John Guida

John Guida, 62
SCARBOROUGH -- John Guida: a man whose passion for life and fight till the end will always be an inspiration to all who knew him.
John Michael Guida, 62, passed away on June 5, 2011, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice in Scarborough after a two and a half year fight with brain cancer. His wife Cathy, sister Patti, his children and many other family and loved ones were by his side in support through his long battle.
John was fearless. He embraced life the same way he plunged down the rapids as a white water rafting guide-full force. At age 50, after rafting for the first time, he was hooked. Soon after, he sold Rosita's, his Mexican restaurant of 16 years in Brunswick and moved up to the river. It was his ultimate job-he loved the adventure, the thrill, and being able to share that experience with others. But his hunger for rafting was never satisfied. He was always hoping for one last trip. As he requested, his ashes will be scattered in the rapids of the Kennebec, so he will forever be a part of the river.
John was very direct. He had a great sense of humor and was cracking jokes to the very end. He loved yoga, hiking, cross country skiing, playing pool, music, and traveling. One of his favorite adventures was the hiking trip he took with his son Adam in the Grand Canyon. When John came across a beautiful place in nature he would often say: 'This is my church.'
When he discovered how much animals suffer right before they are slaughtered, John became a vegan. John was intense about his eating. John loved to cook. He would never use a recipe; instead he created masterpieces from scratch. He savored life and loved big Italian meals with his family all around him.
Nine years ago John met his 'soul mate' Cathy. On their honeymoon in Hawaii John
John Guida
discovered 'the most beautiful place in the world:' Waimea Canyon, Kauai. John was the first born son in an Italian family. When his father died, he became the man of the family. He always tried his best to take care of his mother and two sisters. He loved his children and grandchildren very much. Some of his fondest memories were summers with his children at their camp on Tickle Naked Pond in Vermont. In the last months of his life John felt fulfilled being able to spend quality time with his children and his grandchildren.
John graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Waterbury, Conn., and St. Francis College (UNE) in Biddeford, earning his BA in Philosophy. He later earned his master's degree in Substance Abuse Counseling from the University of Arizona.
He was predeceased by his father, John Guida. He is survived by his wife, Cathy Chapman of South Portland; his mother, Olga Guida of Thomaston, Conn.; his sister, Patti Mingione and brother-in-law Al Mingione of Buxton, his sister, Gina Anelli of Thomaston Conn.; his children, Amy Revell of Lancaster, Mass., Adam Guida of Orrs Island, and Jeffrey Guida of Manchester, Conn. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Chloe Revell, Ethan Revell, Adam Guida II (AJ) and Adrianna Guida. Beloved goddaughters and nieces, Molly Mingione and Laura Mingione of Buxton; and stepchildren Kyla Hoffman of Portland and Aaron Hoffman of St. Paul, Minn., also survive him.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 10, at 11 a.m., at Unity Church of Greater Portland, 54 River Rd., Windham.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in John's name to:
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Care of Dr. Patrick Wen
10 Brookline Place
Brookline, Massachusetts 02445