Obituary of Helge Gustafson

GUSTAFSON - Helge Gustafson passed away peacefully at the Big River Health Centre on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at the age of 94 years. He is survived by his sons Glenn Gustafson of Edmonton, and David Gustafson of Park Valley; his grandchildren Leanna, Darrin and Juli Gustafson of Park Valley, as well as several nephews. Helge was born on January 5, 1916 in a log cabin on the original family homestead 1 � miles south west of Canwood, Saskatchewan. Helge and his father Erik moved to a second homestead in the Park Valley area in 1930 several years after the passing of Helge's mother Ester in 1923. After establishing the new homestead, Helge farmed with his father, supplementing their income with trapping, cutting timber, and custom harvesting with one of the first combines owned in the area. His dad later moved to Big River and Helge started milking cows and shipping cream. He met and married Anne Olson, also of Park Valley, and they soon moved to the Olson family farm where they raised their two sons. David eventually took over the farm and Glenn moved to Saskatoon and later Edmonton to work. Helge was an avid reader and life-long learner, taking a keen interest in everything from politics to world affairs. Though he rarely left the farm, he loved to visit and tell stories passed down from his father or based on his own experiences growing up in the area. Even when retired, Helge continued to help out on the farm where he could; fixing machinery, tending the garden or providing some TV shows and snacks for his grandchildren. Whatever Helge was doing, you would almost always find him doing it while whistling or singing a song to accompany his work. Helge is predeceased by his wife Anne, infant granddaughter Leah, his brother Wally and sister Viola (Swanson), one nephew, two nieces and his parents. The funeral service for Helge took place on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Hall in Big River. Norman & Aadne Aarrestad were the officiants, Elinor Amundson was the organist and Cyndi Aarrestad was the soloist. The eulogy was read by David & Glenn Gustafson, Pallbearers were Allan Gustafson, Grant Gustafson, Travis Amundson, Jason Amundson, Lee Swanson, and Ken Olson. Interment took place in the Stump Lake Cemetery where he was laid to rest between his wife Anne and granddaughter Leah. Memorial donations may be made to the Lakewood Lodge Auxiliary in Big River, Sask, (Box 100 Big River, SK SOJ OEO).