I must admit, even though I have to write about death quite often -- more often than you might think, as a sports writer -- I find myself affected today.
The Monday death of Hartley McLeod, who was 81 and had battled Alzheimer's and dementia, was of course sad news. But he wasn't a player in my time here, wasn't of my era, wasn't someone I knew other than a handshake over a steak at his restaurant.
Rob Guinn, however, was my age -- 32. His daughter, Olivia, is 5 months old, while mine is 16 months old.
That hits home.
His wife, Brooke, writing to me, "I have no doubt in my mind that she and I were his last thought," that shook me.
I have received several e-mails and calls from people shocked by Guinn's death, which came Saturday after a car accident in Iowa, after an elderly man ran a stop sign. There aren't too many players I've come across that I feel completely safe in declaring, "Now that was a good guy."
Guinn was one of them.
I recall him leaving practices wearing scrubs because he was taking nursing classes. They called him Gaylord Focker, a reference to "Meet the Parents," because of it. He took it as a compliment. He had his toughness questioned by readers on this very blog, as incredulous a thing as anything I've read, considering he didn't miss a single game in two seasons here.
I guess it didn't quite settle into my brain Sunday night, as I tried to find out what happened, where it happened, who might know about it. But after things cooled down in the office today, I started remembering some things about Guinn -- how he was always a go-to guy for comment in the locker room because of his maturity, how many appearances he made in the Fort Wayne community, that great play he made to set up Jonathan Goodwin for the Game 7 winner in the 2005 semifinals.
Sad stuff.
The truest testament to Guinn I can give you comes from the readers, some of whom are former teammates and reporters who covered him. Check out the comments section of the last few posts and you'll see.
Meanwhile, for all those who asked how to get in touch with the family with well-wishes, I will pass them along when I have them, so check back.
-- By Justin A. Cohn, The Journal Gazette
Well said Justin. I feel so human today after both of these losses to 2 great men. Makes you count your blessings and live everyday like it might be your last. This is a sad day in Komet Nation. Once again, I feel for both families and I am truly sad by the news.
Posted by: Hit Somebody!!! | July 14, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Life does have a way of reminding us from time to time how quickly everything can change. And while it hurts terribly to lose someone like McLeod, it hurts and shocks us to lose someone like Guinn. My thoughts and prayers are with with all who knew and loved these two great Komets.
Posted by: Wendy | July 14, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Cohny...your best entry ever. We're all here if you need anything.
Rob was a guy that led by example. He wanted to make a positive impact on the world and to help people. While he loved hockey, he knew he had a greater purpose...to help people and he did just that. Anyone he met, he left a lasting impression and he will be greatly missed by all. May God be with his family, friends, teammates, and anyone who was lucky enough to talk to Rob just one time but especially, please be with Rob's beautiful little girl who he was so proud of and his wife.
Posted by: Brandon | July 15, 2008 at 01:14 AM
Guinner was a good guy
everybody loved him
heck i bet even his oppoents did
from super hockey man on the ice
to mr. nurse man off :)
he was just an all around good guy
win or lose he always had a smile
he would cheer anyone up
now he sits above us and watches us morn
when he wants nothing more then to see us happy probobly
but ecspecially his wife broke and his little cutie pie of a daughter olivia
your in our prayers
i hope there hockey wheres hes at now
RIP Rob we all miss you dearly! :*(
Posted by: Legault's Hawk Rocks!! | July 15, 2008 at 06:47 AM
Cohny, I know of which you speak. I think having kids especially brings it home, makes you feel more...mortal. You realize there's more to life than just you or your perceptions, needs, wants, hangups, etc. Grieve, because it's healthy to do so. Then hug that kid of yours so tight that she grunts. Hold your lovely wife until you both fall asleep. And above all, enjoy every minute of it.
Posted by: Turner | July 15, 2008 at 08:46 AM
While I did not personally know either of these two Komets, I'm always affected whenever a parent dies...being one myself and having been through the death of a parent at a young age myself, I can honestly say "been there"...please do pass along the contact info for this family when you are able so mourners are able to send their well-wishes. That sustained me when I went through this myself, and I know it will help Rob's wife, and his daughter will love looking back when she is older and seeing how many people her Dad touched. Way to show your feelings, too, Justin...they say part of being a parent is to forever more walk with your heart outside your body. Leaves it open to being broken just a little more, but I would not trade it for the world! I'm gonna go home and hug "the goalie" after work (lucky for me, he'll still let me at age 7) !!!
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 15, 2008 at 09:09 AM
May these two great komets player rest in peace and my thoughts and prayers go out to both families
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 15, 2008 at 09:16 AM
Komets sign Dupuis, Boucher and two other players
Posted by: IcyKometsFan84 | July 15, 2008 at 01:24 PM
My husband and I have a daughter the same age as Olivia. Yesterday was a tough day for me. Not only remembering Guinner, but thinking of his wife and daughter.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 15, 2008 at 04:35 PM
May God Bless the Guinn family
Posted by: mightbite | July 15, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Great post Justin. Rob was the same age I am, and while I don't have kids of my own I do have a baby niece so I can kind of understand where you're coming from. Makes you want to hold your loved ones just a little bit closer.
Posted by: FiveMinuteMajor | July 15, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Having had the pleasure of being a wife of a former komet player during Rob Guinn's time, I can attest to rob's spirit both on and off the ice. All of the players respected Rob not only as a teammate but as a dear friend. Brooke is the perfect compliment to Rob, a heart of gold with a strong spirit. May god be with Brooke and Olivia at this time and let them feel Fort Wayne's prayers. God speed Guinner
Posted by: Community | July 15, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Maybe the next time some idiots get on the blog calling people things like "Roberta" or questioning a players manhood they will stop and think of this and remember you are talking about a fellow human being.
Posted by: punched | July 16, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Punched...something good for us all to remember everyday, not just here...when you complain about the phone company person, etc, just remember they all have bad days too and keep perspective (no, I don't work for the phone company, but I do work with the public!). I love when people are nice to me, at my job, on here, wherever...we all do...makes life so much better and really is not so hard to do! Believe me, you never know when the next thing you say to someone could be the last thing you say to them, so make it count! I'm SO not perfect and I have my screwup moments, but I try to be nice...so have a good day!! :) Especially you, Jungle Monkey...just continuing the Hockey Monkey love...LOL!!
Posted by: Cat Eyes | July 17, 2008 at 02:01 PM