Rod Guyette's Obituary
Rodney "Rod" James Guyette was born on December 2, 1948 to Walter and Ila Jean Guyette in Tacoma, Washington. He was raised in the Sumner area, and graduated from Sumner High School in 1967. Much happened that same year; he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, married Aretha, and joined the Navy. While being stationed in Vallejo, San Diego, and Long Beach, California; he served on the USS Halsey and USS Truxtun serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. After completing his service in the Navy, they moved to Sacramento as he pursued a degree in pastoral ministry at Sacramento Bible Institute. After being ordained, he was called to serve as pastor at Chimacum Bible Church in 1977. Later, Rod moved his family to the Tacoma area where he ministered as youth pastor while supporting his family building houses. Eventually, he worked for Consoer Townsend followed by a long productive career as an engineering project manager with Parametrix. After the great loss of his wife Aretha, He then met and married Sharon Callihan.
Rod's passion for the Lord spilled out into every facet of his life. He loved reading the truth of God as revealed in the Bible. He loved to study it, teach it, and discuss it thoroughly. He was a counselor to many--encouraging and exhorting them--to deeper walks and relationships with Christ. He lived all of his days in faithful service to the Lord.
He loved a good laugh and had a great sense of humor. Whistling could be heard as he built or remodeled the many projects that he busied himself with. He reveled in good conversations and a lively debate. He enjoyed riding his bicycle almost as much as long road trips on his Harley. His competitive nature would surface while playing games, all the more so in a fierce game of Pinocle. Spending time camping near the beach, building and flying kites, golfing, and gatherings with his family brightened his days.
Rod loved his family deeply. He will be missed by His wife Sharon, his daughters: Calice Jennings and Cassie Grigal (Aaron Grigal), his grandchildren: Jordan Jennings (Lisa Dawn Jennings), Daneeka Jennings, Thane Jennings, Aretha Jennings, Samuel Grigal, Eli Grigal, and Kate Ward.; his sister Judy Hoffine (Jim Hoffine), his brother Bob Guyette (Nam Guyette); his nephews: Todd Hoffine (Melissa Hoffine), Derek Hoffine (Beccy Hoffine), and their children; his sons in the Lord: Willis Ward (Felicia Ward) and Andrew Allen (Amy Allen). He will also be missed by Sharon's family: Jennifer Broomell (Charles Broomell), Erin Callihan (Tom Condon), Veronica O"Neal (Jelan O'Neal), Nick Leon'Melara (Leah Ruthrauff), and grandchildren: Tyler Broomell, Wylan Broomell, and Makaylah O'Neal.
A celebration of Rod's life will be held Saturday, August 15, 2015- 3:00PM, at Temple Baptist Church, 1108 Columbia Ave., Fircrest, WA, 98466.
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