The Hamburg education community pays tribute to the late Guy R. Ketch, Jr., a former Hamburg teacher for 39 years.
Ketch, of Hamburg, died at age 70 on Jan. 30 in St. Joseph’s Hospital. The previous day he attended the Hamburg Hall of Fame induction during the Hamburg basketball game. He spent his last evening with former colleagues and students.
Ketch last taught American Cultures in the 8th grade in the Hamburg Area Middle School retiring in 2006. He was an assistant varsity football and track coach for more than 25 years, as well as a member of the Berks County Interscholastic Athletic Association, Gold Leaf Member, and a member of the Hamburg Area Education Association, last working for the Hamburg Borough Recreation Department, according to his obituary posted online by Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home Inc., http://www.burkeydriscoll.com.
Ketch’s daughter Kristen thanked everyone for their tributes.
“I have always known how much my father touched peoples lives because he taught me to do the same. But we are blown away by the love and support coming from across the country even into Canada! There is even a tribute to my Dad on a billboard when leaving Hamburg,” said Kristen. “My dad is my hero and will be for the rest of my life.”
The billboard on Route 61 says, “Guy Ketch. Loved by all – Honored to have shared you. You Are Missed.”
“He was instrumental in opening our new exemplary middle school on such a positive note. Throughout his career he consistently demonstrated his total commitment to our students and our community,” said Geno McGorry, who was hired as the middle school assistant principal in 1998 and worked with Ketch until Ketch retired in 2006.
McGorry described Ketch as the perfect middle level educator.
“Guy knew his content and subject matter better than anyone, but always put his students first. He truly cared about ALL of his students as young people with tremendous potential to contribute to our society. He always took the time and went out of his way to speak with and connect with all his current and former students.”
McGorry said Ketch brought to Hamburg a love and enthusiasm for learning and always went above and beyond for everyone he associated with. He will be remembered for the countless thousands of students and staff members’ lives that he touched throughout his career, he said.
“I am a better person and educator because I had the opportunity to know and work with Mr. Ketch,” said McGorry.
Hamburg Area School District Athletic Director Aaron Menapace first met Guy in 1999.
“I knew him as a teacher and coach. Guy was very involved. He was usually the first one to and last one to leave the middle school when he was teaching. He always had an interest in whatever kept kids busy and off the streets. He was a kind man with a huge heart,” said Menapace.
He said Ketch brought to Hamburg “a great work ethic, but more importantly he brought the mentality that we should all work hard, sacrifice and do what was best for the kids.”
“Guy will be remembered by a lot of people for many things – all good,” said Menapace. “He will probably be remembered as a caring teacher and coach that always had time for the kids. He’ll be remembered as an exceptional citizen, someone with pride in Hamburg and someone who anyone could go to for advice.”
Douglas Macbeth was the Assistant Superintendent at Hamburg during most of Ketch’s teaching experience at Hamburg.
“Mr. Ketch was a very caring person. He always was a listening ear for any student needing to talk,” said Macbeth. “Not only was he an excellent teacher but also a wonderful person respected by everyone. I will most remember seeing him standing outside his classroom door as he was talking with a student who needed that listening ear.”
“Guy Ketch loved his students, was highly respected by his colleagues, and was a teacher that we in administration were proud to have on our team,” he said.
Joseph Padasak, Hamburg Area Middle School Principal from 1996 to 2002, met Ketch in fall of 1996.
“He is remembered by me as a soft spoken gentleman whom never had a bad word to say about anyone. In addition, because of his reaching out and caring nature, many students would confide their many problems with him. He brought to Hamburg a sincere love of community. Being from New Jersey he felt that Hamburg is the perfect small town, and a great place to live and raise his family,” said Padasak. “I will always remember Guy as a teacher and person whom had excellent inter-personal skills. He could talk to anyone and never offend them. The Hamburg community lost a committed true friend and dedicated community servant.”
Hamburg music teacher Christine Ryan met Ketch in 1996 while they were both teachers at Hamburg Middle School. He taught 8th grade in the basement, which is where she taught music. She said they were quickly identified, along with Jeanette Heckman and Sally Smedley, as some of the most unorganized teachers in the building, true right brained teachers.
“When you met Guy anywhere, in the hallway or at a social gathering, the first thing he would check on is how you were doing. He was always genuinely concerned about everyone’s well-being, and was a terrific listener. I always knew that, if I had something on my mind, that not only would Guy suspect it, but he would sit me down and listen while I spelled out my story. He was one of the most compassionate teachers I have ever met, and I pattern my teaching after his,” said Ryan.
She said students remember that he cared about them.
“He looked out for his fellow teachers, staff and the students he taught in a completely sincere way. He had a warm smile and a wonderful laugh. If there was a school event, from a concert to a game to a reunion, Guy would be there supporting the students,” she said.
What Ryan will always remember about Ketch is his compassion for everyone he knew.
“He was open and caring, and not afraid to share his feelings and thoughts. When I think about it, he is the kind of teacher and friend that will be remembered first for his goodwill, compassion and caring. There is no better way to be remembered, is there?”
Judith Driscoll knew Ketch for more than 20 years in different capacities. Her son was friends with his son from Little League through the present.
“When your kids are the same age and involved in activities, its only natural for parents to become friends. Guy always helped out with little league at that point. My oldest was the only one of my four children who had him as a teacher and to this day considers him one of his best educators. In 1996, they opened the Middle School and we became co-workers. Ordinarily the nurse and the social studies teacher don’t have their paths crossing too much. The common denominator for us was the school store,” she said.
They both started helping out with the store from the day it opened.
“As the years went by, and teachers retired or relocated, it eventually fell on our shoulders. He worked tirelessly at school dances and basketball games in the concession stand and chaperoning the kids at these events. He also helped out with multiple middle school sports,” said Driscoll. “For him, it was all about what’s best for kids. When my one son was the basketball coach at Hamburg right out of college, Guy’s son was on his team. Guy went out of his way to mentor Kevin to be able to deal with all aspects of coaching. He always had time to help, listen, teach, coach, counsel, parent, and advise students, friends and family. He always liked that we used our school store funds to help students, and he said that he hoped one day that we could use that money for some kind of scholarship.”
Nanette M. Eisenhuth was a colleague with Ketch at the high school before the middle school was built.
“Guy was the true definition of a teacher. He had a genuine concern for all his students along with the faculty and staff. That care and concern went beyond the classroom and even graduation,” said Eisenhuth. “He brought to Hamburg a man that students looked at as a teacher, coach, mentor and father figure which is what he will be remembered for. There is a sad cloud over Hamburg right now. If everyone he touched could be a little like Guy, his memory will live on and the world will be a kinder, gentler place.”
Facebook Tributes
Readers posted comments on the Northeast Berks News Facebook page.
Matt Lutz posted, “One of the best teachers I ever had.”
Carol Cronrath posted, “A fantastic man and a fantastic teacher. A great loss for all.”
Steve Dietrich posted, “Great teacher, fantastic coach, and a wonderful person. You will be missed coach.”
Cynthia Riley posted, “He was an inspiration to so many young people… RIP Mr. Ketch.”
Heather Rymshaw posted, “He was a great man.”
Former Hamburg teacher Carl Hess wished to share tributes from his Facebook feed.
Christy Herrmann McLaughlin, Hamburg, posted, “Maybe we can learn one more lesson from Mr. Ketch. He was at the game Friday night and the next day he was gone. Say what needs to be said today, do what needs to be done today, tomorrow may not come. My Facebook feed is filled with great memories of Mr. Ketch, clearly one of the great teachers at Hamburg. (At the time we all had him though we probably hated his notebook!) It is clear that he has had an impact on most people in our community. Take this lesson Mr. Ketch is teaching us and learn from it- act on it. Even with his passing he has taught us once again.”
Mario Brown Salgado posted, “If anyone knew this man, congratulations because one of the purest and honest men I know. He was one of the few old school teachers that cared more about the well being and future of his students than the paycheck at the end of the week. He will be missed and loved forever. Thank you, Mr. Ketch, for the laughs and words of wisdom. RIP Guy Ketch.”
Bonnie Umberger, Hamburg, posted, “To Guy… As a very young girl, I knew you first as a family friend… then in Jr. high, as a teacher… and as the years went by, as my colleague… And in all that time, I still called you “Mr. Ketch”… Not out of habit, but due to profound respect… You held high standards for your students and accepted no less than their best… I’ll always admire that… The world has lost an incredible man… But what I think I will miss the most is something selfish — it’s your sweet hug and kiss on the cheek each time you saw me and your genuine inquiry as to how I, along with my entire family were doing… Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pat, Kristen, and Michael…”
Michele Christman Seitzinger posted, “Hamburg lost an amazing man and former teacher today… I will always have fond memories of Guy Ketch as my 7th & 8th grade history and home room teacher, and as a lifelong friend. RIP Mr. Ketch. You made a positive impact on more lives than you and your family will ever know.”
Shawn Garman posted, “Although I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Guy Ketch, I enjoy reading everyone’s tributes to him. As I read, I find myself nodding and saying “me too.” Apparently, Mr. Ketch had a knack for seeing a student in need, and stepping in at the right time. I’m glad I took the time to thank him for doing that. He shrugged it off like it was no big deal, I hope it was because he heard that a lot. Since 8th grade, all my notebooks have been “Ketchbooks,” minus the table of contents and I really do remember him every time I start an outline. So thanks Guy, for teaching me how to learn too. My condolences to the entire Ketch family, the HAHS family, and to Bill Sakusky. You two were not just colleagues, but friends… no, brothers.”
Nichole Miller,* Shoemakersville, posted, “So extremely sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Ketch!!! He was truly an inspiration and one of the best teachers I have had the privilege to learn from!!! Your presence will surely be missed, but I know that your memory will live on in all of the students whose lives you have touched and influenced!! May you rest in peace and know that your students and their accomplishments are proof of your victory for humanity!” “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.”
Tracy Briskey posted, “So sad to hear of the passing of a wonderful teacher. Mr. Ketch was an inspiration to many of the students who attended Hamburg High School, especially those of us who later became teachers. Thanks to a man who made learning about history fun. You will be missed, prayers for his family.”
Funeral services held Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. in the Bridge Church, 3561 Old 22, Hamburg, PA. 19526, with viewing in the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions may be made to the Hamburg Area Education Foundation, 701 Windsor Street, Hamburg, PA 19526 or The American Heart Association 212 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA. 18018.
The Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc. Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at ww.burkeydriscoll.com.
