he shared his knowledge with countless medical students, medical residents, physicians, nurses, PA students, dietitians, and pharmacist. Just think about how many people with diabetes those individuals have impacted in their careers.  He shared his diabetes passion all over the world-literally. 
His parents lived into their 90s. I think we all assumed he would be with us until then.  Indeed he was a good and faithful servant. His legacy will live on in every person with diabetes he touched, every family he supported and every health professional that knows the importance of diabetes control and taking care of the person with diabetes.  Rest in peace, Dr. Guthrie.  


I feel so lucky to have known Dr. Guthrie. I admired his passion when I was a medical student. Now, looking at the duration and impact of his career from the other side, I find his dedication to the care and well-being of his patients all the more remarkable. It's remarkable that he and I were debating glycemic control targets at a medical conference only two years ago. He leaves a very sturdy legacy. He will be missed. 

We had the privilege & blessing of having Dr Guthrie as our daughter, Ashley (Tipton) Nickel’s endocrinologist. She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 11, February 1990. He saw her thru some rough adolescent & young adult years, not only providing her with medical care, but guidance, support, pep talks & lots of hugs. Dr Guthrie was more than a Doctor to all the kids he cared for-He was their Friend & Biggest Cheerleader!! Ashley was one of his 1st adolescents to go on the insulin pump. She was also fortunate enough & loved attending his Camp Discovery as a camper & a counselor thru the years-lots of memories & lots of friends (just like her).We also loved Camp Discovery as we knew our daughter was in the best hands. When Ashley married & moved out of state, no doctor could compare, she always ended back to the one doctor she loved & trusted-Dr Guthrie. We lost Ashley 3 years ago to complications of her disease but we know as Dr Guthrie entered heaven’s gate, she was right there to greet him with a big hug! Our whole family feels blessed to have been just a small piece of “His Legacy”. Our love & prayers are with your family. 

You are leaving a large hole in the lives of so many. Your legacy is so much larger! When the Lord laid out the plans for your life He gave the world a gift.  

Diana I am thinking of you and your family, sending peace and strength. I was so sorry to hear about Dr. Guthrie.  It seems just like yesterday that I enjoyed attending one of your special anniversary celebrations. I respected his knowledge and attended one of his diabetes dinner talks and learned so much.

He was a pioneer in diabetes care and helped so many people.  A great loss for all of us.   My thoughts and prayers are with Diana and family.

Joyce,

I wanted share my condolences. I have many fond memories of your friendship
And playing at your home as a child. May you
And yours find peace in these difficult times.

Nancy Carnahan (Dittmer)

What a legacy to leave behind—Dr. Guthrie had a huge impact on many of us! Not only did he help my family to enjoy my father for more years than I believe he would have lived without Doc’s guidance and care, but he was also a huge help to me, a woman who was diagnosed at the age of 22 months and has lived for more than 66 years with this demanding disease. I look forward to the joy of seeing him again when I leave this life for the next one with Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Dr. Gutherie was my endocrinologist for many years. He allowed me to have the most normal childhood possible. Some of my  favorite memories of him, were my summers at Camp Discovery. He had a great sense of humor, and went above and beyond to give us kids the greatest week, full of fun and laughter. Especially with the kiss the pig contests! His dedication and knowledge is unmatched, and he will leave a great void in the lives of all who knew him, and in the endocrinology world. My condolences, much love and many thanks, for the countless hours you lent him to us patients!

Nikki Larson

I was 10 months old in 1980 when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I firmly believe that Dr. Guthrie's way of thinking about, treating, and teaching Diabetes is the reason I'm alive and healthy today. He was a visionary and will be remembered by thousands of individuals and families that he helped. I learned to give my own shots when I was 8 years old at Camp discovery. He made it possible for kids to know that they aren't alone in this battle. He was there as I grew up and leaned to manage my disease. He made it possible for me to control it so that I could truly live and learn that it doesn't control me. Thank you so much, you will be greatly missed. 

Diana and family, 
Thank you for sharing Dr Guthrie with the rest of us. He changed my life in a way that I will never forget - he helped me see how nonprofit work changes lives. I’m blessed to have known him and he will forever hold a special place in my heart.   May her Rest In Peace. 

Fe

Diana & Girls-
I'm so sorry to hear about Uncle Rich.  Our family was honored to have A. Diana and U. Richard stay with us in Houston just a couple of years ago.  We so enjoyed your visit.
I was so touched that you both drove all the way to Clinton for my Dad's (Bill Simes) graveside service.
I will miss U. Rich's wisdom and (well-documented) opinions.  I cite his positions quite frequently!
I am so thankful we will be able to chat again in heaven!

In August of 1993 is when I first met Dr. Guthrie when I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I remember it very well as he talked to my parents whom were in complete shock and had no experience with Type 1 Diabetes. I recall him explaining how Type 1 Diabetes develops. He managed to do it in a manner that did not upset my mother more which was no small feat.  That following summer I went to diabetes camp and loved it. Long before I started high school I knew I wanted to be a nurse and Diabetes Educator. Later after becoming a nurse I went to go work with Dr. Guthrie as a Diabetes Educator in his office . This was a huge privilege and honor that I will always cherish . Dr. Guthrie always put his patients first and saw them regardless of their age and ability to pay. He treated his patients first with compassion and empathy . And his patients could feel that and I believe still do. Your work will not be forgotten Dr. Guthrie because it continues to live on in the many lives you touched. 

Diana and family......I am so sorry for your loss.  I along with many others were so fortunate to have  Dr. Guthrie in our life. You r husband and father truly gave the gift of life and good health to so many.  I was so privileged to have a relationship with him beyond the average patient and for that I will always be grateful. He was one of those rare people that impacted humankind beyond what most will ever know. Your loss, although huge, is magnified many times over by the  the thousands he influenced and benefited with his life of passion and caring. The world has lost not just a good man but a great man......we will miss him dearly.

Steve Hayes

My deepest sympathy to Diana and family.  I am one of the many healthcare providers that worked with Dr Guthrie over the years. He has touched so many lives and his legacy continues in each of us, may he Rest In Peace. Praying for Diana and family for comfort and peace.

I first met Dr. Richard Guthrie on September 17, 1985. This was the day I was officially diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  He has been a part of my life since that day. I remember telling Dr. Guthrie on several occasions that I was going to educate people living with diabetes when I was older.  I had the privilege of working as a nurse with Dr. Guthrie and his amazing team for several years. I earned my Certified Diabetes Educator status during this time.  My younger sister was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes a few years after me and she is a Certified Diabetes Educator as well. We both grew up learning from Dr. Guthrie and his team for many years and it is the best feeling in the world to call them all colleagues and life long friends. I have so many memories of learning from and working along side Dr. Guthrie. And of course many memories of Camp Discovery. I am so appreciative that my family was referred to him so many years ago. My sister and I learned from the best and because of this knowledge we have both been able to manage our Type 1 diabetes and most importantly, we can continue to educate others. Thank you to the Guthrie family for sharing doc with my family for so many years. Love to you all.

The Neighbors Family
Kevin, Sharon, Jeni and Julie

Dr. Guthrie took such wonderful care of my son, Rodney. His diabetes was so difficult to control and the dr was so compassionate with him. He was firm when the occasion called for it.  His staff was remarkable also.  I will forever be grateful for all the care  Rodney received until his passing in 2010.  There is a special place in Heaven for Dr Guthrie 🙏

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” - Pericles

On behalf of Sophie, Jerry, Danny and Dr. Frank Agatucci, words can not adequately express the overwhelming impact Dr. Guthrie had on our family.  His legacy will live on through countless lives in the Peoria area.  Thank you for your lifelong dedication to improve the lives of those affected with diabetes.  God bless you!

                                                                                                    The Agatucci Family


I was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic in February of 1990 and my endocrinologist was Dr. Manfred Menking. The first few years after being diagnosed Dr. Menking was always trying to talk me into going to Camp Discovery and constantly mentioned how much I would learn from the other kids at camp and from the doctors who would be there, including Dr. Richard Guthrie. One of my biggest regrets is that I didn’t ever make it to one of those camps.

Fast forward almost 20 years and I find myself on the local American Diabetes Association Board of Directors and on that board I was finally able to witness first hand the amount and knowledge Dr. Guthrie had about caring for those with diabetes. I can’t express how much I enjoyed talking with Dr. Guthrie and honestly just listening to him speak about the disease. It was an honor to be able to learn from such an amazing man.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Diana and the entire Guthrie family. And to Dr. Guthrie, rest easy my friend, you served this world amazingly well. You will be missed.

I had the honor and privilege of working with and for Dr Guthrie. I created his schedule,  appointments, travel. speaking,  preaching and whatever organized activity he needed. He never complained about anything I did. He had an amazing passion for helping people and I was fortunate to be a small part of his team.  He was a national icon as well as internationally known endocrinologist. God broke the mold of Richard Guthrie and there will never be another like him.   
I extend my deepest sympathies to the family.  We can seek comfort in the knowledge that the soul of your father is at peace with our Heavenly Father. Thank you for sharing him with the world.
 

My condolences to the family. Dr. Richard Guthrie made an impact on our world. His faith and perseverance will not be forgotten.
So sad to hear of Dr. Guthrie’s passing. I consider myself as his “patient zero” in Wichita. My mother helped to recruit him to Wichita  a year after I was diagnosed and almost died. He was my doctor and helped me to be successful as a child, when type 1 diabetes wasn’t well known, through college, when I was started on an insulin infusion pump, through marriage and the birth of three children. He began treatment on my baby at 2 years old and was present through her childhood. He was an incredibly dedicated man who never lost sight or purpose in making life better for those with diabetes through teaching, research and a personal relationship with his patients.

In so many ways Dr Guthrie, his family and his team have touch me and my family. His work directly and indirectly has given thousands of those affected by diabetes the capability to manage their challenge. In addition, he taught and encouraged so many in the care giving and healthcare community as he lead with compassion and high expectations.
I think often of a specific statement he made when I was a Medical Student,  “it’s not what you don’t know that will hurt you, it’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so”.
An amazing man who lead by example and who, with Diana, built a family and team that changed our world for the better. Our prayers are with Diana and the family. May the memories of our friend and mentor live on in the next generation through our commitment to patients and students. 


Diana & Family 

I’m sorry to hear about Dr Guthrie’s passing. 
I first met Dr Guthrie on February 19th 1979. Dr Guthrie diagnosed me with type 1  diabetes. He welcomed me into his family of diabetes care givers. Diana, Lindy, Kirby, Debbie and many more. He taught me all of the fundamentals of diabetes self care and told me more than once I was the only person that could take care of this disease.  After 41 years I have had no issues. Since my diagnosis in Wichita, Kansas at the age of sixteen I relocated to Texas, Connecticut and back to Kansas City. I each transition Dr Guthrie referred me to a professional caregiver, most he had trained.
Thank you! Dr Guthrie 
He was simply incredible as a Dr / teacher, I’m certain he was much more as husband and father. 

Kevin Earnest
Kansas City 

Thinking back on so many memories...Rich was such a great doctor, so dedicated to the care and well-being of diabetic people, but also a true scholar and intellectual, with wide interests.  He had such involvement with so many others in providing wonderful experiences for diabetic children at Camp Discovery--with his buddies "Nature Max" Johnston, Manfred Menking, Candy Cain, Lindy and so many others, he, for the amusement of the camp kids and adults, kissed a pig! He was a very unique individual, and we shall all miss knowing his presence, but will still feel his presence as he moves beyond us to a higher realm. Job well done, Rich--we shall miss you...Susan Menking

Rest well my friend.  I worked for Dr. Guthrie for a decade and got to spend time learning his wit and wisdom both of diabetes and life.  My wife and I are forever grateful to him and Diana for taking me under his wing.  He will be missed for his humor, knowledge and compassion. The impact he made on the world of diabetes will live on in the good health of his patients and the myriad of physicians, nurses, dietitians, PA's ARNP's, counselors, campers and friends he trained and influenced.  I have many favorite memories of Dr. G but perhaps my all time favorite is of travelling with him to remote diabetes outreach clinics where I would drive and he would listen to a lecture on tape. During one trip he had on a particularly painful lecture about this or that and he fell asleep. I thought here is my chance for a bit of quite but as soon as the lecture stopped, he awoke and simply turned it back on and promptly fell asleep again.....  I knew I was out of luck.....

Thanks for the memories Doc.

Blessings to Diana, Tammy, Laura, Joyce and all his extended family, colleagues and friends.

Phil and Jama Challans

I first met Dr. Guthrie at a national American Diabetes Association camping meeting in Oklahoma in 1986.  I was the Kansas City camp staff liaison.  Later, I marketed diabetes products in the state of Kansas and learned the enormous influence Dr. Guthrie had in the medical community state and nationwide.  I had the wonderful fortune of launching innovative products with Dr. Guthrie beginning in 2004.  I understood that he had the most  progressive attitude towards diabetes care, and then I learned about the heart he and Dr. Diana had for patients and people at large.  I don’t think I’ve met a more generous, brilliant practitioner.  Dr. Guthrie was a healer of people - clinically, emotionally and spiritually.  The theme in each memory shared will likely be that Dr. Guthrie really saw people heart and soul.  He would do what it took to reach someone in order to assist them to practice the self care necessary for their best life possible.  Dr. Guthrie was my hero in so many ways.  I know I am one in a million feeling admiration and gratitude sharing time with him.

I first met Dr. Guthrie at Wesley when I was diagnosed with Type 1 in 1993 at age 9. I was a patient of his and I'm still a patient of his nurse practitioner, Lindy, even today. I'm so thankful for his commitment to research and making lives with diabetes more manageable.

So sorry to hear of dr. Guthrie’s passing.  First met him in 1980 when I was pregnant with a baby after a stillbirth and 4 miscarriages. He and his staff were responsible for a successful pregnancy to a daughter who is now 39 years old and was named Lindy after Lindy Child’s.  Since had another daughter because of all their help. Have especially fond memories of Camp Discovery where I got to work as counselor for several years. Thought of him often through the years and wish his family and staff peace and comfort.

I worked for Dr Guthrie for 10 years. Shortly after I left my son was diagnosed at age 11 and is now 41 with no complications and 2 children of his own.  Dr Guthrie was truly one of a kind known to the national and international community and will surely be missed. I spent 10 years at diabetes camp with Dr G and witnessed his embarking of knowledge onto a generation of kids teaching self management skills.  God bless his soul and bless Diana, Tammy, Joyce and Laura.
Kirby and Judy Conley 

I first met Dr. Guthrie in 2005 and was quickly drawn into a couple of portions of his world. The most impactful being my time at Camp Discovery (that he, Max and Jim set out to bring to these Great Plains!) , where I learned first hand of just some of the solutions that he had a hand in creating for people living with diabetes.

 Over the years I was able to see some of the various sides of him, direct, quick & clearly heard (to be sure), but also hopeful, inspired, and determined to succeed (& see others do so as well). He truly was one of a kind. His time here, his efforts and indeed his footprints, will be felt, seen and people will benefit from, for many, many years to come. 

Thank you Dr Guthrie for sharing part of that life with me. My best wishes for Dr Diana, your family, your friends, colleagues, staff and patients is to be wiping away tears of joy and laughter in reliving their time(s) spent with you. 

May you rest well in peace my friend. You have certainly earned it.  

Diane, Laura and family, my deepest condolences on the death of your husband, father and grandpa, Richard. God will comfort you and carry you through this difficult time, long after everyone has gone home.  May Richard's memory, love and God's peace surround you. Love, Jackie Sanders

Dr Guthrie took a frightened 12 year old boy who was diagnosed with a life threatening disease and gave him painful but direct communication. He did it with love, humor, and confidence that the boy would be able to live and live very well. 35 years later that boy sits here in excellent health and complete control of his life and disease thanks to this man. Words cannot express how grateful I am to him and the healthy and full life I have lived because of him. 

I was privileged to meet Richard Guthrie in 1994 when I joined his diabetes practice. He became my mentor, friend and confidant. His contributions to diabetes care and the importance of patient education are unsurpassed. He was generous and compassionate. On a more personal note, he was a devoted Star Trek fan.  I remember how excited he became when he heard about my adventures at Space Academy (Space Camp for adults); it was not long before he was on his way there to see for himself.  He will be deeply missed. My prayers go out to Diana and the rest of his family for their profound loss. 

I was fortunate to work for Dr. Guthrie for 10 years. My two favorite memories are Dr. Guthrie kissing pigs at Camp Discovery & him saying to the newly diagnosed children, “welcome to the club.” 
He will truly be missed! Much love to Diana & family. 

He was a great doctor I can’t imagine a better endocrinologist, and I haven’t had a better one since! I’m saddened by your loss but know that he’s at peace now.

sorry for your loss he was a great doctor. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. 

May God bless this family. I share in their grief. I began knowing Richard in 1974 when I came to Wichita. He was instrumental in appointing me to the faculty of the medical school. Richard was a leader as well as a humanitarian. He was a true and learned physician and showed compassion to his family, friends and students.  The medical community has lost one of the best.

Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Dr Guthrie was a confidant to my mother,father and me during our struggle with diabetes, he never let us give or or doubt our ability to live normal lives while dealing with this disease. My heart is broken to know he is gone. But he lives on in the knowledge he left behind and will power he instilled within me.. may he rest in peace.. Amen.
Dr. Guthrie, please hug my parents for me, I am sure there so excited to walk the streets of gold with there long time dear friend.

I'm Steven Gregg Vassalli. I've know Dr. GUTHRIE since 1976. This is when my father, Dale, took me to see him based on his reputation. I had been a Type 1 diabetic since 1969 at age 8. I'm now 59. I have NO DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS because of Dr. Guthrie's care. My father, who's 89, began seeing Dr. Guthrie in 1977 as he also became a Type 1 diabetic at age 46. (My older brother became a Type 1 a yr earlier at age 20. He's now 64.) They also have NO DIABETIC COMPLICATIONS. Dr. Guthrie was simply a decent man & person. I was hoping to see him this Wednesday, June 3rd, at my 11:30 app. with Lindy. I just found out of his passing 1 hr ago. 
It is with heart felt condolences I give to Diane & their 3 daughters. You were very blessed to have him in your lives.
Sincerely, 
Steven  Gregg Vassalli

OBITUARY

Dr. Richard A. Guthrie

November 13, 1935 – June 1, 2020

Lakeview Funeral Home & Cemetery

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