January 24, 2018

Andrew Gustafson

Andrew Gordon Gustafson, 90, of Aurora Colo., passed away at his home on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018.
Andrew Gordon had a long eventful life. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II as a Ships Cook. He entered the military at such a young age that his mother had to sign for him to join. It’s a little ironic that he was a Ships Cook though, I never actually saw him make a meal. I didn’t see him miss one either though! Love ya Grandpa! It was during his time in the Navy that he went to school to learn the skills he would need as a Meat Processor. This kept him employed for the majority of his life, but I think he must have gotten bored cutting up all that meat because he also spent time as Farmer, a real life Cowboy, a Construction Worker building the Garrison Dam and as a Derrickman in the oil fields of North Dakota. That’s about two-thirds of the Village People if I remember correctly...
Throughout his life he loved to travel around the country in his motor home, go fishing, shoot pool, play cards, ride horses, read western novels, watch western movies, get dressed up and dance the night away with the love of his life. Sure sounds like a cowboy to me! He also loved watching the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies and Judge Judy (I swear that was on just about every time I came to see him)! Most of all, he loved people. He loved spending time with his family and friends. BBQs, holidays, reunions, whatever, he always wanted to be one of the first people there. He loved to joke and tell stories when we got together. You could be sure that 50 percent of all his stories were true but good luck figuring out which 50 percent. Oh yeah, don’t let him fool you either, he could see and hear much better than he would let you believe! The world will miss his kind, generous and funny soul. I know I will...we all will!
He was also a proud member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He was a dedicated and loyal member for more than 44 years. He served in many official roles, at Lodge #17, including a year as the Exalted Ruler in 1981-82. The Elks meant a lot to him and my guess is he will be missed by many remaining members.
He is survived by his wife, Arlene (Stevens) of 68 years; sons, Sonny (Jean) and Frank (Nancy); siblings, Dorothy, Jerome, Avis, Monica and Larry; grandchildren, Chris, Jesse (Stacey), Nathan (Lisa), Luke (Kim) and Laurie; great-grandchildren, Lance, Lexi, Braedon, Logan, Maddie, Karley, Brooklynn, Lola, Kingsley, Keegan; sister-in-laws, Joyce Evanson (Hans), Lois Monsen, Janis Hurd (Eugene); and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ella; father, Oscar; aunt, Bernice; brothers, Cliff, Leroy, Jerry and Mylo; son, Scott; grandson, Nicholas; and brother-in-law, Carmen Monsen (special friend).
A memorial service was held in honor of Gordon at 1 p.m., Sunday Jan. 21, 2018, at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home (11150 E. Dartmouth Ave. Aurora, CO 80014). A reception followed immediately after the service.

 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER