Richard Nichols Guyan, 84, of Conway, AR, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015, in Conway, AR.
A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist in Conway, AR, on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, AR, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Guyan was born on May 9, 1931, the son of the late Martha and Roy Guyan, formerly of Litchfield. He married his wife, Beverly, in 1954, and she survives.
He graduated from Litchfield High School in 1949 and then attended Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where he received a doctor of optometry degree in l954. After marrying, he served two years in the U.S. Army, assigned to the EENT Clinic at Fort Campbell, KY.
Following his discharge Mr. Guyan returned to Litchfield to practice optometry with his father, Dr. Roy Guyan. After his father died he continued to practice optometry until his retirement in 1992. He was a lifetime member of the American Optometric Association and he and his family were active members of St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Litchfield.
In addition to his career, he participated in many civic organizations in Litchfield such as the Nature Conservancy and working with the Shoal Creek volunteers. He served as president of the Litchfield Rotary Club, served on the board of the Elmwood Cemetery and was also a hospice volunteer. He was an avid and loyal fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, following their progress daily. Stan Musial was his boyhood hero.
After his retirement, Mr. Guyan and his wife moved to Fairfield Bay, AR, and spent 17 happy years there taking part in many activities. He was a Master Gardener, served on the board of the Northern Arkansas Art Council and on the “Hart” Fitness Center board. His favorite activities were working in his yard, playing golf, walking nature trails and volunteering for projects at the Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church.
In 2014, the Guyans left Fairfield Bay and moved to Conway, AR, where they joined the First United Methodist Church. Together they enjoyed attending concerts, plays and athletic events at the local colleges. He volunteered with the church food bank program and also with the CARTI cancer center.
Mr. Guyan was a devoted husband who loved life, family and nature, gave selflessly to others without seeking recognition, and enjoyed learning more about the various people he interacted with. He had a keen sense of humor and will be missed by many.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Becky (husband Jim) Cuthbertson of Montrose, CO, and David Guyan of St. Louis; four grandchildren, Patrick (wife Elise) Kelly of Golden, CO, Daniel Kelly of Conifer, CO, Megan Herzog of St. Louis and Austin Guyan of Farmington, MO.
