Obituary of James Rutherford Guy

At the end of May, 2025, Jim enjoyed a dram of Scotch on the dock at Trewolla on Sunfish Lake, surrounded by his family. It was the place he loved best and returned to throughout his life. As a teen, he’d helped add finishing touches to the original cottage with his father and then in 1996 built a home with his wife Mary. Family gathered there regularly, and that day in May, the long table on the porch was fully booked: Mary, his children Andrew, Martha and Kate, their spouses Chris, Neil, and Zak, and grandchildren Liam, Emma, Lola and Wolfe. Jim passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 10, 2025, just shy of his 87^th birthday.

Jim’s voracious intellect was kindled in Waterloo, ON, where he was born and raised until attending St Andrew’s College. After earning an Honours BSc in Geology at Western, he went on to Osgoode Hall and was called to the bar in 1966. The law, with its steadfast, measured justice, appealed to his sense of fairness. He returned to Kitchener to practice trust and estate law. KW Gyro Club was a longtime source of after-work camaraderie and opportunities to dance. By 2011, Jim had wound down his law practice, wrapping up decades of providing compassionate and wise counsel.

As an undergraduate, science held Jim in its thrall and that fascination never left him. His summers with the Geological Survey of Canada in Nova Scotia and Ontario were a source of endless stories. He was an enthusiastic sailor and the family spent summers taking remarkable trips on the sailboat around Georgian Bay. Post-retirement, he was an adventurous traveler with Mary and together they explored the world, with memorable trips to Antarctica and the Northwest Passage.

Solitude was a natural fit for Jim. Although his woodworking shop at Trewolla was “Jim’s Happy Place,” discussing the events of the day and new scientific developments around the dining table with friends and family also brought him joy. He was a generous and willing host at Mary’s many inventive social events, from themed picnics to costumed Grey Cup parties. The Claremont Avenue Singers gathered around the piano for song-filled evenings. From bebop to bagpipes to Bach, music was an emotional undertow. His love of music morphed into an active life as an enthusiastic audience member at the KW Symphony and member of its Foundation board. In the natural world and in music, he found wonder.

Jim lived a long life, for which he was very grateful. He is predeceased by his parents Harrington “Harry” Luke Guy and Margaret “Peggy” (Wood) Guy and his brother George Harrington Guy.

Please join us at a wake for a gentle man and a life well lived on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 3-6 p.m. at The Walper Hotel, 20 Queen St S, Kitchener.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hospice Waterloo Region or the charity of your choice. Donations may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or via www.erbgood.com.