Dennis H. Gustafson

Dennis H. Gustafson, M.D. Resident of Alamo Born July 6, 1942 in SLC to Herbert J. and Joanne Brower Gustafson, Dennis H. Gustafson passed away June 27, 2010 at his home in Alamo, ending an earthly life of remarkable energy and passion to learn. He was a loving husband for 43 years to Judith Benson Gustafson. "Gus" was a graduate of Highland High in Salt Lake City, playing guard and catcher on "Ram" championship teams. He valued fitness the remainder of his life. Size only mattered in things of the heart. An Eagle Scout, he served many years in Scouting. He played oboe, and had a continuing love for symphony and opera. Graduating with honors from Princeton University, NJ, on a work/scholarship program, Gus played bassoon in the orchestra. He served an LDS mission to Switzerland. In 1967, he married his devoted sweetheart, Judy, in the Mesa Arizona Temple. With Judy at his side, he attended medical school at Columbia University in NYC. After internship in San Francisco, he completed a 4 year residency in orthopedic surgery at UCSF and 2 years as Army Major [post Vietnam]. For 22 years, Dennis loved his career at John Muir Hospital as a partner at Diablo Orthopedic Medical Group, Walnut Creek, California. Dennis and Judy raised 7 children who don't remember his long hours and sleepless nights. They remember that he was always there for them. He is their hero. At age 56, Dr. Gustafson's career ended prematurely with Alzheimer's. In the brief years they had remaining, Dennis and Judy served a mission to historic Nauvoo, Illinois. Elder Gus especially loved working in the blacksmith shop. Their home was a place of respite for many, including foreign students Daniella and Sara (Germany). With his children as companions, Dennis traveled the world. Denny and Judy worked with Mayans in small villages in Guatemala and traveled extensively in Africa, Israel, Brazil, New Zealand and Europe. He served for many years in the LDS Oakland Temple. He is remembered for his quiet devotion to duty and his kindness to others. Dennis is survived by his loving wife Judy; and children: Stuart, Andrew (Kathrine), Joanna (Jonathan Bell), Eric Blair (Kara), Carl (Ashley), Cathryn (Ben Hawken), and Susan (Craig Hiatt); grandchildren: Ryan, Emma, Jeshua, and Samuel Gustafson, Tyler, Jacob, Sarah, and David Bell, Nora and Margo Blair, Asher Hawkin, and Madeline, Scott, and Rosemary Hiatt. Dennis's brothers, Duane and Sam, treasure his example as big brother. His mother passed away in his youth; his father kept home secure in her absence until his death in 2005. Dennis is survived by stepmother Bonnie Wilson Gustafson, Becky (Doughty) and Gary Gustafson. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 30th at the Alamo I ward chapel, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo, CA, at 11am. Dennis will be interred next to his mother in Salt Lake City.