GILBERT ‘GIB’ EMIL GUSTAFSON

Gilbert Gustafson, 75, of Stratton, Ont., passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 1997 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Man.
Gib was born Nov. 29, 1922 in Tait Township, Ont., where he was raised. On June 8, 1944, Gib was united in marriage to Lenora Kavanagh.
He joined the Canadian Army in 1943 and served overseas from 1945-1946 in Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Upon returning to Canada, Gib and Lenora settled in Dilke Township on the family farm and raised their family. Gib worked with the C.N.R. as a conductor, and as a farmer and carpenter.
Gib also served as a long-time councillor for the Township of Dilke, and was a member of both the Stratton United Church and the Royal Canadian Legion Br. #99 in Emo, Ont.
Gib enjoyed fishing, hunting, curling, and reading Western novels. He had a playful sense of humour, which he practised on the family often. Gib loved his family first and foremost, but his horses came a close second.
He was predeceased by his parents, Alfonse and Emma Gustafson; brothers, Edward and Alver Gustafson; and sister, Edith Thompson.
Gib is survived by his wife of more than 53 years, Lenora Gustafson of Stratton, Ont.; eight children, Jack Gustafson (Charleen) of Stratton, Ont., Penny Metza (Bob) of Toronto, Ont., Edie Gustafson (Les) of Winnipeg, Man., Chuck Gustafson (Bonnie) of Kenora, Ont., Mick Gustafson (Gabe) of Winnipeg, Man., Colleen George of Fort Frances, Ont., Sharlene Calder of Winnipeg, Man., and Mary Big George (Dan) of Morson, Ont.; 25 grandchildren; one brother, John Gustafson (Yvonne) of Fort Frances, Ont.; one sister, Orla Miller (Tom) of Nakusp, B.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service were held Friday, Jan. 2, 1998 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Way Church in Pinewood, Ont. Carolyn Kreger officiated, with interment in Stratton Cemetery in Stratton, Ont.
Pallbearers were Alphonse Langlais, Romeo Jodoin, Rod Salchert, Alvin Hagarty, Jim Scott, and Henry Stutvoet.
Honourary pallbearers were Ernie Tough, Ken Oien, Pete Morken, Alvin Alexander, Reuben Korb, Garnet Neilson, and Ed Gawley.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Stratton United Church, c/o 218 Second St., Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0, or to the charity of your choice.