Mr. John Alex Guigou, Sr., 92, of Valdese, passed away on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Grace Ridge Retirement Community.
A memorial service will be held on Friday April 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Valdese, with the Rev. Dr. Kevin Frederick officiating.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church in Pioneer Hall.
A private graveside service will be held prior to the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Community Foundation of Burke County for the Stop Alcohol and Drug Addiction Endowment Fund at P.O. Box 1156, Morganton, NC 28680.
The family would like to especially thank the lovely and wonderful staff and friends at Grace Ridge.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Guigou family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
John was gracious enough to indulge with tales from his past. I said hello while he was working on a large puzzle at Grace Ridge. Each week, while waiting for my writers guild meeting, I listened to tales from his life experience that painted colorful pictures into the fabric of time. I collected a broad stroke of stories: the influence of his father's entrepreneurial zeal, jumping into the creek with his childhood friends in Tennessee
( in their birthday suit), to the Philippines during WWII overlooking Lake Taal. And the fond memory of Blackhawk reunions.
A most enjoyable visit was when he recited poetry! Of "The Cremation of Sam McGee" he gave a most proud and impressive rendering. In contrast, I recall the impact of emotion when he spoke of his family. This stoic, kind gentleman could not hide the deep love he obviously had for his wife and children. The joy and pain washed over his face when he talked of happy times and regrets. The short time I had with John at the end of his life gave me many gifts. One is that at the end of the day, trumping all accomplishments, it is the time spent with people you love that brings meaning to life.
A heart felt thank you Mr. Guigou.
Stephanie Comfort
Other
July 19, 2022
Our deepest sympathy & heartfelt prayers to family.
Henry & Debbie Guigou & family
Family
April 18, 2018
John Guigou was a good, honest and decent man. He and Betty Lou enveloped Laura's huge family into theirs and we always looked forward to spending time with both of them on our visits to Valdese. We send our heartfelt condolences to the entire Guigou family. Thinking of all of you. From Laura Guigou's sister.
Mike and Allison Holbert
Family Friend
April 18, 2018
He was such a pillar of the Town on Valdese. A loving father, church leader and businessman in his own quiet way. Prayers for comfort during this sad time.
Jeanine Barus
Acquaintance
April 18, 2018
He was a very good and honest man. Always loved shopping at his store. He always said get what you need and come pay something each month. Bought a lot of stuff from him. He always spoke to me at work. ( Grace Ridge). Loved him and Betty. I have known them since I was little. Sure going to miss him.
Donna Carswell
Friend
April 18, 2018
I worked for John Guigo for four years and learned he was a very good man, our prayers go out to his family.
Alan Cobb
April 18, 2018
I'm thankfull to have met John and will truly miss him. He and I spent many hours together working puzzles and solving world problems.
Bruce Williamson
Friend
April 18, 2018
I wanted to write and extend my sympathy to the Guigou family. When I seen Mr. Guigou's obituary my mind went back to my early teens, and twenties. John Guigou was one of the finest men I ever knew in Valdese. My family had very little when I was growing up in Valdese. There are many things I could list as to how he helped us. My dad and Mr.Guigou struck up a friendship because they were both WW2 vets. When my dad became disabled and drew very little in benefits Mr.Guigou would send small engine repairs his way so he could make extra money. When my sister applied for college at UNC-CH, Mr.Guigou was instrumental in seeing she received scholarship money from a civic organization he was involved in. I will always appreciate knowing and remembering Mr.John Guigou. I know his heavenly reward is magnificent.
Nancy Braswell
Family Friend
April 17, 2018
Carol Anne and Family,
Jerrie and I share your sorrow at the death of your father. We appreciate his service in WW2 and the life he made for all of you in Valdese. Today I am recalling stories you told of him and can just see him in the front of his store. It's easy to tell from his photo where you get the twinkle in your eye and your positive outlook. Please know that your family is in our thoughts, especially on Friday.
Ralph and Jerrie Dearborn
Family Friend
April 17, 2018
John was a true inspiration to all of us at Grace Ridge. He always was smiling and went out of his way to welcome anyone who moved into Grace Ridge. He will be sorely missed but we rejoice that he is now in the arms of his Lord and Savior.
Ken Humphreys
Friend
April 17, 2018
One of the best neighbors we ever had. John was always thinking. He could converse on any topic. He & Betty Lou had a profound effect on the development of the town of Valdese...and...Italy Street was especially blessed. He saw adversity in his many years...but...always seemed to find the "silver lining". Great sense of humor and cared for his fellow man. We always considered ourselves especially fortunate to have had the privilege of know both he and his cherished Betty Lou. Quite a pair!
David & Debbie Smith
Neighbor
April 17, 2018
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Funeral services provided by:
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory Inc. - Valdese1507 E. Main Street, Valdese, NC 28690
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