Support for Ed Guthrie’s Lung Transplant

Ed Guthrie was diagnosed six months ago with Pulmonary Fibrosis and has been recently admitted to UCLA. Pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that causes scarring of the lungs. There is no cure. He is getting excellent care and support from the teams of doctors, but Ed’s only hope for survival is a lung transplant. He and his wife of 30 years, Kellie, would be so grateful for any assistance provided for medical and living expenses.

The Guthries have been a part of the Santa Clarita Valley Community for over 60 years.

For nearly 16 years, from 1962 to 1978, Ed’s father James “Bob” Guthrie was the Station Agent at the Saugus Train Station. With his wife Arminta by his side, along with five of their six children, the family lived and worked at the train depot. Ed was 10 years old when they moved into the depot. In his adulthood, he worked for the railroad for several years and his fondness for trains continues today.

Ed attended local schools, graduating from Hart High School. He played football while in high school but opted against going out for the basketball team because their shorts were too short. A lifelong Dodger fan, he and his father attended a Dodger game in 1960 at the Colosseum before the stadium was built. He remains passionate about sports, especially golf. He began playing golf in his 40s and up until recently when his health rapidly declined, he enjoyed a twice weekly game of golf with his friends.

Ed was a union heavy equipment operator for 30 years, working for Kiewit and other local contractors.

He then worked as a Union Business Agent for Operating Engineers Local 12 until his retirement in 2013. Following retirement, Ed became active in the Santa Clarita Elks Lodge, enjoying the members, the camping club, and the community volunteer projects. He is a member of the SCV Historical Society and has been a member of the Elkins Men’s Golf club for over 20 years.

Ed has never met a stranger and loves to tell his stories, which most people soon figure out are one of his jokes. His sense of humor is still evident, notably this past week when he asked the transplant doctors if a new lung would help gain him some distance on his golf drive. They laughed, but we think he may be serious about this.

Ed’s constant companion throughout the years have been his dogs. He and Kellie affectionately refer to their dogs as circus dogs because Ed teaches them so many tricks which they then perform upon command. One of the highlights of Ed’s long hospital days are visits from the therapy dogs.

Ed and Kellie sold their home in Castaic a few years ago and have enjoyed traveling in their RV with their sweet dog, Maggie. Settling in Arizona for the winter, their summers were spent in cooler climates, fishing new rivers, teeing off on new golf courses, and spending quality time with loved ones. Today, he is too sick to leave the hospital. He and Kellie have had to relocate from Arizona to be eligible for a transplant and will need to remain near UCLA for a year or more to attend frequent postoperative appointments.

Ed's only hope is a lung transplant. He is extremely motivated to earn this precious gift and knows that he is not promised tomorrow. We remain hopeful and are praying for the best outcome. However, we understand the magnitude of the situation and know that nothing is certain. Either way, considerable expenses will accumulate. We are asking for support related to medical and basic needs for both Ed and Kellie during this challenging time.