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Jay Guthrie Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Jay Guthrie
Sponsored by Ann L. Guthrie, loving wife and best friend.
Steven C. Hanson
July 11, 2025
Jay Guthrie was one of the strongest, yet kindest, gentlest, peaceful men I have ever known. Unbelievable inner strength & determination. And great sense of humor. Jay always made me laugh. And I will always remember Jay from Wildwood elementary playground, Mahtomedi Middle school lunches, band, St.
A's confirmation & high school too. Reconnected briefly just prior to his passing and I still marvel at how strong, and unbelievable example he set as he lived life, then exited, knowing it was to be. All his thoughts he expressed to me were of love & concern to those he would leave behind. A true class act always. I continue to think of you & miss you Jay. Thanks for being my friend, Steven C. Hanson
Lindsay G
December 16, 2023
Missing you today, and everyday Dad. How wonderful to revisit all of the beautiful memories people have shared. Love you, Dolly Doo
Ann
June 27, 2023
Thinking of you today Jay. You are loved and missed.
Pam and Tim
May 28, 2023
How sweet to see memories pop up. Missing you Jay. From childhood friends on up. Thinking of you....with much love.
Ann
May 26, 2023
Happy 16th anniversary Jay!
Love Ann
Ann
January 13, 2023
Happy birthday Jay!
Love Ann
January 3, 2020
Miss you dad. I wish you could be around to see your grand daughter grow up. She is a little firecracker
Very fast time trailist
June 27, 2019
Jay during a time-trial
June 27, 2019
Re-assembling a CNC
June 24, 2019
Jay,
What an amazing journey we took. We had fun, we had music, and we had a 78 passenger school bus.
Man, we were cool. Ha!
Miss you brother.
Dann G.
June 23, 2019
You are still with us in conversations, and reminiscing of the good ole days. Missing you, and Craig, and wishing we were all growing old together, my friend.
x0x0x
Pam (Jakubowski) and Tim Watters
Craig and Jay
January 13, 2019
Happy 58th birthday Jay
Love Ann
Jay 2005, Happy 47 birthday
Ann
January 14, 2018
Emery Guthrie
January 13, 2018
Hi grandpa!
Hi grandpa!
Ashley Guthrie
May 1, 2017
Jay
I'm sad I never got to know you. I know you have been there for ryan every step of the way. Please continue to help guide him through life. You'll be a grandpa soon too! Little emery will grow up knowing all about you and like me, sad she never got the chance to get to know you. Emery says hi grandpa!
David Saint
March 28, 2015
Jay was the best friend I ever had. I'm so sorry.
Ken B
September 9, 2014
Dear Guthrie family,
I am very sad to read the history of Jtek and the loss of Jay. I am a mechanical engineer, 49 soon to be turning 50 and your story hit too close to home. Earlier this year I was diagnosed with diverticulosis, and eventually died in the hospital. I was brought back by an amazing team of doctors and lots of blood. I am very lucky to be here, and very saddened that Jay is not. My best wishes to your family.
Greg Bland
May 23, 2014
I was investigating the sire for the shifter compatibility device then I saw the info on the about us page.
I pray that you are coming to terms with your loss. These times are very challenging to go through. May God bless you and keep you and give you peace and strength.
Barry Greenstein
October 18, 2013
I went to your website to find some bar end shifters for a SA 8 speed internal hub. White going through the site I read about your husband. Even though I am a complete stranger to new to your site I am so saded by your lost. I hope the future is bright.
Gianmario Magnaghi
November 21, 2012
Un Grande Ingeniere, Ann sii Fiera. Ciao
Tony Collins
February 12, 2012
I came to your site looking for cycling components, and am saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept the condolences of a complete stranger, yet, as an engineer myself (albeit electronic) someone with an immense respect for what Jay achieved.
Jim Thomas
December 30, 2011
I am both saddened and moved by that path chosen by Jay and the legacy he left for Ryan. I am also excitedly working on a product for road/triathlon cycling and am inspired by your enterprising spirit. I wish your family the deepest joy and comfort for the new year and for many years to come.
Andy Walker
December 22, 2011
I know when my own Father passed the first Christmas was bitter sweet. We enjoyed our children but longed for the cornerstone of our household and our family in the wake of his passing. I'm sure this will be a difficult holiday season for your family, but hopefully both our Dad's are watching over us from some distant place smiling on all the wonderful things this life offers. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
Dom D
September 24, 2011
Force et Honneur
Federico Saggini
August 2, 2011
I discover just now this ingenious and brilliant entrepreneur in the bicycle world: could his son continue along the father's road to build this little, shiny, wonderful metal things.
A big hug to his family.
Andrew K
March 15, 2011
Jay, your gift of innovation and desire will be sorely missed! Ride on brother!
Andrew K
Peter Ansel
March 13, 2011
Dear Ann, Ryan, and family,
I never had a chance to correspond with Jay, but am merely one of the thousands who stumbled upon his website in search of that "special piece" to complete a personal dream, project bike, and was blown away by the creativity, skill, and modesty of this incredibly talented man. The rare combination of designer, engineer, and craftsman, each at the highest level.
I was also touch by the cancer story, having gone through a very tough treatment myself for a year in 2008. Why one person is still here and another not, is unfair. Please know that all of us who have learned of Jay's passing send a sincere hug and wish you the best in getting through this difficult period.
Jay's revolutionary thinking touched the minds and souls of many people. His memory and his many contributions to the evolution of bicycle design will live on in all of us.
Benjamin Bodden
February 5, 2011
I was one of the first to read the sad news in July on the jtek website, but I wanted to leave space to those who knew Jay better. Now, after the link to the /Guest Book/ moved, it's time for me to add an overseas comment.
Over years I tried to find the components for my dream bike. Finally there were Jay's ideas and ideals that enabled My Bike to become real. I had some nice mail contact with Jay that time; this correspondence will stay in my - backed - mail archive.
Fortunately I still was able to pass pictures of the 'resulting' bike to Jay for comment.
Jay's products were the only option concerning quality and functionality to make this happen. One Man /makes/ the difference.
Best of luck to you, Ann, Ryan. As I spot the jtek logo nearly every day, my memories stay on.. and this bike's designed to last..
World's lightest production tandem, with Shift-Mate
Dave Walker
October 26, 2010
Dear Ann, Ryan, and family,
I knew Jay, worked with him, was an avid supporter of all he did, and valued his friendship as well as professional abilities. Jay was always there to help me, a small-time player in the bike world, as much as he would've any major-league entity. His passion was evident, always. I will miss him, and look forward to working with Ryan to continue Jay's legacy. Creative talent expressed in one's work is also love made evident. Be at peace, Jay, and know that there are many who value your creative heart.
Cody Westheimer
October 21, 2010
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my father to a brain tumor almost 4 years ago and know how difficult it is.
I started my life in endurance sports running a marathon in my father's memory in 2008. All I can say is that our loved ones live on through us. I couldn't help but notice the date - June 27th - that was the date of my Ironman in France. This was also in memory for my father, but perhaps Jay powered me through the tough climbs.
Warmest Regards,
Cody
Joesph Busch
September 27, 2010
Dear Ann & family,
I only met Jay via email and a couple phone calls in buying products. He was always pleasant and easy to deal with. My heart aches for you as I have an idea of your pain. My wife lost her battle with cancer in Feb of 2009.
I trust and pray that your family is holding you up. Healing is slow and long. Don't be afraid to greive.
Peace and blessings,
Joe Busch
Quality Bicycle Products
Wes Smith
September 18, 2010
I am very saddened to hear about the passing of Jay Guthrie. Such an amazing mind! You will be missed. My condolences to family and friends.
Carlos Potes
September 12, 2010
As a hobby bikebuilder, I see original product designers as personal friends and co-creators. I just found out about Jay Guthrie´s passing, precisely as I was looking for a device to perform a function I thought only I had ever thought of. Lo and behold, here was the Double Control brake cable splitter, just as I had imagined it: a work of art! I´d like to thank Jay for reading my mind, but in his absence I can only hope that Ryan will continue in his father´s creative footsteps. My condolences to the family and friends of someone who must´ve been an all-around great guy.
Vin Cox
September 1, 2010
Very sad. A tallented man, gone.
I've just set the world record for cycling around the world - using a jtek bar-end shifter all the way of course. I wish I could tell Jay just how much I liked what he made.
Sean Kilroy
August 20, 2010
My sympathies to the family and friends on Jay's passing. I'll think of him and say a prayer as I shift using the Jtek Shiftmate.
John Ferguson
August 18, 2010
Condolences to the Guthrie family and your circle of friends. I'm sure Jay is missed..
Mark
August 17, 2010
My deepest sympathies on Mr Guthrie's passing. His love of cycling and engineering served many cyclists. Rest in peace.
Robert Fry
August 15, 2010
I just looked at the Jtek site again for the first time in a while. Very sad to hear that Jay lost his battle. My sincerest condolences to your family.
I purchased a Jtek bar end shifter for my Nexus 7 hub about a year ago. It is as high quality a product as I have ever attached to a bicycle.
Dave B
August 1, 2010
My sincere condolences. I've been a Shiftmate user for several years and considered Jtek a superior source of very useful products to bicycle riders. He will be missed and my best wished to you and your son.
Thomas
July 31, 2010
Sincerest condolences to the family. Jay was always the professional in his dealings. Thanks again for willing to think outside the box.
Tim Danaher
July 26, 2010
My condolences to the family. Jay was a real gentleman.
Evan Pearson
July 23, 2010
A gifted and kind person. A very sad loss. My sympathies to his family.
Mariann Opsahl
July 22, 2010
Ann,
Sorry to hear about your loss. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories that you and Jay made over the years.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "come to me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although you were loved dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best."
~Mariann Opsahl(Dambowy)
July 22, 2010
Ann - I just heard about your loss and I AM SO very sorry. I know it's been a few weeks but the healing goes on for a long time. And just know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you adjust your life without your good friend and husband.
All my love,
Paula Halbach and David Darr
Roy Foster
July 19, 2010
Guthrie family,
It is with great sadness that I write this note. Words cannot describe the loss of a loved one and only time will lessen the loss.
I Love and miss you Jay - your wife
Ann Guthrie
July 15, 2010
July 6, 2010
Ann,
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kris Musser
July 5, 2010
Ann,
My deepest sympathy to you and Jay's family. What a kind wonderful man and friend. I have fond memories of our bike trips together. My thoughts are with you.
Julie Olson
July 1, 2010
Ann,
Jay was such an unassumming and humble guy who was never to proud to drop back and help us close the gap when we got dropped or just tow us in at the end of the the ride. I am so sorry for your loss.
Tim & Pam (jakubowski) Watters
July 1, 2010
Nancy, Ann, Bart, Lindsay, Ryan....We are so sad for all you've had to endure. The loss of Craig, now the loss of Jay - it seems so overwhelming! We have had the privelage of knowing your family since we were little kids. Jay and Craig would play with us while our mom's had coffee and talked. Those are some of my favorite childhood memories...which paved the way for lifelong friendships. Jay was an amazing man! So intelligent, kind and thoughtful. His suffering is behind him - and I pray for all of you as you grieve the incomprehensible loss of such a stellar man - who meant so much to so many. Rest in peace, precious friend.
Carl Scales
July 1, 2010
I am deeply saddened, Ann. I pray that you will find comfort in your family and friends. I send you our deepest sympathy and condolences...
Dann Grundman
July 1, 2010
Ann, Nancy, Bart, your saddness is well earned. Jay is my friend, we spent some very important years together playing music and learning about life. His feet always seemed so firmly planted in reality. A truly wonderful man.
Melissa Fermoyle
July 1, 2010
Ann, please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
next door neighbor
June 30, 2010
I am a lucky man to have known Jay and his family since the age of 12.It is an honor to have been called the fourth son. Lot's of good memories!
Doug Regester
June 30, 2010
Ann and family, I am very sorry for your loss. Jay was truly a great fellow in all respects. I'm sure he will be missed. It was a great pleasure to get to know him and ride with him as part of our team at Town Hall TTT several years ago. Doug
Liz Sands
June 30, 2010
Most heartfelt sympathies to Ann and the rest of Jay's family. Jay was such a good guy and he will be missed!
Bonny Donzella
June 30, 2010
Ann, please accept my condolences. When you are ready for an escorted bike ride, we will gladly surround you. Bonny
Brian Nelsen
June 30, 2010
Ann,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Jay was an amazing person. My prayers are with you.
Scott Brown
June 30, 2010
I'm sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed riding with Jay on Tuesday nights and hearing about his new bike innovations. I'm going to miss him.
Brenda Brown
June 30, 2010
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Jay. My thoughts are with you and your family.
June 30, 2010
Ann,We are thinking of you and praying for you.
Jay was such a wonderful life partner and so many other things.
He's finally cycling with angels wings and he's smiling.
Love, Bethany and Larry
Brian Maldonado
June 29, 2010
Ann; I had the opportunity to engage Jay in a project a few years ago. It was very exiting to watch him bring the concept to life, first on the computer then at his machine shop. He had great pride in his work, and he will be missed.
Ron & Lillian Jilk
June 29, 2010
Ann,
You know that you and your family are in Mom and my hearts always. Please find comfort in the many people who love you both. It was a long and trying battle. Jay was a fighter right up to the end and will always be remembered that way. I don't think he could have made it so long if it weren't for your caring love and support. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rich Spielberg
June 29, 2010
Weather it was on the skinny ski's or the skinny wheel's Jay's great sportsmanship was always an inspiration.
In memory, he will still be.
Deepest sympathy for your loss Ann.
Tom Russell
June 29, 2010
I'm going to miss him too. He was a kind, honest man.
Jeanne LaBore
June 29, 2010
dear Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear companion. May the memory of your love and commitment to each other overtake your sorrow a little more with each passing day.
Penny Danielson
June 29, 2010
Ann,
I am so very sorry to hear about your loss and hope that you find comfort in the memories of the many wonderful things that the two of you did together and shared. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
June 29, 2010
Ann; My heart goes out to you. I am so sad for your loss of Jay. You have my prayers of comfort.
Christine Bedor
Dwight Skinner
June 29, 2010
Jay was an inspiration to me in his training, in his engineering innovation and, finally, in his courageous battle with cancer. My sympathies for Ann and his family.
Joe Andert & Whitney, Jennifer Andert , Sandra Schoenrock
June 29, 2010
Dear Ann, Lindsay, Ryan and your families;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. May the memories you have bring you comfort. We know that this has been a long and difficult struggle for Jay, may he now rest peacefully with God, until you meet again. Peace be with you all.
John Thompson
June 29, 2010
Dear Ann and family:
My sincerest condolences. I will never forget Jay's kind personality and modesty. He was an exceptionally talented individual and I feel fortunate to have known him.
Lee Penn
June 29, 2010
Dear Ann and family - I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
June 29, 2010
Dear Ann:
I am so sorry for your loss. I will rember you in my prayers.
Lew Golden
David Haag
June 29, 2010
What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why Jay left this earth so soon, or why he left before you were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, you will begin to remember not just that he died, but that he lived. And that his life gave you memories too beautiful to forget.
Sherry Berde Townsend
June 29, 2010
Dear Ann and family, May Jay's memory provide you with lasting gentleness and kindness, like his life portrayed.
Howard Vendrell
June 29, 2010
Ann,
I am so sorry about your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers . My deepest sympathy
Howie, Ron's friend
Brian Carion
June 29, 2010
Dear Ann and Guthrie family,
Jaybird was an inspiration on and off the bicycle for so many people. He lived very courageously and always looking forward. I am blessed to have had him in my life. He will be so missed...
Sara Scheu
June 29, 2010
Ann - You and your family are in my prayers. I know that you have a solid & strong support system and together you will grieve and heal.
Meredith Ruhberg
June 29, 2010
Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about Jay. My deepest condolences to you and the rest of Jay's family.
Mary Michalski
June 29, 2010
Ann, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Carol Krueger
June 29, 2010
Ann,
I am so sorry about your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers that God will comfort you. With deepest sympathy,
June 29, 2010
Dear Ann and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and the grief that endures. I pray for God's comfort and healing in your hearts and lives. Sincerely, Nancy Probasco
Amy Encinas
June 29, 2010
Ann,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband Jay. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amy Jo Encinas
Kim Gross
June 29, 2010
Ann - you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathy to you and the Guthrie family.
Craig Davis
June 29, 2010
Jay you will be missed by all who knew you. You were a great inspiration to us who saw you fight so hard the last few years. My prayers go to your family to console them during this time of sorrow. We will all miss you.
Larry Schonhardt
June 29, 2010
Ann, You have my deepest sympathy. This has been a long battle.
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