Thomas Lee Guinn

Thomas Lee Guinn, of Arvada, Colorado passed away on January 18, 2020.

He was born May 11, 1927 in Jeannette, PA. The second son of Lee and Ella Guinn. From the day Tom was born, he was immersed in the life of the church. St. Mark's was their family's church home and all 3 boys faithfully attended Sunday School, sang in the choir, were acolytes, attended youth group activities, and joined the Women's Missionary Society of Jeannette as the first male members.

Many evenings at home were spent gathered around the piano, with mom playing and the boys singing in four part harmony. This was the start of Tom's lifelong love of music leading to many years of singing in choirs and a barbershop quartet in college. Tom also had many fond memories of the two years spent on the family farm in Jeannette.

Tom had a zest for life. He ran track in high school placing second in the 440 yard run in the Western Pennsylvania high school championships. He enlisted in the Navy his senior year of high school, near the end of WWII, and enjoyed serving for 18 months. He then was able to attend Theil College in Greenville, PA thanks to the GI bill. There he met Marianne, the love of his life and was proud to become a member of the Gerberding family. They married in Greenville, PA after Tom's graduation and then moved to Minneapolis, MN to attend Northwestern Lutheran Seminary. While in seminary, their daughter Andrea was born in 1953.

After completing seminary, his first call as parish pastor was to start a new mission, Prince of Peace in Pleasant Hills, PA. Two more children were born during their time in Pennsylvania, Rick and David. Tom's next call was to Blaine, MN to start another parish, Christ Lutheran in 1959. While there, Beth, their second daughter was born in 1960. By this time it was apparent that Tom had found his calling. He loved being a parish pastor and loved being around people. In 1964, Tom and family were called to another parish, King of Glory in Arvada, Colorado where he served as pastor for 17 years. Tom and Marianne loved Arvada, where they were very involved in the community, made many friends, and saw their four kids graduate from Arvada West high school.

In 1982, Tom left King of Glory to serve as assistant to the bishop of the Rocky Mountain Synod (LCA) for 7 years. He then returned to the parish ministry as pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. During semi-retirement, he served as interim pastor at several churches, and had a short stint as caretaker of his beloved Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. He was a big supporter of the church's outdoor ministry.

Tom was an avid golfer, a watercolor painter, a Rockies fan, a Broncos fan, and a gardener (planting on St. Patrick's day.) He was also a big fan of whatever activity his 10 grandkids, and 5 great-grandkids were involved in (sports, music, graduations.)

During his retirement Tom and Marianne enjoyed volunteering at Project Angel Heart / Catholic Workers Soup Kitchen, attending theatre, concerts, and traveling. But most of all they enjoyed spending time with their family.

Tom is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marianne; his children Andrea Mooney (Bob); Rick Guinn (Angie); David Guinn (Kim); Beth Knutson/Gustafson (Steve); grandchildren Lisa, Rachael, Marianne, Sam, Ben, Andy, Katy, Sarah, Connor, and Dayton; great-grandchildren Baylee, Bryant, Anders, Hayzen and Isabella; his brother Roy Guinn (Marge); and many nephews and nieces.

A Memorial Service will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth, Wheat Ridge, CO on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 11: 00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts made be sent to ELCA World Hunger, Project Angel Heart, or a charity of your choice.

Please share memories of Tom and condolences with his family by signing the online guestbook below.

 

Memorial Service: January 25, 2020 11:00 am

Holy Cross Lutheran Church - Wheat Ridge
4500 Wadsworth Blvd
Wheat Ridge, Colrado 80033