Obituary of Tavo Armand Guthrie

Tavo Armand Guthrie ~ 69 Vancouver, Washington December 15, 1946 ~ December 24, 2015 Buz Guthrie was born on December 15, 1946 in Battle Creek Michigan to Vivian Stewart Guthrie and Myron B. Guthrie. He received a Catholic education and after graduation entered the US Marine Corp, serving during the Vietnam Nam War. After graduating from the University of Iowa as an Orthopaedic Physician Assistant, he moved to Portland Oregon where he was employed by Kaiser Permanente for 35 years. During his interesting and successful career, Buz earned the respect and admiration of his physician colleagues, staff and patients. He developed Kaiser's Fracture Clinic in conjunction with Dr Edward Stark. Many medical, nurse practitioner and physician assistant students learned under his tutelage over the years. When the non MD providers were organized under the Oregon Federation of Nurses, Buz was elected chief steward of their bargaining unit. A quiet and humble man carrying a big stick, Buz's opinion and advice were consistently sought by fellow union members and Kaiser administrators alike. Buz retired from Kaiser Permanente and clinical life in 2009 and began spending summers in the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York. He immensely enjoyed bass and pike fishing and frequently out fished even the best local talent. He was a fabulous cook and delighted in the high praise from all who partook of his culinary experiments. He drove thousands of miles experiencing the many wonders of our beautiful United States. He was a patriot, a philanthropist and had a life long quest for new knowledge. He had a keen mind, a dry wit and an unconditional love for those close to him. Buz succumbed to complications from COPD (emphysema) on December 24, 2015. He is survived by the love of his life, Ona Allen, her brother Billy, two kitties Sami and Jet, sister Nana and her husband Greg, three children Brian, Bret and Michele, six grandchildren, and many good friends in the Adirondack Region of NY and the Portland OR area. His thoughtful counsel will be greatly missed.