Death date: Sep 6, 2019
Tom Guinney, beloved father, grandfather, friend, restauranteur, and entrepreneur, passed away on September 6th of natural causes at his daughter's home in Oregon City, Oregon.\r\n\r\nBorn in Hollywood, California on January 13, 1 Read Obituary
Wow! What an amazing man, and life he lead. Full of adventure, good-will and integrity. I did not know him personally, but would love to have met him. I have worked in the restaurant industry, and success relies on a great product, value and big personality; all that Tom seemed to possess.
Today is October 18, 2019 and I just heard about Tom passing away. I met my friend and mentor back in 1978 when he partnered with my family in the Bay Marie restaurant in San Clemente,Ca. He was instrumental in helping me get accepted into the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He used to tell me that he was going to get a \"big toy\" in Salt Lake City with two other people ( John Williams and Tom Sieg). What a toy! I was with him for 5 years as Chef of Market Street Grill from opening day til my departure to Southern Ca. During that time I learned more about operating a business with him than I learned during my time at the Culinary Institute. After leaving his mentorship, I opened one restaurant in San Diego County ( Operating still) and three more in Colorado. I could always here him in the back of my mind and always made sure I considered \"perseived value\" for the guest. One last thing I always did was to check the dining room and make sure the \"salt and pepper shakers were filled\". My success was because of him. I wish now I would have told him. I wish he knew what a model he was for me.He really was a giant in the food service industry and also in my life. Thank you, Tommy. Rest well. You did everything you need to do and then some.
Tom Guinney was a great restaurateur, businessman and friend, and his upbeat attitude and enthusiasm enriched all of us who knew him. Together with John Williams and Tom Sieg, he transformed forever Salt Lake City\'s restaurant scene. To have the last of these three amigos gone is a great loss for our city and state. May Tom\'s commitment to excellence continue at the Market Street restaurants for many years to come. To Tom\'s family - my condolences at the loss of a great father and a great man.
Alex, I can only imagine the grief you are experiencing at this time. I was saddened to hear of your Fathers passing. As a neighbor across the street on 9th avenue Tom and I had many talks on the sidewalks and the times He would solicit my help to drive you and Victoria to school when He was busy. There are many Guinneys but only one Tom. May you find solace in your memories of your Father, Mother and Victoria. Tom will be remembered by many many friends and associates. May you be blessed with strength to cope with your profound loss.
Dear Alex: I used to work for your Dad, as a GM for the Grill, Oyster Bar, Broiler , Cafe Pierpont & Baci. I had the honor of knowing him when you & your sister were born. Seeing his smiling & proud face talking about his girls.\r\nYour dad was a true force in the restaurant/hospitality industry. \r\nI enjoyed the trust of running many of his restaurants And the space he gave me to be creative. We definitely had our differences & own ideas over the years but behind the scenes we worked it out & added to, at least, my growth in life.\r\nAt my initial interview he shared his goal & dream was to have restaurants endure in a community for thirty years & provide good service and food. If he could create that he would accomplish his professional goals & dreams. He did that & more & I applaud him & honor his work ethic & commitment.\r\nI also had the pleasure & experience of knowing your mother & I definitely witnessed their adventurous & fun loving side, especially during our month long trip to Italy for research prior to opening Baci.\r\nHe loved & cherished you dearly and always shared that with the people he met.\r\nCongratulations on your babygirl & I am so happy Tom got to ecperience being a grandfather.\r\nI am sorry I cannot attend his service as I live in another state and just learned of his passing but my thought & heartfelt wishes will be upfront in my mind .\r\nTo honor him I will give a donation to the Boxer Rescue in his name.
We are very sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
I worked with the Salt Lake County Board of Health in the late 90\'s when Tom was very actively leading the Board. He was my first role model in how public agencies can and do make a difference in the community they serve. Gastronomy was always one of the dependable donors for non-profit fundraisers too. He did a lot of good work all while being a kind and professional person. My condolences to his many friends and family.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Tom�??s passing. I couldn�??t count the hours of joy, excitement and fun I spent in his restaurants over the years. The Oyster Bar in Downtown Salt Lake was always in my mind �??my favorite restaurant in the world�?�. I never had a meal there I didn�??t like. The food was always wonderful thanks to Tom, Tom and John. That restaurant was part of the fabric of my life for a period of 25 years for both lunch and dinner. It was where I met with people to conduct business and have fun with friends. �??Let�??s meet at the Oyster Bar,�?� was something I said hundreds of times while living in Salt Lake. Thank you, thank you, thank you Tom for the joy and happiness your restaurants have always brought to my life. The memories will never be forgotten nor will you and your kindness to me over the years. Thank you again for influencing my life in such a positively wonderful way. Love and joy are what you added to my life and i can�??t think of anything better a person could share with others.
Dear, dear Tom. A true gentleman, generous, kind, FUNNY, genuine and sweet. I met Tom in 2002 while managing the re-election campaign for Rocky Anderson. Tom would generously treat our hungry and oft overworked staff to gallons of his famous clam chowder and baci rolls. We remained friends for years. I could always count on Tom�??s wise council and generosity. We profoundly will miss him.
Dearest Alex: \nThis is Mary Holbrook-Henriksen, I am the Mother of Shanton Marie Browne and Ashley Jackson. I am writing you on behalf of my entire family. \nWe want to send you our thoughts and prayers, and to let you know how much we have missed you in our lives.. I am here to help you. If you need anything at all. I know how hard it is to lose a Father.
