YUCAIPA-Thomas F. Guthrie, age 87 passed peacefully in his sleep while holding the hand of his beloved wife of 63 years, on Thursday January 18, 2018. Along with his loving wife, Catherine, Thomas is survived by three of his four children and their spouses: Stephen Guthrie and his wife Denise, Colleen Choisnet-Whitworth and her husband Gary Whitworth, Kathleen Sedivy, widow of George Sedivy Jr. and our Janina Guthrie. Thomas was predeceased by his son Patrick Guthrie. Thomas leaves behind grandchildren Brendan Choisnet and his wife Meaghan, Stephani Guthrie-Clark and her husband Ryan Clark and Brian Guthrie as well as the Whitworth, Sander and Kennedy grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thomas was one of eight children and leaves his remaining siblings Francis Guthrie, Ellen Weber, and Claire Remai, their families and many nieces and nephews. Thomas and Catherine met in 1954 in Denver, Colorado where they were serving in the military. Thomas enjoyed a distinguished career in the military, first serving in the Airborne Rangers, completing over 200 jumps. After leaving the Army he enlisted in the U.S Air Force serving over 26 years rising to the highest enlisted level as a Chief Master Sergeant. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he earned the Silver Star for Bravery and many other commendations and awards. Along the way, Thomas, who was an 8th grade drop-out, raised by Irish immigrants in a tough Boston neighborhood, earned his high school diploma and went on to graduate from college and earn several degrees, including a Master's in Economics, Suma Cum Laude. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Thomas became an entrepreneur, opening a successful real estate office and, later, a thriving tax practice. He was also a published author. Thomas was a force of nature. He drew people to him with his easy confidence, warm smile, and generous heart. He loved his wife and family deeply. And nurtured many cherished friendships along his life's journey. He loved his career as a paratrooper in the rangers and enjoyed skydiving , even into his eighties; he loved traveling with his wife, spending time with his family, and his two miniature schnauzers. While he leaves a brokenhearted family, they are comforted by the thought of so many happy memories and the promise that all shall be reunited in Heaven. Services will be held at Montecito Memorial Chapel, at 10 a.m. on Monday morning January 29, 2018 with an Honor Guard Tribute and then a gathering at the family home.

Obituary published by Dignity Memorial
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/colton-ca/thomas-guthrie-7734594