Name: Visitation for Gordon Guyer
Start: 2016-04-04T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-04-05T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes

Gordon Guyer

East Lansing

Gordon E. Guyer, 89, of East Lansing, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. He was born May 30, 1926 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Clifford and Hazel (Boughton) Guyer, and was raised in Augusta.

Gordon was a Spartan for life. He first arrived at MSU in 1947 to begin studies in fisheries and wildlife, later switching to entomology and receiving his bachelor's degree in 1950. Two years later, he earned his master's degree, and his doctorate in 1954, both in entomology. He joined the faculty in 1953 and held many leadership roles on campus. Gordon was a professor and chairperson for the entomology department, the director of MSU's Pesticide Research Center - an institute he played a lead role in establishing - and the director of MSU Extension from 1973 to 1985. He was MSU vice president for Governmental Affairs and MSU President from 1992-93. An esteemed researcher, he authored more than 70 papers on aquatic ecology, insect control technology, integrated pest control, public policy and international agriculture. His experience in entomology and Extension afforded him many opportunities away from campus, He served as consultant to the following groups: Michigan Vegetable Growers' Association, Michigan Farm Bureau, Agricultural Council, Michigan Departments of Health, Conservation, and Agriculture; Agriculture and Ways and Means Committees, Michigan Legislature; and the Michigan Governor's office. He also held Director positions at the Michigan Department of Agriculture, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Kellogg Biological Station. Gordon was able to travel extensively for scientific research: he led one of the first American scientific groups allowed to visit China in the mid-1970s, and later traveled to Africa under United Nations' sponsorship to develop plant-protection education and research efforts in eight countries. He has served on boards of Neogen Corp., King Milling, and others.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Norma Guyer, his parents, and his step-son, Thomas W. Gettel. Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mary Guyer; his children, Dawn (Robert) Gregory Todd and Daniel (Ann) Guyer; his grandchildren, Kelly, Trevor (Karrie), and Cory Gregory, Kyle and Hannah Guyer; his great-grandchildren, Charles Banjo Gregory and Zoie Gregory; and his step-family: children, Margaret (David) McCormick, and Paul L. Gettel; grandchildren, Marissa, Lauren, and Charles McCormick, Erin and Katlyn Gettel, Olivia Gettel; and great-grandson, David McCormick.

A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 10:00am at the Huntington Club - Spartan Stadium, 535 Chestnut, East Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing on Monday, April 4 from 6pm to 8pm, and again on Tuesday, April 5 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm. Interment will follow at Boughton Cemetery in Scotts, Michigan. Go Green…Go White!!!!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gordon's honor to Guyer Endowed Fellowship in Entomology, Michigan State University, University Advancement, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48824, or endowment of your choosing. The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Apr. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Guyer

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

24 Entries

February 8, 2017

Today I came across Dr. Guyer's business card at my office. We had run across him and his wife in Ann Arbor at Carson's restaurant and because my husband is also a Spartan, he noted Dr. Guyer's hat and struck up a conversation. This was probably two years ago, but he made such an impression on us and gave us his business card which I have hung onto and today decided to look him up and saw his obituary. Just want to let his family know that even in a five minute encounter, he made quite an everlasting impression! May he rest in peace.

April 8, 2016

To Mary and Guyer Family,
We will forever miss Gordon's good cheer, insightful wisdom, and honest advice. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim Wilcox and Diane Del Buono

Beth & Rudy Marinez

April 7, 2016

To Mary and the Guyer family,
Know that we had tremendous admiration and respect for this gracious man. What a gift it was to share a conversation with him about his knowledge of nature, his travels, or Michigan State University! It was truly a wonderful experience to have known Gordon Guyer. Our deepest sympathy to you as we honor him.
Beth and Rudy Marinez

Bernard and Mary Knezek

April 6, 2016

I had the pleasure of working with Gordon in several capacities at Michigan State University. There a many things that Mary and I will miss about Gordon, but his ever present optimistic outlook and attitude and that smile are among the things we will miss most! Bernie and Mary Knezek, East Lansing

April 6, 2016

To the family of Michigan's Ambassador to Agriculture. I am sorry for OUR loss of Gordon Guyer. I bid against him for toy tractor sales for the FFA Foundation at Ag. Expo. I did, finally, outbid him once....and bought one. He and his wife were great supporters of the FFA and Michigan's FFA. Thanks Gordon.....and family. Robert Wiles, MSU '64, Rudyard, Mich.

Gale and Fame Arent

April 6, 2016

Gordon Guyer was an extraordinary generational leader for Michigan. He successfully led as Director of MSU Extension and President of Michigan State University. His leadership of MDA and DNR was valued. Most importantly he was a wonderful friend. Many of us with MSU ties who live in The Villages, Florida have been remembering Gordon and are saddened by his passing.

Doug Darling

April 6, 2016

I can see Gordon's smile as he walked into a room and say Hello Partner, and
You knew we all would be working together on something.
And his child like excitement when ever he would talk about hunting camp.
We have been blessed to call him friend.
Doug Darling

Thomas Pinnavaia

April 5, 2016

I first met Gordon though our mutual friend Max Mortland. Gordon's engaging personality, inexhaustible energy and superior intellect left an everlasting impression on me. He will be greatly missed, and long remembered, by all Spartans who have known him.

Lee Wilcox

April 5, 2016

Where to begin...an amazing man, an amazing life, an amazing legacy. I was honored and blessed to be Gordon's assistant in his capacity as Agriculture Director. In the early days of cell phones for executives...he hated them. One day, though, he called to tell me his state car would need to go in for repair when he got back to town. Seems he had the door open and someone drove by and clipped it off. So here he came, with the car door secured by rope. Only Gordon. He was happiest when he could help someone. ..didn't have to be a close friend...he loved to help. He was a great boss...no muss, no fuss, no drama...down to earth with a big heart. From baiting bears in the U.P. to fishing on Lake Charlevoix to traveling the world. Always and forever at home in the green and white. One of a kind. With gratitude and many memories....

Karen Williams

April 5, 2016

I met Dr. Guyer in 1985 and was very impressed by his elegance and strong commitment to his calling in protecting the environment. At the time, I was a brand new employee with the DNR, for I had only been out of college for a few years. I marveled at the way he loved people, the environment and the critters. He was a warm, compassionate, and very intelligent leader. Dr. Guyer opened my eyes to the wonders of nature. One could feel his love for humanity, the animals....the universe. I will always remember him and I am ever so grateful to have met him and to have had the pleasure of experiencing him as a dedicated leader, coach, educator, supporter, and as an inspirational human being all around. He has been a blessing to us all. Thank you Dr. Guyer for making such a beautiful difference in this World! My heart and thoughts overflow to the Family,

April 4, 2016

Mary, Dan, and Dawn,
Gordon was very supportive of the MSU Extension Human Resources office during my career there. My children Chris and Nicole remember Gordon fondly.
The Glazier family expresses our
deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during these difficult times.

-Gary Glazier
-Chris Glazier
-Nicole Glazier Brillantes

Mel Matchett

April 4, 2016

Fortunate to have worked under Gordon when he served as MSU Extension Director, a hunting partner with many trips to Camp Sparty and most importantly a friend to our family.
He had the unique ability to make every person he came in contact with feel empowered and valued. He made amazing positive impacts on every organization he was part of. An incredible person in so many, many ways.
Mel Matchett(Elk Rapids, Mi)

Marlene Banks

April 4, 2016

Gordon was a wonderful person. We enjoyed our contact with him over the years. How Bob enjoyed it when he and Dan came up to turkey hunt. My deepest sympathy

April 4, 2016

A very distinguished and long term servant for Michigan State University. Dr. Guyer always exuded a positive outlook and was an encourager to many. He will be missed but his many contributions will remain.
-Lee June
Michigan State University

Stuart Gage

April 4, 2016

Gordon was chairperson of Entomology when I was a graduate student (1969-1973) and he was Extension Director when I was hired as Asst. Prof. (1979). He had a lot to do with my career and was a great mentor.

Brad Wendzel

April 4, 2016

Losing Dr Guyer is a monumental loss to our university and to our state. More personally for myself and family we'll miss those dinners at Camp Sparty or having them over to AJ Timbers before opening day. We'll miss his presence at the football games along with his knowledge, wit and constant concern about our lives, businesses and the state of our state. Those memories will be cherished.
Our deepest sympathies to his family.

Janet Lynch

April 3, 2016

My deepest sympathies to the Guyer family. Tay and I were discussing how losing a parent is hard, especially a great one. And we all had great ones - dads, moms, step dads, and step moms. Love to all of you.

Dennis and Joan Gilliland

April 3, 2016

Those who knew Gordon know that his family, friends, Michigan State University and the State of Michigan have in his passing lost a uniquely energetic, gregarious, brilliant and faithful member of the Spartan community. The man, his charm and wit, will be missed.

Greg Wagner

April 2, 2016

Although it has been 30 plus years since I have seen Dr.Guyer,I have always considered Him My friend.He taught Me many lessens as a teen and Young adult.He took Me to My first MSU football game.He helped Me with My first job out of high school.He and the family attended My wedding.He was one of the greatest Men I will ever meet.One of the few Men of this World Who can treat all Men equally.To Dawn, Dan,and the rest of the Family,You have My prayers for comfort in Your difficult time.With My love and admiration,Greg Wagner

Ronald Lanford DVM

April 2, 2016

It was with great pleasure that I visited Camp Sparty with Jim Hammill last year. Stories were told and you could feel the aura of that hunting camp. My sympathy for the Guyer family at Gordon's passing.

April 2, 2016

You can know a subject inside and out but few have the charisma and authoritative self assured voice to effectively teach the subject matter. Gordon Guyer had it all as a teacher. I was fortunate enough to have had him as an instructor in Entomology. A good guy...I really liked him. One of seven men I have known in my life that if I was God I would choose to have him live forever. A GREAT positive effect on society.
Once at the San Juan Shootout back in Nov. of 1999 I believe it was, ...I was walking in a hotel common area and here comes Dr. Guyer. A broad smile across my face as I introduced myself and he was cordial and accommodating as always. We talked and he invited me to stop in and see him in his office at the basement of the Kellogg Center. I did do just that and he pulled up his old grade book and sure enuf, there I was and apparently I took 2 classes from him. I got a C in one of them and he said, "oops you must have partied too much that semester". If any of his family reads this, just know that I as a student really appreciated him as an instructor. Wish he could live forever. Rest in Peace Dr. Guyer.
Tom Scott from Traverse City, April 4, 2016

R. Eric Reickel

April 2, 2016

Gordon was a a wonderful person that will be missed by all. Never met a person that had a bad word to say about him. Enjoyed his all around interest in many subjects!

Joining Dr. Guyer on his Marco Is. dock - Jan 1, 2016

Tim Ervin

April 1, 2016

It was bittersweet to have visited with Dr. Guyer on Jan 1 at Marco Island and taken over possession of his beloved Bay Boat that he would have kept if, in his own words, "I had just an ounce more of energy!" But he was unchanged in so many important ways. Kind, generous, quick wit and concerned about everything from the Great Lakes forage base to how longtime Michigan friends were fairing. Many of Gordon's friends have and will enjoyed his boat in the Fla Keys (that I consider on loan)!

April 1, 2016

Gordon was a Conservation Officers Director and made sure we had what we needed to perform our Jobs. Like our former Law Chief Rick Asher He made eye contact and took the time needed to get your thoughts and was sincere about his care for you. Humble, knowledgeable and motivating and a joy to work for. We have not had men like this in leadership positions since! Praying for the Guyer family!! Mike Bailey Conservation Officer, Retired.

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