November 10, 1939 - October 20, 2022
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of David "Winston" Gustafson on Oct 20, 2022 after close to 5 years battling cancer and then dementia. He leaves behind his loving wife Carolyn (his Carolee) and his loving family and friends.
Dad was born on November 10, 1939 in Prairie River, Saskatchewan. He was raised on a farm in Weekes, Saskatchewan but headed for Alberta, with ideas of working in the oil industry. He met Carol Anderson who he never forgot! In 1960 he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. After serving 3 years in the Navy, Dad found that girl Carol again. He proposed 3 months later and they married on Feb 8, 1964.
A good portion of Dad's life was spent working in the Alberta oil patch and he did this for many years. Mom and Dad moved to Nanaimo in 1987 and purchased a food kiosk in Woodgrove Mall called Soup and Surprises. After 4 years, they made the decision to shut down the business and became apartment managers for the next 20 years. They truly cared about all of their staff and tenants. After a while Dad also began his own business installing built-in vacuum systems around Nanaimo.
Around 2010 Mom and Dad chose to retire, living quietly surrounded by family and friends.
Dad had a variety of health problems, and in January 2018 he was diagnosed with cancer. In addition his dementia was diagnosed and it gradually worsened over time.
Through it all Dad never lost his sense of humor. He kept us, the nurses, doctors and home support workers laughing. He handled his declining health with dignity and grace, never complaining, nor was he angry or bitter; he took everything in stride. It is hard to think of life without him. He will be so very missed.
Special thanks to Dr. Dodo, Dr Kader, and Dr. Turner who arranged the biopsy and got the ball rolling. Special thanks to all the Home Support staff. Thank you to the staff at the Palliative Unit at NRGH and a huge thank you for all the prayers throughout this journey.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Dad's name to any of the following organizations: Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer's Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A Celebration of Life/Memorial for Dad will be held at a later date.