Jonathan Whalstedt Guite

Jonathan "Jack" Whalstedt Guite; passed from this life Friday, August 26th, 2011. The sixth of seven children born to Frederick and Hilma Bloom Guite in Berlin, CT September 21st, 1917, Jonathan spent most of his life in the Berlin area. He attended local schools and in the 1930's, Jack took part in the Citizens' Military Training Camps. He graduated from New Britain High School in 1935, and followed his father, uncles and brothers entering the state of Connecticut Apprentice Tool and Die Program at Landers, Frary & Clark, of New Britain, working for 26 cents per hour; then at United Tool and Die in Hartford. He continued his interest in the military becoming a member of the Connecticut State Guard, Troop B Cavalry, where he rode horseback. In February 1945, Jonathan enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served in the Philippines. Upon his discharge as First Sergeant he had earned the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and Good Conduct Medal. Jonathan used the GI Education Bill to become a civilian pilot which later served him in his business ventures. He went to work for Raymond Engineering for a time, and in 1951 decided with his brother Wilfred R. Guite, to form The Guite Tool and Engineering Company in the old Rail Road Station in Rocky Hill, near the ferry crossing. Their partnership and the superior craftsmanship enabled their company to create parts for the original IBM electric typewriter, the Polaroid Camera, the window on Alan Sheppard's space craft. Also: parts for Air Force One, space suits for astronauts who landed on the moon, submarine periscopes and high altitude reconnaissance cameras. They did precision work contracted by Pratt and Whitney, Hamilton Standard, Raytheon Mfg, Norden Instrument, Hamilton Standard and Sanders of N.H. as well as other companies. The Guite Tool and Engineering Company was recognized with many certificates of excellent and outstanding workmanship. When the tool and die company was sold in 1987 to Progressive Technology, Jonathan continued to work as their sales representative and then held the same position at Triangle Tool of Ct. Never idle, Jonathan purchased the International Gift Shop in Berlin, the Patriot Ceramic and Gift Shop in Rocky Hill. Jonathan was a Mason of good standing with the Connecticut Consistory 32 degrees, Valley of Norwich, CT., Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Hartford, Shrine's of Middlesex County and the Warren Lodge, No 51 of Portland, CT. Receiving his first long gun at age ten, a BB gun, Jonathan developed into an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hunting with both bow and arrow, long guns and doing target shooting with hand guns. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and held membership in several local Rod and Gun clubs. Some of his happiest times were spent hunting and exploring the woods of New Brunswick, Canada with his guide Byron Spilman. Along with his companion of 35 years, Nancy Hibbard Clark, Jonathan was able to travel many corners of the world and the United States: Portugal, Italy, Russia, Amsterdam, Africa, France, Spain, Ireland, England, Scotland, Germany, Canada, and several times his favorite place Iceland. They covered many of the United States by car, train, steam boat and plane. Cruising the Caribbean islands was another favorite. During his ninety plus years Jonathan filled his life with reading, taking guests to musical theater productions, leather tooling, making silver jewelry, oil painting, photography (he was NEVER without a camera or two) developing his own film, building boats and kayaks, cooking and eating, camping, tennis, corresponding with relatives and friends, and keeping detailed journals throughout his life. He had fun puttering about his property in Brookfield, Mass, and tending a productive vegetable garden there. Always "game" for adventure he was willing to try almost anything; except playing cards. Jon was a quiet man who observed all that was around him. He was a dedicated son to his mother. He enjoyed people! Jonathan leaves many with whom he provided loving care and generosity. Those he left behind are: Nancy Stanley Hibbard Clark of East Berlin, his faithful, loving and benevolent companion. Daughter Linda Failla and husband Victor, of East Haven, stepson Alan Myhal and wife Doris, of Port Charlotte, Florida., daughter Gem Wilson Guite Marston, and husband Peter of Columbia, CT, their children, Peter Wm. Marston, Patrick W. Marston both of California, Polly Marston of Glastonbury and Penny Marston of Spencer, MA, three great grandchildren; Ara Hagopian, Ruth Burke and Peter Wm. Marston II; His brother, business partner and friend, Wilfred "Bill" Guite and wife Dawn Scott Guite, of Meriden and Old Saybrook; Special nieces: Judith Casey Ruff of New Britain, and Gail Warnes Hirst of Westbrook, as well as many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. Nancy Clark's children: Jonathan, his wife Stacey, Rob and partner Paula, Debbie and Tom Mclnerney and Cordelia (Kim) and Jim Pandolfo; their children and grandchildren; childhood friend E. Luella "Penny" Ray, special friend Thelma Hanson both of Florida, and munificent friend, Jean Kaye Spilman of New Brunswick, Canada. For the past eight months Jonathan was at home in Ledgecrest Health Care Center in Kensington, CT. The constant care and comfort the staff and health care workers provided Jonathan was priceless. Because of them Jonathan was able to maintain his dignity each and every day. For this his family will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers the family would request donations be made in Jonathan's name to the Sunday School at the Berlin Congregation Church, started by his mother Hilma; or the Veterans Inc, 69 Grove Street, Worcester, Mass. 01605 A celebration of Jonathan's life will be held with a memorial service at the Berlin Congregation Church, September 10, 2011 at 2:00 PM. Reception following at the church. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.