Milton Ervin Guthrie

Milton Ervin Guthrie, 65, passed away June 5, 2021. He was born to Edwin and Edith Guthrie in Knockpatrick, Manchester, Jamaica, on Sept. 15, 1955.

Milton had a natural affinity for understanding electronics, mechanics and for engineering. He was always willing to teach and instruct, whenever he had an opportunity to; and always made himself available as a repairman for anyone who needed his expertise. There are individuals from his hometown who testify that they have been inspired by Milton’s dedication, tenacity and expertise. He was a master at problem solving and he would use his gift for ingenuity to support his family in any way they needed.

For example, one very cold winter the area where his family lived had received several feet of snow and the entire neighborhood had lost power. After hours of shivering, Milton decided rather than have his family suffer in the cold, he configured a way to connect the house to their minivan in the garage to use the car as a generator for three days. While the neighborhood had no power, he and his family had heat, light and food until weather conditions improved.

Milton is known for staying up all night to fix any mechanical or electrical problems that he feels need urgent attention. On one occasion, while working at the university press in Jamaica, one of the printing machines developed a mechanical problem and needed to be repaired. Milton, in an effort to have it up and running for the next day, stayed at the press the entire night just to have it fixed. This he accomplished before the workers arrived the following morning. On another occasion, during his early years, one of the cars he had developed an engine problem. He stayed up all night and repaired the engine in order that he could have it to drive to work the following day.

Another example of Milton’s persistence in completing a task, as his younger brother and a family friend recounts, was one instance at his family home in Jamaica he was repairing an electrical appliance. Soon after, thunder then lightning started as a storm rolled in. Everyone, out of concern for Milton, told him to pause what he was doing until the weather cleared, but he refused. Not long after, the crack of lightning in his work room could be heard and you can imagine what happened. He got zapped and, for a few minutes, he was knocked out.

Milton enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and in his spare time he would listen to his science fiction audio books, fix electronic devices and engage in heated debates about the Bible and its principles. With unwavering dedication, he devoted his time, knowledge and skills to Bethany Chapel Seventh Day Adventist Church, his beloved church. He never missed a Sabbath; even when his family would beg him to go on vacations, he would be very reluctant, not wanting to be absent from his church or even to miss a Sabbath.

Many would agree that Milton’s sense of humor was one of his most charming attributes. He never failed to insert a corny joke every chance he got, followed by a large smile. He found ways to try making difficult situations seem lighter, even though with a household that consisted of mainly women, that was not always possible.

For over 30 years, Milton worked as a printer. He started his printing career at the then West Indies College Press in Mandeville, Jamaica. He later joined the team at Graphic Arts Limited in Kingston, Jamaica. Following this, he started a joint venture with a friend that was named Diamond Printers, where he continued his passion as a printer. After migrating to the United States, he devoted his service to The Papers Incorporated in Milford for 25 years, where he was a valued and integral member of the team, working diligently until the time of his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Lorna Guthrie; his three daughters: Ana-Alisa Guthrie, Kamika Perry and son-in-law, Tavarus Perry, and Rockelle Jang and son-in-law, Allesandro Jang; his grandchildren: Reuel and Aalam Perry; his sister, Avril Bernard (Stephen); elder brother, Winston Richards (Inez); and younger brother, Errol Guthrie (Jacqueline); nieces, Debbie Broomfield, Arlene Richards and Elizabeth Wellington; and nephews, Joseph Richards, Andrew Bernard, Javier and Rojaun Guthrie.

His viewing and service will be held Sunday, June 13, at Bethany Chapel SDA Church located at 1900 13th St., Elkhart, IN 46516. Visitation with the family will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. followed by a closed service for immediate family and those participating in the program only from 2-3 p.m. The service will be live streamed via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person to celebrate the life of Milton.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethany Chapel SDA Church.