Parade Info
Vinton Guy
Born May 16, 1924 on a cattle ranch in Benkelman, Nebraska, Vinton Guy moved to Emmett, Idaho at the age of 10, where he graduated high school and joined the Navy. When the Navy recruiter asked in what area of service he was interested, he responded engineering “…so they made me a Medic”, Vinton told me. Having served as a Hospital Medic for five years with tours in Europe and Japan, Vinton worked with amputees, realizing the rank of Sergeant. On his tour duty in Tokyo, in 1947, he served with the 71st Signal Battalion and ran the Dispensary.
It was in Tokyo at a wedding reception where Vinton met his wife Sally, another Medic serving as a member of the Women’s Army Corps. The two returned home, Vinton from Idaho and Sally of Boston, where they married April 1949 and share their union of 63 years still today. After marriage the two found themselves in Salt Lake City, Utah when Vinton decided to attend school. He said “We wanted to live in Phoenix or Denver and we flipped a coin” so Denver it was and one of the best decisions he could have made.
In 1959 Vinton joined the Bureau of Reclamation, Division of Research and Laboratory Services where he retired with 28 years of service with the Government; 23 of those years of were dedicated in Concrete Laboratory, Division of Research and Laboratory Services. His position as a material’s engineering technician developed into one of great importance, as he received numerous superior performance awards including the Meritorious Service Award in 1968 and in 1972 the Reclamation Technical Club Merit Certificate. The latter was given for his key role in developing a tutoring program for disadvantaged youths in the Denver area.
Sally & Vinton Guy, The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade (2007)
In addition to his routine duties, Vinton was a major organizer and master of ceremonies for the Biennial 2-week Concrete Control and Inspection Courses and Basic Concrete Technology Courses offered by the Concrete and Structural Branch of the US Government. The bureau was recognized as the world leader in concrete technology and Vinton was the principal investigator for research in the “Longtime Study of Concrete in Dams”. Additionally his endeavors included a 2-month tour of duty representing the Bureau at the Louisiana World Exposition exhibit. Vinton retired from the Government in 1985.
During is career with the Bureau, Vinton joined the American Legion Sally & Vinton at the Reception for Appointment
in 1952 where he earned the rank of Commander (1971-1972) five to National Vice Commander of American Legion
years later becoming State Commander (1976-1977) followed by
National Vice Commander (1989-1990). He was one of five persons in this position wherein he personally oversaw the Western States; the American Legion had approximately 2 million members at that time. In addition to his Post positions, he participated on the Foreign Relations Commission for 25 years serving as a member on Far Eastern Affairs and also a member of the Special POW/MAI Committee.
Throughout Vinton and Sally’s residence in Colorado, both were active in a variety of Associations, Leagues, and Committees; Vinton stands as the longest serving member of The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, over 45 years. He heard of the Parade while in attendance at the Irish Fellowship Club as well as the American Legion, “Jim Eakins was very persuasive. He would insist you attend meetings whether you wanted to or not”. Vinton joined the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in 1967.
Despite his busy schedule with the Government Bureau and the American Legion, he paid his dues, he thinks it was about $5.00 at that time, and engulfed upon another impressive career participation with the Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Vinton recalls the first meeting he attended being held at The American Legion at Third and Broadway where he remembered approximately 100 people were in attendance.
Over the past 45 years Vinton has held various positions as an active member to include Marshall, Awards Committee, Nominating Committee, Parade Entries, Grandstand, Entries Judge, and even as an Director. Besides his role as a Committee Member, Vinton also enjoyed marching in the parade; his fondest memory was a float name “Finnegan’s Wake”. He played role as one of the pallbearers and in the levity of the Parade, good old Finnegan, played as Jim Gleason, lay in the casket occasionally sitting up to take a drink of his Guinness only to lower again continuing his “Resting in Peace”, as it were. “The parade is great fun, meeting so many participants that are friends. It’s hard work but very fulfilling; you make friends for life.” Vinton added.
The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade has a special place in the heart of Vinton and when asked to share what the Parade means to him he responded by saying “Every parade was special in its own way; we had great fun”. Among the positions held over the years, Vinton Guy has now earned the most prestigious title of Grand Marshall. For all of your hard work and dedication, your participation has enabled the ushering in of The Golden Jubilee 50th Annual Denver St Patrick's Day Parade.
When asked. “What would you like to share with the Denver Community regarding your participation with the Parade?” Vinton responded saying it’s “The enjoyment of all the attendees, it’s not just an Irish Parade but a people’s parade.” Well said Vinton, and on behalf of all members
Community, Thank You for all you have done throughout your tireless 45 year commitment; your participation will always be remembered and appreciated! Outstanding Service Vinton!
