ForeverMissed
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Ty Guthrie, cherished husband, brother, son, uncle, and indispensable friend passed away peacefully at his home in Longmont Colorado, surrounded by love, late Sunday night - April 21, 2019 - after a long battle with synovial sarcoma.  He made his mark on all our lives with his generosity, wit, love, and kindness and has left a hole in our hearts with his absence.  

Tyrone Cameron Guthrie was born September 14, 1964 in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada and grew up in Summerland BC.  Although Ty lived for the better part of the current century in Colorado he never lost his Canadian accent, humility, or his love for the beautiful Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. His passions for sailing and swimming, and his deep and abiding love for the outdoors were born in the Okanagan.

After earning a M.Sc in Geography and Landscape Ecology, Ty embarked on a lifelong career in conservation and GIS.  His work adventures began while living in Victoria B.C. where he cofounded Latitude Geographics, a web mapping and technology company, and worked for the Islands Trust conserving the unique islands in the Salish Sea. Ty moved to Colorado, in the United States, in 2002 to join The Nature Conservancy where he has worked ever since as a spatial analyst, programmer, and spatial data manager supporting conservation planning efforts and the creation of a spatial data infrastructure around the world. 

However, it is the myriad of other titles that we could bestow on Ty that best captures what we all loved so much about him.  He was an avid sailor, swimmer, cyclist, and hiker, a master woodworking craftsman, world traveler, noted limerick (and Haiku) writer, painter, photographer, musician, and proud Canadian.  Ty was always ready to join adventures over the river and through the woods, into pits of despair, and against rodents of unusual size.  He never turned down invites to hike up impossible mountains, drive across the country, bike through rainforests, or suffer through many a B-grade movie.  Landlocked in Colorado, no reservoir was too small to be conquered by sail boat; no pool too short to be traversed as long as necessary.  No cribbage or backgammon game was too inconsequential to be played, and no surgery too big to stop him from finding a way back to his passions and sharing them with his loved ones.  He was both calm waters and a whirling dervish of building, designing, creating, learning, and laughing.  He was the bestest of friends. 

Most importantly though, Ty was a beloved husband, brother, son, and uncle.  In November 2018, Ty married his love, his partner-in-crime and adventure, Mary, at their home in Longmont, Colorado. In her, Ty found the rock and partner all those who loved him had hoped and dreamed for him.       

Ty is survived by his wife Mary; father Bill and stepmother Deb, stepfather Doug (Barb), siblings Bud (Cheri), Rhonda (Sue), Laurel, Lisa (Bethel), Gord (Dawn), Kyle (Kristina), and Jordan. Sadly he was preceded in death by his mother, Marilynn, and grandparents John and Emma Banerd and William and Ruth Guthrie.

Celebrations of life for Ty are planned in Colorado and British Columbia. Email invitations are being sent for the Colorado celebration at the end of June, and will be sent for the BC celebration planned for September 14 in Summerland. Condolences can be sent to Mary Harkness - 8 Sharpe Court, Longmont, CO 80501. 

Given Ty’s deep and abiding love of the outdoors and his career in conserving it, and given his interests in music and art as well, we offer the following organizations or types of organizations that you may wish to donate to in his memory.

April 22, 2023
April 22, 2023
When I tell people about you Ty, I tell them I am honoured that such a good soul was my close friend. I so miss you...
April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
My dear Ty. I just realized today that you passed on the same day as Prince. I think that makes you extra special cool, and I'm pretty sure you planned it that way. Hope you are getting to play your ukelele with him!! (This is what it sounds like) When Doves Cry... xoxoxo
April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
Hey Big Brother. It certainly doesn't feel like 4 years. I miss you as much now as I did when you first left us. I miss your words of wisdom, your quirky humour and your beautiful smile. I know you have the wind at your back but you might also have your spinnaker up. Happy sailing (Mom is watching from the shore, unless you have convinced her that sailing is fun)

Until we meet again. Love you and miss you.
Michele G
April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
I first met Ty in 1987 through my brother who said that I just had to meet this guy that looked just like Art Garfunkel :)
A few memories I have…
Ty was a great photographer. He and his grandmother Emma shared a love for a bronze sculpture in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver BC called
Photo Session. A life size sculpture of 3 people posing for a photo and another person as camera man. The piece is from artist Seward Johnson.
Ty also enjoyed reading, you could find various books on his shelf, ranging from Green Eggs and Ham, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy to Audubon Bird Watching pocket guides.
Ty had a fantastic and welcoming family who he loved so much.
Rest In Peace.


April 22, 2022
April 22, 2022
Celebrating your kindness and playful soul with my family today my dear friend - we cherish you always and bask in the amazing memories that you gave to all of us. You are missed, but always present!
April 22, 2022
April 22, 2022
Still miss you Ty. In my brain you are still around somewhere far away. Like cycling through Africa or sailing around a southern cape. I'm sticking with that. 
April 21, 2022
April 21, 2022
Loving and missing you so much, Tyrone… I hope you are having an exquisite time in the afterlife!! Please send updates. :) xoxoxoxo
September 14, 2021
September 14, 2021
Thinking of you today and always, dear Ty. The day you were born changed the course of many of our lives. Forever grateful! xoxo
April 21, 2021
April 21, 2021
Sunshine makes me think of you Ty. You got me out in the world in so many ways. I really miss you being a part of my sunny days. Love you. Tim.
April 21, 2021
April 21, 2021
Ty hope you are doing something awesome up in heaven. I've been missing you recently and realized this anniversary is why! I'm trying to keep the good environmental work going down here. Miss you! Crissy
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
Ty has been on my mind lately. It is a gift to read these beautiful tributes. Thinking of his family and friends during this time.
April 22, 2020
April 22, 2020
Lighting a candle for you yesterday, today, and every day, beloved Tyrone. I feel your presence more and more - thank you for being as magnanimous in the afterlife as you were during your incredible time on earth here with us. I love you to the moon and beyond and always will!!! xoxo Ambika
April 21, 2020
April 21, 2020
You are always on our minds and in our hearts. I wonder what you would have thought of corona lock-down. I wonder if the slowness we feel is anything close to the slowness that you felt.  Were you at peace or were you in panic? Corona has made me think of you in a new and different way. I hug you, but not in spiritual distance:)) 
June 7, 2019
June 7, 2019
It seems strange to address this note to TY himself, so to Ty's family, friends, and loved ones: I'm grateful to have known this beautiful spirit and have so many good memories - long walks in the woods and mountains around Boulder; rambling talks about life and saving the world and finding contentment; grand adventures; laughter; and delicious meals. Ty was the kind of friend who went deep and stayed there with you, listening hard and also making you laugh and smile along the way, and always reminding me that the people you love and your personal contentment are the most important things. He always believed in me, helped me reach for the stars, and cheered me on. Ty touched my life deeply and I'm grateful to have called hime a colleague and friend. Rest in peace my friend.
May 6, 2019
May 6, 2019
Ty, knowing and working with you, at TNC, were some of the greatest times. You were always in for an adventure. You jumped in, as my travelling companion, on long Amtrak journey to a Conference in San Francisco. You said all the delays were "Testing your Buddhist Patience". I always admired your Buddhist Patience, and the way you lived life. I seek that Spirit in my living. Sending Love, and Drum Circle Energy, for your journey, my friend.
May 4, 2019
May 4, 2019
I’m so sorry for your loss! I only knew Ty the last few years when I joined Union Sailing Club. It’s a long story, but my very first encounter with Ty was when he rescued my wife and I after I turtled my Snipe on it’s maiden voyage on the lake. He generously sprang in to the water to keep our mast from sinking, much to the surprise of his passenger, who did some scrambling to keep their boat upright after he jumped ship so to speak. It was a comical scene, but he was ready to help anyone in need. I was lucky enough to crew for him a few days, and really enjoyed spending time with him. I will never forget him!
May 1, 2019
May 1, 2019
The blessings of one mountain day, whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich forever. ~ John Muir
Ty was undoubtedly forever blessed by his mountain days, adventures, and loving friends and family.
April 28, 2019
April 28, 2019
"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together....there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is: even if we're apart, I will always be with you."
    A. A. Milne
Ty, dear one
When I read these words of wisdom and love by the creator of Winnie the Pooh, I think of you for many reasons. How you have touched so many souls in so many different ways. But the most important thing is: Even if we're apart, you will always be with us. The kindness and love that was you will never die. You have become a part of our hearts and will be alive in us always.
You came into my life through my daughter, Susan. How I treasure you for the deep friendship you shared with Susan. I'll always remember how safe and loved I felt as you cared for me when I was in Boulder caring for Susan's house after she moved to Atlanta. I always knew you were just minutes away and so eager to help me with whatever I needed. You treated me as a loving son would treat his mother. My granddog, Dexter loved you more than words can express. He knew your car when you drove up to the door and could hardly contain his excitement until you opened the door and he could receive your amazing loving embrace.
Now we continue our mystical journey on this earth. Through tears and longing to be with you once more may we always remember, dear Ty, "I will alway be with you." Thank you for giving us your love, dearest one. Rest in Peace.
April 28, 2019
April 28, 2019
Ty, you were always ready with a quick broad smile to let others know you were genuinely glad to see them. Thanks for hiring me at TNC – it was such a pleasure to work with you and become your friend. You were exceptionally smart, kind, even-tempered, and very generous to share your cube with a window. I remember all the energy you had at SCGIS conferences, attending talks by day and staying up playing the drums until the wee hours of the night. I think of you hanging your bike in the GIS lab, going to advanced yoga, telling stories of your adventures but especially seeing your broad welcoming smile. You’ve touched many lives and I’m so lucky that one of them was mine.
April 28, 2019
April 28, 2019
Hi Ty, we worked together at TNC several years ago, ambitiously trying to build a worldwide data network. Your understated technical abilities and calm, easy manner were a pleasure to work with. Years went by and we lost touch but I knew you were out there, living well. Rest easy.
April 27, 2019
April 27, 2019
I realize now more than ever that none of us know how long we have here (on earth). While my heart hurts and parts of me want to feel such anger and ask 'why' - I know deep down that all of us are impermanent here. Grief and sadness and loss are just as much a part of life as is joy and love and happiness. It seems clear to me that Ty embraced life and truly lived - which is more than many of us here on earth ever do or experience. 
Even though I did not know Ty all that well, he has brought me many gifts - one of which is to remember to truly LIVE. I can best honor Ty by LIVING MY BEST LIFE every single day I have here on this great planet. Knowing that the world was losing Ty, an avid outdoors-man, nature lover and athlete, Ty's essence got into my own soul and he may not have know this but it is he who helped me to book a Grand Canyon rafting trip next April - a huge fear of mine - that I now know I will conquer and I will be grateful for every day and every experience I get to have. Ty is helping me conquer my fears and living life fully.
Thank you TY - thank you for being you, for living and bringing so much life into everyone around you - and I want to thank you for loving my dear friend Mary - your love and facing mortality head on has blossomed Mary into even more of an angel that she already was. I see truly great things ahead for her. Mary is a bright shining light and thanks to you Ty shines more brightly and beautifully than ever before. It fills my heart to know that you found each other and experienced love and a deep soul partnership before leaving here. 
Losing Ty for each and every one of us leaves a deep loss, an inexplicable grief, and pain that may never truly be understood. But when we think of Ty, may our hearts know the joy and love that each day of being human brings us, and I know I will embrace each new day with a deep sense of gratitude.
Ty's work in his body is complete, but his soul is eternal. Ty made this world a better place and was a gift to humanity.
HUMAN I TY
When I feel Ty in my heart, my heart smiles back.
April 26, 2019
April 26, 2019
Ohhh, my dear, dear Ty. My beloved googly-bear. You gentle, kind, goofy, brainy, sweetheart nature boy. Words can't address the immeasurable impact you have had on my life. Knowing you for 17 years has been my great joy and honor, and there's no question you helped shape the woman I am. I just realized recently that, outside of my immediate family, I have more memories with you than anyone else in my life. Thank you for sharing some of your incredibly bright light with me, I am forever grateful for your love and friendship, your guidance and forgiveness, your humor and respect for all living things...
My family and I are deeply saddened by your passing, and we send love to your beautiful and loving wife, and the rest of your family. I look forward to feeling you beyond the veil...may your spirit sail and soar to infinity and beyond my friend...
xoxoxo Ambika
P.S. I have so many artifacts from you around my house, as you know I have for many years, which makes me very happy!! I am overwhelmed by your presence still in my life, so... thank you. :)
April 25, 2019
April 25, 2019
I only knew Ty over the past couple of years, after meeting him through Mary, but I can honestly say that I really enjoyed spending time with him. He was fun to be around, great to talk to, very articulate and had great life stories. Mary, her family and his family and friends did an amazing job keeping his last days as comfortable as possible. I find it so sad to see a talented young person pass so early. I can't tell you this directly any more, but I will miss you greatly Ty.
April 25, 2019
April 25, 2019
I would like to start with thanking the people who created and made this such an extraordinary memory for all of us. Ty - shit bud, the memories of Apex, skiing with Bud and Paul til we couldnt stand any more, sitting in the hot tub out front "10" and jumping into 4' of fresh snow and see who could do the biggest snow angel, and how many cabins down we could get a cup of sugar from our Cabin neighbours. Too freaking cool!! I think you made it to the Steffansons.... Crazy man. I will also never forget taking your Dads San Juan sailboat from Penticton Yacht Club to Kelowna for the Regatta and especially the time when our Dad's had the spinnacre up and we went totally 45 degrees when the wind hit us, we had a boat full of kids and you reacted in your very 'Obvious' sea mariner way, and released the main sheet and the spinnacre saving us all. Shit bud, we were only 12 at that time. Ty, you are now on the ultimate sail voyage ever. I will see you one day at a Port of replenishing your necessities on your new sailboat. I will always be one of your deckhands. That goes unsaid.  Bud, Rhonda, Jordan, Kyle, my amazing Uncle Bill and Deb, the Venables have you all in our thoughts.  Safe Journey Ty and tight lines cuz.
April 25, 2019
April 25, 2019
Ty. You are my forever wingman. Knowing you counted me as your trusted friend all the years made me feel good about myself. You are such a great person I must be okay too.
Many of the things most important in my life you introduced to me. And we had so many epic adventures. I always envisioned us hanging out even when we were really old. I am so sad I won't go through the rest of my life with you. But I am honoured to be your forever buddy, and to have experienced so much together with you.
April 24, 2019
April 24, 2019
Ty, I'll always be deeply grateful for the impact you had on my life. I was eager to land a job at TNC and was introduced to you by a GIS Analyst. You graciously agreed to meet with me, accommodated my interest by allowing me to volunteer on your project, and advocated for me all the way until I finally got that job with TNC. Most people never would have made the time in the first place. I'll miss you and will never forget you for the kindness and humility that you always exhibited.
April 24, 2019
April 24, 2019
Ty, I only met you a few times, but even with just these few times, your passion for life, nature and the outdoors was inspiring and contagious. You will be dearly missed. Nature will always carry your spirit and when we look out the window we will think of your love for the outdoors. You continue to inspire us all.
April 24, 2019
April 24, 2019
Ty- it was always a pleasure to work with you over the years and I was always happy to get a chance to have our paths cross. You were taken from us all too soon, but the love you brought to your friends, family, and your life's work will live on.
April 23, 2019
April 23, 2019
Ty, It was a pleasure knowing and talking sheets, lines, and cloth with you. Sail on beyond the sunset in calm waters and peace, friend. You will be missed.
April 23, 2019
April 23, 2019
Ty - I'm so glad I had the chance to know you, however brief it was. Thank you for all your dedication. I'll never forget when we were at Esri UC or some other work thing and you told me you we're 10 years my senior when I thought it was the other way around. You had a light - rest in peace brother.
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words,and missed beyond measure !
Rest In Peace Ty !
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
To Ty, You are a loved cousin. Although we didn't cross paths often, when we did you always left such a wonderful impression.....you have been the most thoughtful and kind human being each and every time we met. You will be so missed by your family. You have now gone home....no more pain....your work is done. Thank you for all you have done to serve this earth. The Tweedly family.
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Ty, you always had a smile and deep connection to nature that I admired. You knew what was most important in life - relationships and serving others. Your example and influence will be felt for a long time and I'm blessed to have known you.
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Ty, you were my first born nephew and have and will alwYs have a special spot in my ❤️. You enjoyed life to the fullest and alway had a smile on your face. Will be missed dearly by all your family and friends. You are at peace now and on a new adventure. Love always Auntie Lynda, Uncle Bruce, Jennifer and Colin!
April 22, 2019
April 22, 2019
Ty you have been my very, very dearest friend, and created ripples throughout my life that will push on, and on, and on, and will never die. I love you to the deepest depth of my soul ~ be at peace my love.
p.s. I'll keep your loving watch over Mary and Rhonda for you

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Recent Tributes
April 22, 2023
April 22, 2023
When I tell people about you Ty, I tell them I am honoured that such a good soul was my close friend. I so miss you...
April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
My dear Ty. I just realized today that you passed on the same day as Prince. I think that makes you extra special cool, and I'm pretty sure you planned it that way. Hope you are getting to play your ukelele with him!! (This is what it sounds like) When Doves Cry... xoxoxo
April 21, 2023
April 21, 2023
Hey Big Brother. It certainly doesn't feel like 4 years. I miss you as much now as I did when you first left us. I miss your words of wisdom, your quirky humour and your beautiful smile. I know you have the wind at your back but you might also have your spinnaker up. Happy sailing (Mom is watching from the shore, unless you have convinced her that sailing is fun)

Until we meet again. Love you and miss you.
His Life

Ty's Life through Photograph...

April 19, 2019

Please visit here, and contribute any photos you have of Ty throughout his life. You will also see a myriad of his amazing photograph, paintings and woodwork. Many of the same photos are posted in the Gallery section on this site, and contain short descriptions of year and place. Thank goodness for Ty's simplistic, but diligent metadata ;-)

Mary's CaringBridge Documentary of Ty's fight with cancer

April 22, 2019

For those who did not see Ty's wife's loving and thourough documentary of the journey Ty took through cancer, you can read it at their CaringBridge site

Please check back for more details of Ty's Life Chapters

April 22, 2019

His family and friends will outline the chapters of this life on this site over the coming weeks.... if you wish to contribute your stories please do so in the "Stories" tab above, and they will be cherished by all who loved him. No story is too big or too small. Share them all

Recent stories

A great friend

April 26, 2019

Ty was a great friend. We went through many journeys together in the earlier chapters of his life. We were best friends in school and enjoyed the summers in the Okanagan. We had so many adventures - I recall finally being allowed to go out on Friday nights and we walked around our small town, looking for trouble. Of course, it was summer and it didn't get dark until after 10pm, long after we had to be home. I remember when we snuck alcohol from his parents liquor cabinet, and, since they cleverly drew lines on the label to show whether any was missing, we took just a bit from every bottle, and mixed it together to drink. That did not work out well for either of us! I remember the day he got a turntable stereo system for his birthday, and we would play his "Venus and Mars" album (the only one he had) over and over, listening in amazement. Or learning to swim together and going to the swim meets all over BC, and later becoming lifeguards. Ty taught me to sail, and we certainly had countless adventures on the lake on windy (and not so windy) days. Heading to university, we were room mates and had more crazy adventures. Our paths have not crossed much in the last few decades, as life took us down different paths. Good luck on this next journey my friend. I will miss you Ty.  

April 24, 2019

Ty entered my life as a tour guide.  I accompanied my sister, Susan, to the TNC Boulder office before she relocated to Boulder with the company.  His immediate warmth, humor, gorgeous face and heavenly eyes met us at the door to show us the lay of the TNC land.  But that was only the auspicious beginning.  Our paths would cross many times over the years to follow as he and Susan became very close friends, roommates, artists in union, The Voice viewer compadres, and such...We were lucky enough to spend time with him whenever we visited Boulder over the last decade.  He made music with my kids, painted with them and me, walked the dog, cooked and dined and simply graced our lives with time together on many occasions.  We were lucky enough to meet Mary 4 years ago at Susan's going away party in Longmont.  He and Mary were not yet coupled, but the spark was palpable.  For Mary we are so very grateful as she spun a web of golden thread around Ty for this chapter of his life.  What a joy to have known about his joy with her.  As I write, I stare up at his picture above my computer.  Thank you for you, Ty Cameron Guthrie.  What a pleasure you have been.

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