Howard Christopher "Chris" Guinn

1944 - 2024

Howard Christopher Guinn, known to most as "Chris," passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024. Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1944 to parents Howard and Ellen S. Guinn, Chris lived a life full of dedication and service. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, John R. Guinn, in 2018 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Chris is survived by his beloved son, Ian Guinn.
Chris graduated from Loy Norrix High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1962. It was during his high school years that he met his wife, Sue, with whom he shared a loving marriage from 1968 until her passing in 2018. After high school, Chris pursued higher education at Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) degree in 1967.
Shortly after graduating, Chris joined the United States Air Force, serving with honor from 1967 until 1971. His final assignment was at Eielson Air Force Base, where he was part of the 5010 Combat Support Group. Following his military service, Chris and Sue decided to make Alaska their permanent home, where they lived ever since.
Chris began his professional career in Alaska as the Chief of Current Planning with the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) Planning Department, administering municipal zoning, platting, and planning efforts from 1971 to 1975. His passion for learning continued, and he earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Alaska in 1977.
From 1975 to 1986, Chris worked with the Department of Natural Resources as Chief of Lands, Chief Leasing Officer, and Chief of Permitting within the Division of Land and Water, Northern Region. He also made significant contributions to the real estate appraisal field. Chris was a member of the State of Alaska Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, served as President of the Alaska Chapter of the Appraisal Institute in 1998, and chaired the IR/WA Valuation Committee from 1996 to 1998.
In 1986, entered the real estate appraising industry under Bruce Street, marking the beginning of a long and successful career in real estate appraisal. His dedication to his work and the people around him was evident, as he continued to contribute to the field until his passing.
Chris's impact on those who knew him was profound. He cared about his community and spent so much of his life helping others. He was a mentor, a friend, and a guide to many. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched. He will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was loved and respected by more people than he knew. "Of my father I can say only this: Of all the souls I have met, his was the most human." - Ian Guinn