Heaven welcomed a long-awaited saint on Sunday morning just before dawn. Dr. Sid D. Guillen, 79, went to be with his beloved Lord and Savior after a long struggle with the damage from strokes in 1991 and 2001.
Dr. Guillen was born on March 22, 1933, in Victoria de los Tunas, Cuba. He moved to the United States at age 14 because his parents recognized the political unrest in their homeland.
He lived and worked in some of the finest restaurants and clubs Miami Beach had to offer. It was in this unlikely environment that he met the Lord through the witness of a janitor friend and the influence of a Methodist pastor of a church where he enjoyed playing volleyball. After his commitment to Jesus he decided to recommit to his academic aspirations.
Though he was a high school dropout, Asbury College, in Wilmore, KY, was willing to accept Sid on academic probation. After one semester of straight A’s while proving to be a leader amongst peers, the College realized this probation wasn’t necessary! (Later in life, Dr. Guillen was awarded the Outstanding Alumni Award from his alma mater.) At Asbury he was involved in campus ministries and was elected for several class offices. He also met, and fell head over heels in love with, Myrna Louise Wheeler. They were married after graduation in 1956.
Dr. Guillen began teaching Spanish at Fern Creek High School in Louisville, KY, and then at Kentucky Southern College. In 1969, he interviewed at Anderson College with Drs. Robert Nicholson and Robert Reardon for the Professor of Spanish teaching position. He joyfully held this position, as well as Chairman of the Foreign Language Department, until his retirement in 1995. He travelled extensively to more than 20 countries around the world, leading student and faculty mission trips. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 12 year. He earned his Master’s Degree from Vanderbilt University and his Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Sid was the Chief Translator and in charge of all Language Services for the 1987 Pan American Games held in Indianapolis. Among the highlights of these games were opportunities to meet and translate for top athletes, officials, and international political figures. He also enjoyed working with Gloria Estefan during the closing ceremonies. He received the prestigious Lilly Fellowship in 1979, along with numerous local and state service awards. He was also a member of Anderson Kiwanis.
Dr. Guillen loved running for physical fitness. Every autumn he paid tribute to a former student, Calvin Gressman, by raising funds for a local child with Muscular Dystrophy. He asked friends, co-workers, and neighbors to sponsor the miles he ran. He jogged, logged, collected funds, and presented a check for tens of thousands of dollars to the Muscular Dystrophy Association every Labor Day.
Though these are the accolades his family is proud of, those who know Sid best know his family is what made him most proud and happy. His daughter, Deborah, graduated from Highland in 1981 and from Anderson University in 1985. His son, David, graduated from Highland in 1985 and The United States Air Force Academy in 1991. Deborah Tufts resides in Pendleton with her husband, Todd, and their three children, Isaiah, 16, Joshua, 13, and Elena, 10. They attend Liberty Christian School. David resides in Orlando, FL, with his wife, Ellen. Sid’s wife, Myrna, has been a dedicated kindergarten teacher in the Anderson Community Schools since 1972. She has no plans to retire, so quit asking.
The Guillens have attended East Side Church of God for 40 years. Sid was a Sunday school teacher, a board member, and a guest speaker.
Dr. Guillen is survived by his sister-in-law, Juanita Guillen, his nephew, Mandy Guillen, and niece, Tamera Douglas.
Those who’ve gone on before him include his mother and father, Onelia and Carolos, his 3 brothers, Alex, Julio, and Armando, and his sister, Hilda.
On Thursday, Feb 28, a memorial service will be held at East Side Church of God on 2600 East 5th St at 6:00 PM. The family will be at the church at 2:30 PM for visitation. We would love to see as many of our friends there early so we have time to share with each of you.
Flowers can be sent to the church. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Anderson University (Alvarez/Beeler scholarship fund) c/o Development Center, 1100 E. 5th Street, Anderson Indiana 46012. This is a scholarship fund started by Dr. Guillen that provides yearly tuition assistance to a foreign language student.