William R. Guinn

William Richard Guinn, 94, devoted husband, father and beloved grandfather passed away on Sunday, October 22nd. Bill was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where he met the love of his life, his wife of 73 years, Doris (Dixon) Guinn. 

Early in their marriage, they made the difficult decision to move to the States with their three young sons, to take a “good job” at Nettleton Shoes, the high-end shoe company founded in Syracuse, NY. During his career with Nettleton, he was elected to the executive board of the National Shoeworkers’ Union. In this role he had the responsibility of representing his peers, to secure more favorable treatment, a role he held with great pride. He raised his family within the City of Syracuse and in retirement moved to Jamesville, NY. He and his wife were always together. Their home hosted countless parties and was the center of family gatherings, with the backdrop of rose bush filled gardens. Although they lived in the States the majority of their life, they always identified as Canadian. Bill was a humble man of principle and held firm to his values of integrity, kindness, fairness and above all hard work. 

Bill was also an athlete. He played hockey and was a supporter of the game on every level: as a player, then a coach for the MidState Hockey Association, a local scout, and an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In his retirement, both he and his wife were active members of the Layfette and Melrose Seniors and the Shirts and Skirts dance club. Together, Bill and Doris enjoyed daily walks.

Bill was a caring patriarch, that “led from the back” in a persistent, gentle, but strong way. He often started a conversation by inquiring, “how is business?”. His children and grandchildren were driven by the example he set forth (and in part motivated to provide a good answer to his consistent greeting). Bill never passed up dessert, especially his favorite: vanilla ice cream. He always had a comb in his pocket, polished shoes, a cozy sweater, and a fresh shave. As a grandparent, he and his wife attended countless games and events and were known by all as Grandma and Grandpa Guinn, a title they both held with pride, for decades. He often asked about all the “kids” he’d met along the way and was pleased to hear about their successes.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris E. Guinn. He is survived by his three sons Richard (Megan), Barry (Marilyn) and Randall (Linda). He is also survived by the following grandchildren: Richard W. Guinn, Jason Guinn (Kelly), Julie Mann (Taylor), Karen Guinn, Leanne Cordes (Brian), Devin Guinn and 5 great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Gabriella Mann, Jack and Kate Cordes, and Madelyn Guinn.

The family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Stephanie Fracker and Lindsay Walters who lovingly cared for both Bill and Doris. Also, to the entire staff and residents of Bluefield Manor, in Auburn, NY for being a wonderful and supportive community. He will be deeply missed, and impossible to forget. As a testament to his everlasting love, please raise a glass (or a good Canadian Lager) with someone you love, in his honor. 

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