John Olaf Gustafson, 65

John Olaf Gustafson, 65, of Fort Frances, Ontario, passed away Friday, March 12, 2004 at his home unexpectedly. John was born and raised in Stratton, Ont., on July 10, 1038. In June 1963 he married Arlene Smith. In the same year they moved to Atikokan, Ont., until he moved to Fort Frances in 1994.
He spent most of his life in the bush for Mando, Great Lakes, and later purchasing his own equipment. At one time he worked as a police officer in Saskatoon, Sask. Presently he had been working at Weechi-it-Te-Win and working as a taxi driver for North Air Taxi.
He had a great love for animals and gardening and was always seen working in his garden or feeding the neighbouring pets. His greatest enjoyment was travelling and was often busy on the highways heading to Kenora or to the Stratton area. He enjoyed life to the simplest and was always putting other people before himself, often going without so others could.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alfonse and Emma Gustafson; brothers, Gilbert, Edward and Alver Gustafson; sister, Edith Thompson; and son-in-law Bentley McDonald. John is survived by his daughter, Jo-Anne Gustafson of Kenora, Ont.; three grandchildren, Joven, Brian, and Daniel of Kenora, Ont., one son, Neil Gustafson (Cathy Thomson) of Kenora, Ont., one sister, Orla Miller (Tom) of Nakusp, B.C., one very special sister-in-law, Lenora Gustafson and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Memorial service was held on Saturday, March 20, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the United Church in Stratton, Ont., with Pastor Carolyn Kreger from the Trinity Lutheran Church officiating.
Honourary pallbearers were Jack Gustafson, Chuck Gustafson, Mick Gustafson, John Miller, Alton Pollard and Rodney Salchert.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the charity of your choice.