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ARTHUR H. Dr. Arthur H. Guenther (Art), a long-time resident of Albuquerque, passed away April 21, 2007, at home surrounded by loved ones. Art was born on April 20, 1931, in Hoboken, NJ, to Florence and George Guenther. As a child (and throughout his life), he loved the outdoors and became New Jersey's youngest Eagle Scout. After earning a B.S. in Chemistry at Rutgers, he married his high school sweetheart Joan and went on to Penn State earning a Ph.D. in Chemistry/Physics. He served in the USAF ROTC while at Rutgers; after graduation from Penn State, the Air Force assigned him to KAFB in 1957. He then transferred to civil service, spending 15 of his 31 Air Force years as Chief Scientist of the USAF Weapons Lab. Art also served as the Science Advisor for three different New Mexico Governors and held positions at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. An internationally recognized scientist, government advisor, and consultant, Art served many roles in long-range planning, science and technology policy, technical education, technology commercialization, and research and development. While Art made an international impact, received many awards including one from President Reagan and two New Mexico Public Service Awards, had more than 350 publications - he was honored to help increase the technology focus, collaboration, and achievements in New Mexico - public schools, defense, business and more. Art liked bringing people and organizations together. He once said "I just try to help people, meet people, and put people together. When good people meet, good things happen." Art - Dad - Gramps - Friend A man who means so much to so many You always make time for those who need you And you listened More significantly You respect the need for privacy In what people tell you As well as what they don't You ardently searched for the education in life Yours and others Sometimes going to great lengths In planning and preparation To share and impart Family was Art's first priority in life, and he took great pride in his two daughters, Tracie (TK) and Wendy. He warmly welcomed their husbands, Dan and Ralph, into the family and also developed great pride in his granddaughters, Chelsea (15) and Cassy (13). He blended his love for travel with his family and took them on trips around the country and around the world. Joan was his favorite traveling companion and they visited six continents and all 50 states together. Art's many loves included the outdoors, music (showing off his sound system often), theater, sports, jokes (lots of jokes), fine wine - and teaching others about fine wine. He loved meeting new people (who often became life-long friends) and watching those he mentored succeed; everyone who met Art learned something from him and he, in turn, learned from each person too. Playing poker with his family was a favorite pastime (though Art hated it when his granddaughters beat him!). Art is survived by his wife of 52 1/2 years, Joan; daughter, Tracie (TK) O'Geary and husband, Dan; daughter, Wendy Gallegos and husband, Ralph; grandchildren, Chelsea and Cassy Gallegos; sister, Palmeria Crawford; and sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Ray Reinertsen. Art was preceded in death by his son, Gregory and parents, Florence B. and George G. Guenther. The family would like to thank his physicians, nurses, and staff at Presbyterian Hospital, Medical Group, Hospice, and Home Health for their support, kindness, compassion, and humor. A viewing will be held at French's Mortuary at 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Thursday, April 26, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. A Funeral Service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, April 27, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the East Chapel at Kirtland Air Force Base (enter through the Gibson Gate by Louisiana; please bring a picture id to gain access to the base). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Art's name can be made to NM MESA (Math, Engineering, Science Achievement) c/o Pamela Caudill, 2808 Central SE, ABQ, NM 87106 or a technical society of your choice. French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505)823-9400 www.frenchmortuary.com
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