Wayne Guttormsen, 73, passed away at home after a tough, yearlong fight with Stage 4 colon cancer.
Wayne grew up in Leonardo, loving the water, so during the Vietnam War, he joined the Coast Guard and spent a year on board the U.S.C.G.C. Castle Rock, deploying it to Vietnam. As a result, he received the Domain of the Golden Dragon and the Domain of Neptunus Rex certificates.
Wayne’s favorite memories from childhood were spending time with his grandfather and learning to fish.
His life spanned many friendships and stories, from motorcycle riding to world-class sailboat racing to skiing with his favorite uncle and, in later years, joining the tide watchers in Keyport, because there is nothing like a good story told more than once.
Professionally, Wayne mastered all aspects of technology, working as a consultant for many years, digging companies out of real problems and then moving on to the infrastructure domain, working with high-end server technology. He was instrumental in getting portions of Merrill Lynch back up and running after the 9/11 attacks.
He shared his love of the water with his wife Sue and they spent summers relaxing in the sun on their boat and watching the newest family of ospreys take flight. He was more than generous and kind and always willing to help. He loved things with four feet but not always ones with two.
There are really no words that capture what Wayne meant to his family or the amazing relationship between Wayne and his wife Sue. Somehow, love, friendship, endless patience and kindness just don’t seem adequate, and he will be deeply missed by all.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 35 years, Susan Ashley; brother David Guttormsen and his wife Aleen; sisters, Sheila Guttormsen and Karen Fisler; five nieces and nephews, Ryan Guttormsen and his wife Meghamn, Kelsey Fitton and her husband Alex, Catlin Varley and her husband Greer, Kirsten Deyback and her husband Billy, and Kara Fisler; and eight grand-nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. May 29 at John E. Day Funeral Home in Red Bank. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. May 30 at St. Agnes in Leonardo. Donations to Lunch Break in Red Bank are requested in lieu of flowers.
The article originally appeared in the May 29 – June 4, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
