Guy Coleman

EDITOR’S NOTE: A church community is created when people gather together for the love of God. At the same time, Saint Philip’s is composed of many people who represent different ages, life experiences, and world views.

The “In conversation…” series is one attempt to create possibilities for connection between the different people in our community. As varied as we all are, there are also similarities and mutual interests waiting to be discovered. And there is one thing we all share: A desire to know God and be in relationship with him.

This week’s conversation is with Guy Coleman, a Saint Philip’s parishioner and volunteer.

Guy Coleman

How long have you been a parishioner of Saint Philip’s?
Since 1994. My wife, Donna, and I attended together until she became ill in 1995 and eventually died in 2015. We were married for 51 wonderful years.

What do you like about Saint Philip’s?
The same thing that brought me to the Episcopal Church in the first place: it is in front of culture change, not behind it. There are so many ministries here that there is an opportunity for everyone to get involved in something.

How are you involved at Saint Philip’s?
I’m one of the leaders of the usher guild. In such a large congregation it’s helpful to have volunteers who are enthusiastic about greeting people and helping direct newcomers.

I really enjoy ushering because it allows me to participate in the liturgy and I like working with the other ushers; everyone is very nice.

What did you do before you retired?
I was an aerospace engineer. I was in the Air Force for four years and then worked for Hughes Aircraft in Southern California. I moved to Tucson in 1994 when Hughes consolidated missile engineering with missile manufacturing in Tucson. While in missile engineering in Southern California I started the digital image processing group.

It was fascinating work because everything was new. Nothing like it had ever been done before. The technology field led to things such as automatic target recognition, electronic license plate readers, motion picture computer graphics, and facial recognition.

Were you raised in a faith tradition?
I grew up in a small town in Kentucky close to the Tennessee border. My father was a Disciple of Christ and my mother was raised as a Baptist. But I was introduced to the Episcopal Church when one Christmas Eve my mother suggested my wife and I attend the Episcopal Church because it had the best music.

How do you like to spend your time when not at Saint Philip’s?
I love to hike. I’ve backpacked extensively in the Sierra Nevada mountains, including the John Muir trail. Now I hike in the Tucson Mountains once a week.

I’m also a ham radio operator. I spend about two hours every morning chatting with friends all over the western United States. Astronomy is another love; when possible I volunteer to support the Bryce Canyon National Park astronomy festival in June.

What’s are two fun facts about you?
I graduated from college, was commissioned in the Air Force, and got married all in the same week!

I also have seven patents—all pertaining to computer processing of images.