Mayor Jackie Biskupski issued the following statement on the passing of Tom Guinney who died of natural causes at his home in Oregon on Friday. 

“When I talk about my dear friend, Tom Guinney, I love to tell people we can enjoy eating fresh seafood every day in Salt Lake City because of him. Although Tom was not originally from Salt Lake City, this was his hometown. As a successful business owner and community member, he was generous with his time, talents, and resources. Kind to friend and stranger alike, and always looking for ways to improve this community through his work. Like many others, I considered Tom both a friend and a mentor.

The impact of Tom’s life continues to be felt throughout Salt Lake City. You can see it in the beautifully restored buildings he helped save and in the countless restaurant owners, chefs, and managers, he helped train and mentor. Mostly, you can feel it in the deep respect many in this community continue to feel for a man who brought people together and made everyone feel welcome.

My thoughts are with Tom’s family, especially his daughter Alex, granddaughter Faye, and son-in-law Jon, whom he loved deeply.”

Mayor Biskupski awarded Tom the “Key to the City” on January 13, 2017 for his outstanding contributions in hospitality, philanthropy, the arts, and for his endeavors beautifying and preserving the historic nature of Salt Lake City.

Funeral services will be held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine with interment following at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. 

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