Wonderful boy, even better man
From a young age, Cody embodied a balance of sensitivity and strength. Protective and loyal, he could relate to just about anyone. He was very close to his family, including his brother Collin, and sisters Katy, Lanie, and Haley. His favorite activities included beach trips and sports of all kinds, but especially football and baseball. He played in his younger years and became a loyal fan as an adult. The apple of Cody’s eye was his baby girl Kensie. His father, Bruce, remembers Cody as a dedicated dad who loved nothing more than spending his free time with her.
As a kid, when Cody was excited about a plan, he was determined to see it through. Bruce remembers the time that Cody was so eager to go bowling that he was up at dawn to finish all of his chores before the alley opened, just to ensure they’d get there without any hitches in the plan. Gifted on the bowling lanes as well as on baseball and football fields, he was the natural leader of whatever team he played on. A family man to his core, when he wasn’t working in construction or restaurant positions, he was patiently caring and loving his daughter or instinctively protecting his sisters.
Cody’s struggle with substance use began in his late teens. He lost motivation for anything he’d once desired. He became a shadow of himself. Dishonesty and behavioral shifts left his loved ones afraid for his future. His girlfriend Kelly stood by him through his struggles as misuse stole away the strong, honorable man his loved ones once knew. The last time Bruce saw Cody was at his daughter’s wedding, where his son served as an usher. This beautiful memory remains.
In deep grief, Cody’s father Bruce struggles with anger and sorrow. The ache of mourning is indescribable. He’ll never stop missing his son’s laughter, hugs, and the conversations they once shared. To uphold his son’s legacy, Bruce has dedicated himself to advocacy, educating himself on interactions with families experiencing substance use disorder. Kensie, her father’s pride and joy, now carries Cody’s light forward into the future.
Cody’s father, Bruce Guthrie, provided the information for this narrative.
October 23, 1991–March 16, 2021–Age 29
Narrative Writer: Jill Marie Denton
Portrait Artist: Shawn Faust
