Timothy "Tim" Guthrie, 80, of Ridgefield

Timothy “Tim” Guthrie, longtime Ridgefield resident and proud Yonkers native, passed away peacefully at his Ridgefield home on Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by three generations of family and his best friend. He was born on March 28, 1945, in Yonkers, NY, to Harold and Mary Guthrie.

A graduate of Gorton High School, Tim was drafted into the Vietnam War at age 20, serving as a Sergeant and expert-level Sharpshooter in the 4th Infantry Division. He was injured in active duty and awarded the Purple Heart for his service. Though he returned home a lifelong pacifist, he made one notable exception - wielding a plastic rifle at the arcade, where he delighted in winning big stuffed bears for his kids at carnivals.

After earning his MBA from Pace University, Tim enjoyed a 25-year career with Bayer Diagnostics, where he served as Vice President of Customer Service. He was a gifted storyteller, traveler, and prolific watercolor painter-and the rare retired executive who could moonwalk at your wedding, guide you through a Robert Moses project in New York City, and make you laugh until you cried.

He and his wife, Valerie (Wolters) Guthrie, raised two children, Kate (41) and Patrick (37), in a household full of humor and pranks. Although his kids were often targets of his general mischief, nobody drew more attention than his wife. They enjoyed a 44 year marriage, and she was the love of his life. Tim was known for his outrageous wedding toasts, surprise harmonica concerts on the porch, and for throwing his bride into the pool at their own wedding reception. He also once rescued two stranded dogs by kayak in Ridgefield- and then a friend printed “Kayak Man” T-shirts to commemorate the occasion, which he proudly wore as a favorite t-shirt for years. During one of the many heavy storms in Ridgefield in past decades, the Ridgefield Press also interviewed Tim Guthrie at the Rec center, as he humorously explained how one might cook frozen pizza with C4 explosives (if it were the only option left). Thankfully, the power came back on later that day.

Beneath the jokes, Tim’s warmth and kindness ran deep. He understood and empathized with people in a truly rare way, and could turn a stranger into a friend in the snap of a finger. His generosity, wit, and intelligence left a mark on everyone he met. He could teach you about everything from the right glass for a Barolo, to craps In 15 minutes (many people from a Kirkpatrick wedding would thank him), to how to hit a slice backhand. He was also a tireless negotiator at car dealerships, much to the embarrassment of his family. He could beat you soundly at chess, and have you laughing at your own expense before ordering your own dessert for you (“I know what you want, you like chocolate and peanut butter. I’ll just have a bite.”) In the months leading up to his passing, more than a handful of people approached the family to say that Tim had saved their lives- in many different ways. It was something he never would have told us himself, but it wasn’t at all surprising. We all witnessed that Tim would truly go to the ends of the earth for the people he loved.

He is survived by his loving wife, Valerie; daughter, Kate Guthrie of Ridgefield; son, Patrick Guthrie (wife Danielle) of Stamford; and his adored grandchildren, Pearl Jackson, Caroline, Riley, and James Guthrie. He also leaves behind his sister, Ann Marie Sherman of California, and was predeceased by his siblings, Gerald Guthrie and Joan Guthrie Mahoney.

A private family and friends celebration of life will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. Tim Guthrie will be remembered as a brilliant, mischievous, and endlessly loving man - a playful jester in a businessman’s suit, whose laughter and compassion will echo long beyond his years. Please always think of him with a Brandy Alexander in hand, and remember that grape jelly is the best kind for a PB&J.