Gregory Lawrence Guimont
October 27, 1946 - March 17, 2024.
A California native, Greg was born in Los Angeles on October 27, 1946 to proud parents, Donald E. Guimont and Alice S. Foote. At a young age, he developed a lifelong love of sports, baseball was a true favorite. Growing up, he was a devoted member of the Boy Scouts of America and looked forward to Little League every season. He attended James Monroe High School located in North Hills, California and graduated in 1965.
Right after high school, Greg began working at his Uncle Howard's garage and gas station. This is where his knowledge of all things mechanical came to be.
Still a teenager, he was drafted to the US Army in 1967 and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Unsure if joining the service was in his future plans at that time, it can be assumed that from countless, wonderful stories, that he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the Army and remained an incredibly proud War Vet until his dying day.
After returning from Vietnam, he settled in Beverly Hills and started working at the local Chevy Plant, where he would often tell the story of how he had a hand in building his very own prized 1969, Silver Chevy Camaro SS.
Gregory was an avid foodie, and cultivated a love for Pinks Hotdogs, Johnny's Pastrami, Tommy's Hamburgers and Bob's Big Boy- just to name a few, his love of these favorite places now runs within the family.
In 1969, Greg met the love of his life and wife of 57 years, Gracie "Suzanne" Mejia, who he would often, lovingly refer to as "dear." They were married in a small, sweet ceremony in North Hollywood, after dating for about a year. They purchased their first house in nearby Culver City, just steps from MGM Studios, where his pride of ownership truly shined.
After his time at the Chevy plant, he changed directions and began working in telecommunications for Pacific Bell. To no surprise, he quickly climbed the ladder with Pac Bell, which would later become AT&T.
Eventually he would become a Supervisor & Project Manager and travel the US, training and teaching as part of his duties at AT&T. After a job transfer from Southern California to Sacramento, Greg and family would eventually settle in Manteca in 1984, when he was once again transferred, this time from Sacramento to Pleasanton. He would spend 20+ years with AT&T, before retiring and moving on to join forces with Hewlett-Packard in Palo Alto and Roseville. He was a true professional, genuinely loved by coworkers and a real genius before his time, in the ever advancing and evolving computer industry.
He spent about 5 years with Hewlett-Packard, moved on to work locally for a few more years at Gallo Winery in Modesto, in their IT department. After true retirement, he went to work for himself as a computer consultant. His clients loved that he was both reliable and knowledgeable, and they kept him quite busy through his early retirement years. He was a genuine friend to SO many- personable, dependable, honest, loyal, hard-working, and never passed an opportunity for a good conversation with loved ones or strangers alike.
If anyone knows Greg, they know that music was a longtime, immense love of his. The depth in which he loved and enjoyed music of all genres is far and wide. He curated an impressive album collection over his lifetime. He continued listening to his favorite songs, singing, humming or tapping to the beat of the music, until the very day he passed.
Greg was a devoted husband and family man. He treasured his time with children and throughout their younger years he would especially enjoy baseball, basketball, pop warner football, soccer and cheerleading. He was a proud father, loving and self sacrificing to his three children, his legacies- Eric, Jill and Tyler. Greg's faith was paramount, and he would raise his children in the beautiful, First Baptist faith. They would all follow in his example and become faithful believers, like him.
In 2008, Greg and Gracie were in a tragic auto accident, where Greg suffered a traumatic brain injury and he also lost his vision. In the beginning, he was in severe, critical condition, and was not expected to survive his injuries, but God knew better. After almost an entire year of multiple areas of rehabilitation, he finally made it home and we were incredibly blessed to be able to enjoy him for an additional 15 memorable years.
His life was fascinating, beautiful, honorable, and full of so much love and light. Gregory was wise and courageous, a natural fighter, tough and persistent. He fought long and hard everyday after the accident, that part of his character will never be forgotten. He is now resting in peace, and I have every mind to believe that when he entered the gates of heaven, he was made whole again, and he is surely dancing in the sky.
Gregory is preceded in death by his parents Donald E. Guimont and Alice S. McKiel. He is survived by his wife, Gracie "Suzanne" Guimont of Manteca, CA. His oldest son Eric E. Guimont of Elk Grove, CA and his wife Charity, and their four children- Benjamin J. Guimont (31) of Rexburg, Idaho, and his wife Mai. Timothy S. Guimont (29) of Elk Grove, CA and his wife Payton and their daughter, Juniper Ann (18 mo). Joseph M. Guimont (26) of Elk Grove, CA and Sera R. Guimont (24) of Elk Grove, CA and her fiancé Nick Killion.
He is also survived by his Daughter, Jill Guimont Paddack of Manteca, CA and her husband Kevin, along with their three children Bella G. paddack (18), Holden C. Paddack (15), and Harlow E. L. Paddack (8).
He is survived lastly by his youngest son, Tyler R. Guimont of Manteca, CA and his fiancé Mary Vang, both who spent many of the last several years helping to care for Gregory.
He leaves behind a truly beautiful family legacy. Thank you Dad- for everything, we send you off with all our love, honor and immense gratitude until the end of time. 🤍🙏🏼