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Tim Guest Obituary
October 8, 1955-August 3, 2012
Resident of Santa Cruz
Tim Guest, 56, passed away on August 3, 2012 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was born in Merced, CA to parents Don and Doreen Guest. Tim graduated from Atwater High School in 1973. After living briefly in Southern California, he settled in Santa Cruz where he remained a lifelong resident. He is predeceased by his father, and is survived by his wife of 18 years Karen Deane Guest, and sons Nicholas and Jacob of Santa Cruz, CA; mother Doreen Guest Riggle, of Atwater CA; brothers Steve (Susan) of Concord, CA and Michael (John Kaspar) of Windsor, CT; sister Debi Guest-Bray of Madera, CA; and nieces and nephews, Shaun and Stephanie Guest, Marissa (Jay) Bray-Pestelli, and Clint Bray.
Tim's career in the title industry spanned 36 years, beginning in Madera County while learning the trade from his father. In 1977 he joined First American Title in Santa Ana as a title examiner before advancing in various title and escrow positions with other companies in Santa Cruz County. In 1991 Tim rejoined First American as Branch Manager at the Capitola office until 2000 when he was named to his most recent position of Vice President and County Manager.
An avid outdoorsman, Tim was known for his love of catch and release fishing, a passion he shared with his brother Steve. Tim vacationed annually in Idaho and Tennessee to fly fish, making many lifelong friends along the way. He loved Idaho's rustic Henry's Fork area, becoming a lifelong supporter, and purchased property nearby to build a family vacation home.
Tim loved spending time with his family at their cabin near Dodge Ridge where they fished, skied, and snowboarded together. He also enjoyed running, biking, and taking walks on the beach with his wife Karen.
Much of Tim's time was spent enthusiastically supporting sons Nick's and Jake's sporting activities. Ardent fans of the San Francisco Giants, 49ers and San Jose Sharks, Tim and his family loved attending games.
Tim's strong sense of family extended to his many friends, co-workers and clients. With his fun-loving spirit and robust sense of humor, Tim developed friendships with people of all generations and backgrounds. He was known as a "compassionate kidder," adept at getting his point across with humor.
A public memorial will be held in the fall. Memorial donations may be made to "The Nick and Jake Guest Educational Fund," c/o Debra Guest-Bray, Citizens Business Bank, 2001 Howard Road #101, Madera, CA 93637, or to The Henry's Fork Foundation (www.henrysfork.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tim Guest
Gus Norton
February 10, 2013
As a friend and client of Tim it was always fun to do business with him. He was great to visit with and just chat. After retiring in 2000 I missed seeing him and would occasionally drop by. I am so sorry for your loss, our loss. Yours Gus Norton, of Sun Properties, Santa Cruz, Ca
Big Brother
September 7, 2012
Last picture taken of you Little Brother!
I'm missing you beyond words.
Gail Critchley
August 28, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Tim's passing. I worked with Tim on many projects at First American. He truly was one of the most honest, direct and humorous people there. I always enjoyed working with Tim and I am so sorry for your loss.
NANCY WALKER
August 26, 2012
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD COMFORT YOUR HEARTS AND SOULS AT THIS TIME OF GREAT SORROW..... REMEMBER ALL THE GOOD TIMES AND MAY THESE MEMORIES HELP YOU THROUGH EACH AND EVERYDAY. REMEMBER TIM IS WATCHING YOU FROM THE HEAVENS ABOVE AND IS THAT BRIGHT STAR THAT SHINES IN YOUR WINDOW,,,,,
WITH LOVE, NANCY
Aaron Sisneros
August 24, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I did not know him personally , I felt a great sadness upon hearing about his death. Its almost like this world lost some of its goodness, its very hard to explain. The Guest family will always be in my prayers because I was also a victim on hwy 152 that day. Once again my condolences, Aaron Sisneros
Andrea & Aaron Sisneros
August 24, 2012
Sincere heartfelt condolences and prayers to your family from ours.
Terry Reeder
August 19, 2012
What a shock! My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends. Tim and I go way back...so far that I cannot remember how long. Tim always had a big smile and was willing to help his clientele any way he could. He will truly be missed.
Laura Smith
August 17, 2012
It is such a shock to learn when people are taken from this earth way before their time...especially when it's an energetic force such as Tim. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen and boys and the FATCO family in this time of sorrow.
Greg & Evelyn Butcher
August 17, 2012
We are so very sorry to hear of this tragedy. We will always remember the many stories Tim had to tell us. He always knew how to make everyone laugh. Karen and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
August 17, 2012
Karen Nick Jakey
We are so sad.Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He will be missed
Mary and Michael Billingsley
August 16, 2012
To the Guest Family: I have known TIm in the Santa Cruz title/escrow industry for many, many years. He was funny and very giving. He lived large, and will be missed.
Vicki Haslam Bowman
Don Ballenger
August 16, 2012
As we get older and move on with our lives, move away, start families ect. our childhood friendships get put on the back burner. I will never forget the great times Tim, Mickey and myself had thru High School. My condolences to his family, and I would like his kids to know that he was a GREAT guy and well liked and a lot of fun even as a kid!!!
Anina Van Alstine
August 15, 2012
So sorry for your loss….
August 15, 2012
The entire Guest family
I will truly miss Tim, he was so funny when he would visit each office to check on us.
A leader in every sense of the word.
My heart breaks for all of you.
God love you all
Marsha
My wonderful brother Tim.
Debi Guest-Bray
August 15, 2012
Bill Silva
August 15, 2012
I am high in the Sierra's with Family and Friends. It just seems like yesterday that Charlie, John, Tim and I were playing in the Association of Realtors golf tournament. Tim was hit by a wedge shot right in the back almost as if I was aiming for him. "Probably not his first wedgey"! All four of us fell to the ground with laughter holding up play with complete disregard for all trying to play behind us. This is just one of many memories with Tim and all of my Friends/Business Associates in Santa Cruz County.
I wish my best to all,
Bill Silva
Greg Flowers
August 14, 2012
Heartfelt condolences to family members, friends and fellow industry associates for the giant void now left with the passing of Tim Guest. I many meetings with Tim and he always found the fairness in our business together. We always started off a conversation with some funny story to lighten things up. That big belly laugh he had was contagious. I will miss you old friend. You left us way too soon.
Cathleen Cantor
August 14, 2012
I did not have the chance to meet Tim however, he married my friend Karen and I know they shared a wonderful life by all the Christmas cards she would send :) My heart goes out to her and her children may the loving memories stay strong forever.
New Orleans Management Weekend
Kathy Oliver McConnell
August 14, 2012
How hard we worked, yet what fun we managed to have, so much of that thanks to Tim's wonderful sense of life and his ability to insert his sense of humor into any situation. Management meetings became something to look forward to because I knew Tim would be there! Our many phone calls to each other to discuss work issues, no matter how difficult they were, ALWAYS ended up with both of us laughing. There is a very big hole in my heart with this unimaginable loss of Tim. My sincerest condolences to Karen and the boys.
New Orleans First American Management Weekend
Kathy Oliver McConnell
August 14, 2012
Joe Bartle
August 14, 2012
Remember those great times that we shared together Tim? Whether it was those late night rec league softball games or banging out Beatles songs on the guitar or those fishing and ski sojourns we made up to the cabin. Those were good times, Tim and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to share some of these life experiences with you. You started a great family, became well respected in our industry and lived your life to the fullest. Isn't that all anyone can ask for? Perhaps we can still learn a few things from you along the way.
Peace be with you my friend ...
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Guest family.
Maria Valentin
August 13, 2012
Karen and sons, I am sorry about your loss. Tim was so respected by so many of us in the industry. I remember distinctly his eyes lighting up when he talked about you and everything you shared. I cannot begin to imagine your pain.
Kathy Batten
August 11, 2012
My prayers are with you during this most difficult time. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Tim but from what Michael tells me he was a wonderful man.
August 10, 2012
My condolences to Tim's family. He was always good to me.
Kari Kelly-Scoggins
August 10, 2012
Tim we miss your smiling face, your sense of humor and your amazing way to keep peace in everything.Thanks for sharing your love and happiness of life.
I have lit a candle of light which your life is and always will be"LIGHT and LOVE!
Chris Guest
August 10, 2012
There are no words to express how much Tim meant to me as a child. I wanted to be like him! Tim, his siblings and his folks provided me some of my most fond childhood memories and life lessons. My heart goes out to all of you and I am sorry I have not been part of your lives....God Bless you all now and forever.
Sue Kaufmann
August 10, 2012
Dear Karen, Nick and Jake, I can not say how terrible sorry I am of your loss. I loved Tim with his big smile, those cutest dimples and a big welcome. The sign offs with Tim were always fun, and I looked forward to his humor and jokes. He made me laugh often with his great sense of humor. Tim was also so very knowledgable. He talked so often of his wonderful boys and his beautiful wife.
Tim was loved by so many, this is a great loss to our community. I am so sad for you . My deepest sympathy.
I am sending lots of Prayer to you Karen and the boys and
family.
July 21, 2007
Nancy Tarr
August 10, 2012
Here is a picture of Tim from our wedding I wanted to share. Pictures posted by others are much appreciated. So happy to have shared such wonderful memories with him and Karen.
Marta McIntire Nelson
August 10, 2012
On behalf of the McIntire Family, we are truly sorry. Our deepest sympathy to Karen, Nicholas, Jacob and the entire Guest Family.
Bruce Southstone
August 10, 2012
Thanks, Tim, for loving and serving yourself and others and for knowing this to be the key to fulfullment, happiness and peace.
Valerie Ortiz
August 10, 2012
Doreen,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. His place is certain by our fathers side in Heaven.
Clayton Guest
August 10, 2012
Karen, Nick, and Jake, my most sincere condolences. There are few, if any, words that can relieve the loss and pain you most assuredly are experiencing, However, we know Tim is with the Almighty and enjoying renewed visits with his Dad, Donald. God Bless the three of you.
Tim's uncle Clayton.
Lori Strusis
August 10, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to you,Karen and the boys. I am so very sorry for this tragedy and your loss of a truly beautiful person, husband, father, friend to so many. Our memories make us smile and he will always be in our thoughts and we will mourn the memories we will not make with him. My family will never forget his generosity and kindness.
Keith & Lisa Carter
August 10, 2012
Karen, Nicholas, Jacob and the entire family, we are so sorry for your loss. Tim was a great friend, husband and father. He will be dearly missed but never ever forgotten.
Kim Stoner
August 10, 2012
Karen...my heart goes out to you and the boys and the family. Not only was Tim my boss, but a good friend over the last 25+ years.
BECKY CAMPOS
August 10, 2012
TIM WILL BE REMEMBERED AS A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER AND GREAT BOSS AND FRIEND. TO PASS SO YOUNG IS SO HARD ON EVERYONE AND MY DEEPEST THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO EVERYONE'S LIVES TIM TOUCHED. WE WON'T FORGET HIM OR HIS GENTLE SOUL. HE IS IN GOD'S HANDS AND HE MUST HAVE A VERY DIFFICULT ESCROW UP THERE THAT HE NEEDED TIM TO TAKE CARE OF. WE WILL MISS HIM.
Larry Bowser
August 10, 2012
Engaged, commited to his professional and personal family, and simultaneously and unselfishly sharing his great wit and wisdom. A life well lived. He'll keep 'em on their toes in heaven..
Gilbert Ruby
August 10, 2012
Karen I am VERY SORRY for your LOSS. What I read about him, he sounded like a Great man to be around.May GOD take Care of You and the Boys!!
Karen Ross
August 10, 2012
Loosing Tim is an unfathomable tragedy. Tim has always held a special place in my heart and will continue to do so. Beneath what could be perceived as a gruff manner, was a huge heart that truly cared. Tim was a good friend who was like a big brother to me. He was the best boss I ever worked under - you knew he had your back, even if you were in the wrong. I can't express my sorrow over this tremendous loss. I can only hold on to the hope that comes from knowing he is with the Lord and that Karen and the boys will see him again for eternity.
August 10, 2012
Michael, reading this and seeing your pictures of your brother Tim showed us what a wonderful person he was. I am deeply sorry for your loss and my condolences go our to you and your family.
Darlene Bakaj-Wood
Nancy Tarr
August 10, 2012
Tim lived well, with intention, humor, compassion and focused on what is important: his family, his passions, his work and his friends. There is a big gap in my life with Tim gone.
Liz Boyens
August 9, 2012
My heart goes out to you Karen and the boys..Tim was a giant personality, a huge life force gone far too early. SO many memories of our many years as coworkers, what a wonderful thing for me to have a boss that I knew had my back. The world is forever changed for all of us that knew and loved him. All the family, both biological and in the community of First American past and present are in my thoughts.
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