Obituary of Diane Guidry

Diane Elizabeth Tilton, the daughter of John and Shirley Tilton, was born in Rapid City, South Dakota January 22, 1953. Her family followed jobs in both of the Dakotas, finally settling in Fargo, North Dakota, which she considered her hometown. Her Father was an Associate Professor of Communications at North Dakota State University, and her Mother was a Homemaker. Diane graduated from Fargo South High School in 1971 with a 4.0 GPA and was awarded membership in the National Honor Society. In 1971, at the age of 18, she enlisted in the U.S. Navy to see the world and explore as many opportunities as possible. She was assigned duties in the Telecommunications field and achieved the top enlisted rank of Chief Petty Officer. She was encouraged to apply to the Officer Corps and was promoted to rank of Ensign in 1985. She had numerous postings of increasing responsibility and served at military bases in Maryland, Washington DC, California, Hawaii and Florida. Her overseas assignments included Italy, England, Greece and the Panama Canal Zone. She traveled widely in Europe, the Pacific, the Caribbean, and Central America. Diane retired from the U.S. Navy in 2000, with over 28 years of service, at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. She received many awards, commendations and major medals including; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. Diane then began a post-Navy career as a civilian for the U.S. Southern Command in Miami, Florida. She served as a Branch Chief, and Communications Security Manager in the J6-C4I Communications Systems Directorate. She was involved in a myriad of projects, and her duties required periodic travel to Haiti, Cuba, Honduras, Columbia, and Panama. She received many accolades for her work, including the Joint Civilian Service Commendation Award. She left government service in 2010. Diane continued her education throughout her life, earning; a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from University of Maryland in 1986, an MBA in Management from Golden Gate University in 1990. She was a graduate of the Army Management Staff College resident program in Sustaining Base Leadership and Management in 2006. She was credentialed as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) IN 2008. Her professional associations included serving as Secretary of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) South Florida Chapter from 2004 to 2010. Diane was a member of; the Information Systems Audit and Control Association ISACA, the Navy Mustang Association, Phi-Kappa-Phi, and the National Honor Society. Diane met the love of her life, Dell Guidry, while stationed in London in the early 1980's. Dell had a very similar military background and they were married in Honolulu in 1984. They shared a life brim full of love and travel adventures. In 1992, they were blessed with a son Jonathan, who was the pride and joy of her life. She encouraged excellence, and beamed with pride, as he achieved Eagle Scout and received an appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He currently serves as a Third Officer in the Merchant Marines, and is an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserves. The Guidry Family dropped anchor and established their homestead in Cooper City, Florida in 1997. She was involved in many PTA Groups and served as a Religious Educator (CCD) at St. Mark Catholic Church. Diane was also a volunteer member of the Cooper City Kiwanis Club. She became involved in Scouting when Jonathan joined a Cub Pack while in Elementary School. She was so impressed with their values, traditions, and youth character building that she remained active with the organization for the rest of her life. She served in a variety of leadership positions including Merit Badge Counselor, Troop Committee Chair, District Responsibilities, Order of the Arrow, and Wood badge. She was also engaged in National Youth Leadership Training. Her passion was mentoring youth, especially in the area of Citizenship. Diane is survived by husband Dell, and her son Jonathan. Her family includes her brother John Tilton and his wife Kim of Poulsbo, Washington, and Brothers Tony and Pat of Fargo, North Dakota. Dell's family includes Glyn and Mary Ann Guidry, Helen and Artie Holloway, Charlene and Charles Roberts, and Elizabeth Goolsby. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and community.