Guy Smyth
Guy Smyth wasn't much of a talker. It was the Texan in him. But his life told quite a tale. In 1952 26-year-old Guy left all he knew behind him, flying out of the Amarillo, Texas airport for the distant country of Saudi Arabia. Soon he was joined by his wife, Pat, and his young son Stephen. They embarked on a 26-year adventure, Guy working for what was then the Arabian American Oil Company and what is now Saudi Aramco. They built a community and a life. Valerie was born in 1954 followed by twins, Melanie and Melissa, in 1963. The adventure ended July 2, 2016 when Guy, 89, died the way he wanted, in his home, surrounded by his three daughters. Guy was born on November 25, 1926, in Amarillo to Guy Everett Smyth and Evelyn Pitts Smyth. Lying about his age, he joined the Navy at the age of 17 to serve his country during World War II. After returning home he went to college in Texas but decided his future lay in the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. While undergoing medical tests to travel overseas he met Patricia Pfau, a friendly and vivacious lab tech who took his blood. Within a short time they were married. Guy showed Pat and their kids the world. He loved his family. His kids and grandkids were everything to him. Nothing made him happier than a full house on Christmas morning at their retirement home in Fountain Hills or at their cabin in Pinetop. Guy was pre-deceased by his parents, Guy and Evelyn, beloved wife, Pat; his son, Stephen; his sister, Peggy; his sister-in-law, Phyllis; his brother-in-law JimSwedback; his nephew, Jeff; and his niece, Vicky. He is survived by daughters Valerie Smyth, Melanie Sprout and Melissa Bordow; sons-in-law Jeff Sprout and Scott Bordow; daughter-in-law Pam Smyth; eight grandchildren, Meredith and Grant Smyth; Stephen, Sam, Silas and Jamie Sprout; Ryan and Emily Bordow; brothers- and sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. A service is being held Friday at 10 a.m. at Grace Community Church, 1200 E. Southern Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85282.