John C. Gutierrez

John Gutierrez left this life on May 11, 2021. John was born on March 29, 1956 to his beloved parents Adrian and Ramona Gutierrez, in Phoenix Arizona. John is survived by his life partner of 34 years, Michael Bolt. John is also survived by his loving sisters Irene (Willie) Daley and Angie Arrellano and his brothers Frank (Claudia) Gutierrez and Adrian Gutierrez Jr. He was predeceased by his brother Raymond Gutierrez. He is also survived by his wonderful nieces and nephews Lily, Kim, Joanne, Kathy, Babo, Mark, Dodo, Anna, Gabriel, Rosemary, Shawna and Forrest.

John led a very, active, fulfilling and happy life. From his early days, he shared many beautiful stories of his wonderful childhood and the times he spent with his parents, brothers, sisters and the many nieces and nephews with whom he had many happy and very funny memories. John developed many lasting and joyful friendships throughout the years, especially Pam “Duff” Lopez. He was a proud graduate of the former East High School in Phoenix.

Throughout his life, one of the many constants on a daily basis was his love of music. Since he was a child, he loved his oldies and had an extensive collection of vinyl records. He knew so much about songs and artists and record labels. He was quite the historian.

John then got into disco during the heyday of this genre. He would often talk of the friends he made during this time, the discos in Phoenix he went to and all the times he won dance contests with his partners. John was very much into fun times while at the same time he worked as a dj at a local radio station. During this time, he also obtained his AA degree from Phoenix College.

Later John started working with the State of Arizona helping disabled children. It was during this time that he ended up getting shot in the face and neck in 1982, changing his life forever and setting him on a new path, while still remembering all that came before. John went through rehabilitation successfully and was always grateful to his family for their unwavering support and help during these early days of his injury. John successfully obtained his Bachelor’s of Social Work at ASU during this time. He shared stories of some wonderful Vocational Rehabilitation counselors from this time, but didn’t know at the time how this would inform his later work.

John then went on to obtain his Master of Social Work degree from ASU. His father was his primary caregiver during this time, but sadly he was in a terrible car accident and was no longer able to provide the care needed. John was doing a field placement at the time at Arizona Bridge to Independent Living. This agency provided caregiving services. As it happened, the person who normally interviewed prospective caregivers was not available on a certain day and John was asked to step in. Whether by fate or Divine intervention, that’s when he met and interviewed Michael. Michael was accepted and went to their three week training class. Every day that John was there, they would talk and share stories, and then John asked Michael to be his caregiver. There was never any question that this was meant to be. And right from the start, it was never an attendant/client relationship, it was love.

One year later, John graduated with his Master’s degree. He went searching for work but never found the right fit. But as it happened, his Vocational Rehabilitation counselor suggested John attend an employment workshop for people who may have difficulty finding work due to their levels of impairment. It was here that John was directed to the place that would be another defining time in his life. In May of 1989, John interviewed and was hired by the Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest, which later splintered off to the Arizona Center for Disability Law.

John was so happy and proud to work for the Center, and for 32 years he helped clients first as the intake worker and eventually on to Staff Advocate. He did many wonderful things for many people during these years and developed many lasting friendships, with coworkers, community partners and with clients. He really enjoyed his work and all the opportunities it gave him. He loved when he could help his clients obtain successful outcomes. He loved going to conferences and doing trainings whenever and wherever he could go.

John believed strongly in the power of prayer. John has a saint for just about every condition or cause and he would regularly pray a devotional to all of them.

John will be missed for all the good he brought to this world. He had a love of films, music, award shows, Olympics, tennis, reality tv, tropical fish, travelling and his favorite movie quotes. His sense of humor would always brighten even the darkest of days. John always inspired love in people and was optimistic when things seemed hopeless.

There will never be another John Gutierrez. He overcame so many obstacles in his life and brought joy to so many. He was one of a kind and the sweetest of angels! He deserves a lifetime achievement Oscar for sure, although he would say the best Oscars are won, or that’s not a real Oscar!