(July 16, 1955 - December 21, 2019) - It is with extreme sadness that we announce the death of Ted Guthrie in the Guelph General Hospital on December 21, 2019. Ted is survived by his beloved wife Emily, his brothers Hamish (Terri) and Bill (Carla), and four nephews and nieces, Christine (Tony), Alex (Courtney), Heidi (Stephen) and Trevor (Emily), and several grand-nephews and a grand-niece.
Ted was born in Toronto. He was the youngest son of Gloria Schondelmayer Guthrie and Dr. James Guthrie, who taught Christian education at Emmanuel College.
Ted was a teacher for twenty-seven years with the Upper Grand District School Board. Until recently, he taught English at John F. Ross CVI in Guelph, and before that at Orangeville District High School. Ted loved teaching; his students talked about the patience and thoughtfulness of his help with their work, and the stimulation of his classwork and discussions.
Ted was a graduate of Upper Canada College and St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto where he majored in English literature, before doing an MA at the University of Guelph, where a special interest of his was the poetry of John Keats.
Music and creative writing and chess were three of his strongest interests. Introduced to the violin by cousin Madeleine, he went on to excel at the instrument, completing his ARCT, and qualifying as a music teacher. Some of his most adventurous days were as an itinerant music teacher based in Powerview, Manitoba, where wild weather and distances were considerable and sometimes comical challenges. Ted studied violin under the wonderful Hungarian teacher, Chris Daffef, whose inspiration and musicianship were great influences on Ted’s life.
Ted loved poetry and poetry writing, and won several prizes including one given in memory of Irving Layton, for his pieces. All his life he was fascinated by the life, ideas, poems and concepts of John Keats. He loved animals, and particularly the several dogs he and Emily had. He loved rambles with his last dog, Lola, in Drayton to the river and through the town and back. Chess was a passion. He played at a brilliant level, attracting the attention and competition of masters he studied and admired. In his time in Manitoba, he played golf until his handicap disappeared.
The core of Ted’s life was his wife Emily, his rock and his centre. Their long summers together at their house in Drayton were the happiest days of his life, in a landscape he loved and explored. At his happiest, Ted was the most vibrant spirit in a room, a witty mimic, amusing raconteur, generous host, the most loving husband.
Cremation has taken place. A private memorial service will be held in the coming weeks. Donations in Ted’s memory may be made to your local Humane Society, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031). We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family.