Obituary for Thomas Gunner Gustafson
THOMAS GUNNER GUSTAFSON
December 22, 1926 – August 3, 2021
It is with heavy hearts the Gustafson family announce Tom passed away on Tuesday, August 3rd at Deer Lodge Centre.
Tom was predeceased by the love of his life, Barbara Louise Gustafson, who went to prepare a place for them in May of this year. Also predeceased by his parents, Peter and Mary (Johnson) Gustafson, sister Viola Horne, brothers Gerald and George Gustafson, son David, grandson Tyler, great-grandson Jordan and many other close family.
Tom is survived by sister, Audrey Adduno and brother Norman Gustafson, daughters Janis (Darryl) Baptist, Lynn (David) Findlay, son Peter (Carol) Gustafson, daughter-in-law Susan Gustafson, six grandchildren Laura, Jason (Carrie), Danielle, Jennifer, Trevor and Kaylyn, six great-grandchildren Connor, Zachery, Emilee, Rowyn, Sawyer and Huxley and one great-great-grandson, Xavier.
Born in Neepawa MB December 22, 1926, the family moved to Winnipeg as a small child. When WWII broke, Tom was one of the original “Air Cadets” that was formed in Winnipeg where he learned morse code, advanced aeronautics, aircraft recognition, parachute packing etc. His first job was with CNR when he worked as a Red Cap at the station. In 1940 he had a job with WW Jones on Portage Ave Winnipeg as delivery boy and butcher. Finally in 1944 at the age of 17 and a half he was able to join the war. The only position available in the Air Force were aircraft ground crew, so he joined the Navy in order to be in the action. He took training periods on east and west coasts receiving above average standing on the gunnery course. Tom served as Seaman Petty Officer patrolling the seas with other war ships from other countries. He served on three ships: HMCS ST CATHARINES, HMCS PENETANG and HMCS LEVIS (II)
After the war he became an CNR apprentice carman in Thunder Bay. There he met his beautiful wife, Barbara and married in 1952. During the time Tom and Barb raised 4 children, he served in the RCNR for 20 years at HMCS CHIPPAWA, HMCS GRIFFON, HMCS NADEN, HMCS CORNWALLIS, PROTECTOR (Point Edward Naval Station). He was an officer in charge of 18 sea cadets from across Canada for exchange visits to the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, on training exercises in the Caribbean, and OIC training for combined tri-service Cadet Captain at HMCS Naden, BC. From 1955 – 1969 he joined the Cadet Corps with the RCSCC “Admiral Cradock” in Fort William & then to the RCSCC “Vindictive”, serving as commanding officer for 5 years.
Tom coached Little League Baseball and was president of the Carrick Community Club in Port Arthur for many years building the rink and community centre. He always enjoyed camping, fishing and cross-country skiing and in later years curling and golfing at Transcona clubs. Tom and Barb were very family orientated, organizing family picnics and events. Huge extended family potluck picnics with many games such as botche or baseball and winter sleigh rides were just some events our families looked forward to.
While living in Port Arthur ON, he taught the confirmation group at St. Michaels & All Angels Anglican Church as well as serving on the maintenance committee and as a sidesman. Tom was a member of the Masonic Lodge 499 and was Senior Warden when CN promoted him to Equipment Foreman and transferred to Gilliam, MB so he was unable to take the Master’s chair. In 1973 CN transferred Tom to the Winnipeg MB Regional Office. There he was instrumental in lining up two flat cars in Symington and modifying them to travel to Saskatoon then Duck Lake to load up the famous P.D.#3 steam locomotive combination coach and caboose for the filming of the Louis Riel capture in Batoche. The film was called “Alien Thunder”. In less than a year Tom was transferred to Montreal QC. Two years later CN transferred him to Thunder Bay, ON as the Car Foreman and returned to his lodge and church activities. Tom’s last move was in 1981 when CN transferred him to Winnipeg as the Assistant General Car Foreman at Symmington Yard. This meant that Tom had to again give up his seat as Master of Lodge 499 after again working up to Sr Warden. Tom finally retired from CNR in 1986 after 43 years of service.
Tom was an active member of St. George’s Anglican Church in Transcona and of the Masonic Lodge in Winnipeg. He is a member of the RCL Br #7, Transcona.
Tom, whose nickname was Gabby Gus, always had a smile and helping hand for anyone who needed it. He was a hard worker and was proud to serve his country, his family, his church, and his God. If you misplaced Tom, you could find him chatting with a stranger wherever he went. In his later years while a resident at Deer Lodge he brought cheer to all who knew him. He never complained or had a sharp word, earning the respect of many. When Barbara became ill and was able to join him at Deer Lodge the staff made sure they were able to see each other, sometimes just sitting together holding hands. The doctors had advised the family that Tom was passing a number of times and he said “I’ll go when she tells me to go!” to which mom replied “There were times I would want to tell you to go but not now” And he rallied! They had a life of love and struggle for almost 69 years surrounding themselves with many good friends.
Tom’s family would like to thank all the staff on Tower 5 at Deer Lodge Centre for their compassion and caring hands during dad’s stay. It was comforting to have mom and dad live in the same centre when mom could no longer live alone so that dad could have daily visits with her. As with anywhere dad went, he left many new special friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation at https://www.deerlodgecentrefoundation.com/donate-2/memorial-tribute/ or Transcona Legion #007 PO Box 62005 RPO Transcona, Winnipeg, MB R2C 5G2
Due to Covid 19, a combined, private Memorial Service, by invitation only, for Thomas and Barbara Gustafson will take place at Coutu Funeral Chapel, on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. followed by an interment (adhering to recent Covid guidelines) with full Colour Guard, at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens at 2.30 p.m. which friends are invited to join.
Family invite friends to sign the online book of condolences at ejcoutu.ca
December 22, 1926 – August 3, 2021
It is with heavy hearts the Gustafson family announce Tom passed away on Tuesday, August 3rd at Deer Lodge Centre.
Tom was predeceased by the love of his life, Barbara Louise Gustafson, who went to prepare a place for them in May of this year. Also predeceased by his parents, Peter and Mary (Johnson) Gustafson, sister Viola Horne, brothers Gerald and George Gustafson, son David, grandson Tyler, great-grandson Jordan and many other close family.
Tom is survived by sister, Audrey Adduno and brother Norman Gustafson, daughters Janis (Darryl) Baptist, Lynn (David) Findlay, son Peter (Carol) Gustafson, daughter-in-law Susan Gustafson, six grandchildren Laura, Jason (Carrie), Danielle, Jennifer, Trevor and Kaylyn, six great-grandchildren Connor, Zachery, Emilee, Rowyn, Sawyer and Huxley and one great-great-grandson, Xavier.
Born in Neepawa MB December 22, 1926, the family moved to Winnipeg as a small child. When WWII broke, Tom was one of the original “Air Cadets” that was formed in Winnipeg where he learned morse code, advanced aeronautics, aircraft recognition, parachute packing etc. His first job was with CNR when he worked as a Red Cap at the station. In 1940 he had a job with WW Jones on Portage Ave Winnipeg as delivery boy and butcher. Finally in 1944 at the age of 17 and a half he was able to join the war. The only position available in the Air Force were aircraft ground crew, so he joined the Navy in order to be in the action. He took training periods on east and west coasts receiving above average standing on the gunnery course. Tom served as Seaman Petty Officer patrolling the seas with other war ships from other countries. He served on three ships: HMCS ST CATHARINES, HMCS PENETANG and HMCS LEVIS (II)
After the war he became an CNR apprentice carman in Thunder Bay. There he met his beautiful wife, Barbara and married in 1952. During the time Tom and Barb raised 4 children, he served in the RCNR for 20 years at HMCS CHIPPAWA, HMCS GRIFFON, HMCS NADEN, HMCS CORNWALLIS, PROTECTOR (Point Edward Naval Station). He was an officer in charge of 18 sea cadets from across Canada for exchange visits to the aircraft carrier USS Lexington, on training exercises in the Caribbean, and OIC training for combined tri-service Cadet Captain at HMCS Naden, BC. From 1955 – 1969 he joined the Cadet Corps with the RCSCC “Admiral Cradock” in Fort William & then to the RCSCC “Vindictive”, serving as commanding officer for 5 years.
Tom coached Little League Baseball and was president of the Carrick Community Club in Port Arthur for many years building the rink and community centre. He always enjoyed camping, fishing and cross-country skiing and in later years curling and golfing at Transcona clubs. Tom and Barb were very family orientated, organizing family picnics and events. Huge extended family potluck picnics with many games such as botche or baseball and winter sleigh rides were just some events our families looked forward to.
While living in Port Arthur ON, he taught the confirmation group at St. Michaels & All Angels Anglican Church as well as serving on the maintenance committee and as a sidesman. Tom was a member of the Masonic Lodge 499 and was Senior Warden when CN promoted him to Equipment Foreman and transferred to Gilliam, MB so he was unable to take the Master’s chair. In 1973 CN transferred Tom to the Winnipeg MB Regional Office. There he was instrumental in lining up two flat cars in Symington and modifying them to travel to Saskatoon then Duck Lake to load up the famous P.D.#3 steam locomotive combination coach and caboose for the filming of the Louis Riel capture in Batoche. The film was called “Alien Thunder”. In less than a year Tom was transferred to Montreal QC. Two years later CN transferred him to Thunder Bay, ON as the Car Foreman and returned to his lodge and church activities. Tom’s last move was in 1981 when CN transferred him to Winnipeg as the Assistant General Car Foreman at Symmington Yard. This meant that Tom had to again give up his seat as Master of Lodge 499 after again working up to Sr Warden. Tom finally retired from CNR in 1986 after 43 years of service.
Tom was an active member of St. George’s Anglican Church in Transcona and of the Masonic Lodge in Winnipeg. He is a member of the RCL Br #7, Transcona.
Tom, whose nickname was Gabby Gus, always had a smile and helping hand for anyone who needed it. He was a hard worker and was proud to serve his country, his family, his church, and his God. If you misplaced Tom, you could find him chatting with a stranger wherever he went. In his later years while a resident at Deer Lodge he brought cheer to all who knew him. He never complained or had a sharp word, earning the respect of many. When Barbara became ill and was able to join him at Deer Lodge the staff made sure they were able to see each other, sometimes just sitting together holding hands. The doctors had advised the family that Tom was passing a number of times and he said “I’ll go when she tells me to go!” to which mom replied “There were times I would want to tell you to go but not now” And he rallied! They had a life of love and struggle for almost 69 years surrounding themselves with many good friends.
Tom’s family would like to thank all the staff on Tower 5 at Deer Lodge Centre for their compassion and caring hands during dad’s stay. It was comforting to have mom and dad live in the same centre when mom could no longer live alone so that dad could have daily visits with her. As with anywhere dad went, he left many new special friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to the Deer Lodge Centre Foundation at https://www.deerlodgecentrefoundation.com/donate-2/memorial-tribute/ or Transcona Legion #007 PO Box 62005 RPO Transcona, Winnipeg, MB R2C 5G2
Due to Covid 19, a combined, private Memorial Service, by invitation only, for Thomas and Barbara Gustafson will take place at Coutu Funeral Chapel, on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. followed by an interment (adhering to recent Covid guidelines) with full Colour Guard, at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens at 2.30 p.m. which friends are invited to join.
Family invite friends to sign the online book of condolences at ejcoutu.ca