Arthur Lee Guidi

It has been spoken and written: “He is a Belfair legend.” “He is the Candy Man.” 

Arthur Lee Guidi,94, passed away peacefully on February 1st, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Gig Harbor. Arthur was born on January 1,1931 to Silvio and Mary Guidi in Tacoma, WA. Arthur and his family resided in Eatonville, WA. At 11 years old, he had his first job cleaning the local bakery. He played football, basketball, baseball and graduated from Eatonville High School in 1951. Arthur joined the Navy that same year. His assignment, a baker’s apprentice, aboard a Navy destroyer and served during the Korean War. Arthur married Elaine Kusek on July 18, 1953. Arthur’s Naval days ended in 1955 and that same year, their first son David was born. The family moved to Bellingham, WA. in 1956, where their daughter, Linda was born in 1958. Arthur earned his teaching degree at Western Washington University. Mr. Guidi’s teaching career began in Belfair, WA. at the North Mason School District in 1961 where he committed his long, fulfilled and wonderful life to his coworkers, students, athletes, and families. If Art wasn’t coaching every sport, he helped make props and was given the ‘cuckoo bird’ parts in the teacher produced plays. Art and his coworkers were pranksters, had fun and shared their wicked senses of humor. Surprisingly, Gregg was born in 1964. For over 20+ years, Art decorated the cakes of almost every special occasion in Belfair. 

Mr. Guidi would arrive at school in a suit, a tie and a crocheted Italian colored hat ‘ to match’. Only Mr. Guidi could ‘pull off’ those outfits. The students recognized this ‘fashion trend’ by having a ‘Be A Guidi’ Day. Mr. Guidi had his teacher phrases that always started with “Hey”! His students can recall these phrases to this day. 

Retirement? Hey! Hey! Now! Art couldn’t stay away from the North Mason schools. He and his band of caped candy crusaders began a holiday tradition of spreading candy chaos to every North Mason classroom and business in town.This candy chaos lit up the students with a smile and cheers, often providing a kiss, a hug and a funny joke for the staff. At the store, ALL the ladies would get a kiss or a hug and the men would engage in good hearted banter. Arthur worked with his son David at the store in the produce department for 26 years. He cherished every day that he was able to work with his son. Art continued to work at the store even after David passed. Arthur could not walk away from the memories and the customers who would purposefully find him to have a chat, a laugh, some candy and a smile. His community sustained him and grieved with him. 

Art’s 32 years of working the Husky sidelines was football ‘heaven’ for Art and his son Gregg. Art met many people over the 32 years while working the sidelines and many of those became family. Art enjoyed his volunteering at the Belfair Christian School, building bird houses with the students, the ‘Backpack Kids Program’, cutting precise sized boxes for food, and The HUB where he would pop popcorn and cook for all. Art continued to make small wooden holiday shapes which the next generation of students decorated in his granddaughters and daughter in laws classrooms. He always had a passion for arts and crafts. He wanted to continue to give students the opportunity to work with wood, hammers, paint, googly eyes and yes, glitter. Art would cut out, paint and then decorate his home every holiday so that he could give a smile to those who drove past his home. 

Arthur is a legend because of his loyalty to his family, friends, students, and the North Mason community. He loved where he lived, and loved ‘doing’ for others. A military man, a family man, a dahlia delivery man, a wise guy, a teacher, a coach, a woodworker, a gardener, a baker and a maker of smiles! He was generous.”You know, when I was a kid we just did things for neighbors. It was just what you did. It wasn’t anything special.” ( Arthur Guidi, The Sun, August 1996.)Arthur Guidi never removed his wedding ring, loyal to his beautiful bride, Elaine, of 70+ years. Arthur, Elaine and David are reunited. Let the heavenly shenanigans begin! 

Arthur was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, oldest son David, and his brother Leo. Arthur is survived by his sister Barbara Harper, brother Robert (Margaret), daughter Linda(Jon), daughter in law Elaine, son Gregg(Debbie),granddaughter Amanda, grandson Zachary(Lacy), granddaughter Riley(Nick),great grandsons Gunner and Pryor, and great granddaughter Maeve. 

In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your favorite charity.