David Jalmar Gustafson |
| Posted 2018-05-05 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Prescott Courier, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, May 2, 2018, page 6a David Jalmar Gustafson, born July 18, 1936, in Waterville, Maine, David passed on to his eternal peace on April 25, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. David is survived by his beloved wife of almost 60 years, Peggy, and his children, Nanci Anne Gustafson Hutson and her husband Kevin, and son Bruce Jalmar Gustafson. David was blessed with four grandchildren, his two beloved granddaughters Noelle Rebecca Hutson and Joy Evangeline Hutson, lived near him in Arizona at his passing. He, too, has two grandchildren, Kaela and Cade Gustafson, in Washington State. David is also survived by his sister, Mary McConathy, and her husband Dr. Robin McConathy, and sisters-in-law Blanche Sanborn; and Gail Smith and her husband, David. He has several nieces and nephews and grandnieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his parents, Maynard and Eleanor Gustafson, and brother Jon. David was blessed in life with the gift of music — his tenor voice his instrument. Throughout his life, music was the balm for his soul, one he used to uplift others. David performed from his early years in bands, orchestras, choral ensembles, musical theater and in churches. David’s preference was sacred music, although he could never resist a Broadway tune. Singing in the shower or around the house was his warmup; in his high school and college years he played the trombone in marching bands. David attended Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, where he earned a business degree, and later worked professionally as a tax accountant. In 2013, David was delighted to attend the graduation of his granddaughter, Noelle, from his alma mater. Though David hailed from Maine, and had great affection for the state all of his life — he loved his Maine lobster — he moved his family to Florida in the mid-1960s. He worked for several companies as an accountant, and then went to work independently, eventually joining his brother’s firm in Marietta and Jasper, Georgia until his retirement. David was active in churches in Maine, Florida and Georgia, and upon moving to Prescott Valley, Arizona, in October, attended Prescott Light & Life Free Methodist Church. For most of his adult years, David was a soloist in his church and other area churches, often requested for special holiday programs, weddings, funerals and community theatrical events. In Florida, David was a Rotarian. In Georgia, he was a member of the Cherokee Chorale, the Lions Club and the Kiwanis Club. All of his life David was connected to the United Methodist Camp at Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine. He and granddaughter Joy participated in a grandparent’s camp together 12 years ago, a special time they both cherished long after they put away their canoe paddles. David was born with the gift of gab, often engaging strangers in conversation anywhere he would go. He loved to snack on apricots, spoonfuls of Marshmallow Fluff, and he only wanted Maine maple syrup on his pancakes. He had a melodious laugh and wonderful sense of humor. His favorite all-time movie was “Smokey and the Bandit.” He enjoyed the game of golf, Mexican Train, and could play a craft hand of “Old Heck” or “Hearts.” David was proud of his Swedish heritage, and passing that legacy on in his role as “Dad” and “Grandpa.” We will miss his voice, his warm chuckle and very big presence in all our lives. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, June 10, at the Emmanuel Pines Camp chapel in Prescott, 3000 Forest Trail 332, at 1 p.m. A time of fellowship and dessert reception will follow. A private internment of ashes will be held in Maine at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the United Methodist Camp Mechuwana, Mechuwana Lane, Winthrop, Maine, 04364; or Kindred Hospice, 3107 Clearwater Dr, Prescott, AZ 86305. Information provided by survivors. |
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