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Terry Gustafson Obituary
70, of Scottsdale, AZ passed away on October 2, 2015. Terry is survived by his loving spouse, Sherrie; sons Christopher, Andrew and Ryan (Carrie); five grandsons, Christopher, Jason, Aaron, Bryan and Danniel; sisters Judy and Ann (Philip Parks) Gustafson; brother Todd (Anne) Gustafson and several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Jack and Eleanor Gustafson; sister Kay Gustafson; nephew Nicholas Parks and first wife Judy Gustafson. Terry was a former audit partner with the accounting firm KPMG, and was currently the Accounting Department Faculty Chair for Western International University, as well as an instructor and tutor for several Maricopa County Community Colleges. Services will be held on Sunday, October 11th at 2:00 pm at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale.
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Memories and Condolences
for Terry Gustafson
Christina Anastasia
October 19, 2015
My deepest sympathy for your loss. I met Terry only one time in person and can say that in our short time, he made a huge impression. He will be greatly missed.
Michelle Whitley Turner
October 17, 2015
To the countless people who Terry made smile just with the sound of his voice, his laugh, and his innate ability to enliven every situation, I apologize for waiting so long to write this tribute to him. I simply found it incomprehensible that someone as as vibrant as Terry could be gone, and so tragically and quickly. I know from talking with others at Western International University, where Terry was an incredible, passionate, student-focused professor and department chair, that I am not alone in that feeling.
Trying to recall when I first met Terry at West, I realize that the reason I can't remember is not that I need more caffeine but instead that once you've met Terry, you can't imagine there ever was a time when you didn't know him. When West's department chairs and Dean of Faculty met in Arizona as a group for the first time since Terry had honored us by becoming the Department Chair for West's Accounting Department, some of us only had met online before then. With his energy, sense of humor, and cheerful, down-to-earth demeanor, Terry, a newcomer himself, helped our new configuration of individuals bond and become a true, cohesive group in what seemed like minutes.
Terry's gift of connecting people with each other and with the subjects he helped students learn and love made a difference to all of us at West and to so many others, we know. He inspired us, he challenged us, he cared for us, and he changed us for the better.
I know I speak for all of us at West when I say how much we miss our friend, the incomparable, incredible Terry G.
Michelle Whitley Turner
Anne Wieland
October 11, 2015
Terry and his family lived less than a mile from me in Anchorage, Alaska in the 1970's. When we finally met in about 2009, we found so much in common in our love for Alaska and especially Prince William Sound. Todd and I had hoped that he would visit us here in Alaska but sadly it was not to be. Terry, we miss you greatly!
Todd Gustafson
October 11, 2015
Terry was my only brother and first sibling. Our parents and I were both joyful and frightened at the circumstances of his birth when simultaneously a tornado raged near the hospital as he entered our world. Always an inspiration and a wonderful playmate, seventy years was not nearly enough. Special condolences to Sherrie, Andy, Chris and Ryan.
October 11, 2015
Scottsdale Community College
Roderick Ballard
October 11, 2015
Terry,
Thank you for being a blessing with your words of wisdom about different things in life. You will be missed at Rio Salado and I enjoyed working with you. Heaven has a good accountant. May Christ comfort your family.
Ruth Ann Myers
October 10, 2015
I will miss Terry's zany wit and candor! He was a long-time friend who enjoyed a good political discussion, was an active leader in the community, enjoyed banter over a great glass of wine,and he loved life to the fullest! His heroic battle with cancer was inspirational, and I shall forever remember him with a smile.
Jose Llamas
October 10, 2015
I am so sorry about your lost. terry is remembered with love and espect.
Robert McCanless
October 10, 2015
Although I only knew Terry for a short time it was clear that he loved working with people and especially in academics. No doubt he will be missed by his friends in academics as well as students that requested him specifically in the Accounting Statistics Learning Center.
Marti Sanborn
October 9, 2015
Terry will be missed as a co-worker and friend. He was always the first here and greet us with a smile and friendly comment. He worked diligently with his students and they left smiling. There are no words to express my shock and sorrow. There is an empty spot here that can't be filled.
max
October 8, 2015
He help me and a lot of students. He was great teacher
Dina Geiman
October 8, 2015
I worked with Terry in the Tutoring Services of Rio Salado College. Terry was an excellent tutor who cared very much about success of the students whom he helped. My sincere condolences to Terry's family and friends.
Leon Button
October 8, 2015
Terry is a good man - a good boss, a good colleague, a good teacher, and a good friend. He will be missed!
Rick Goeld
October 8, 2015
I enjoyed working with Terry on our HOA board of directors. He was honest and had excellent ideas. I will miss him.
Mark Barton
October 8, 2015
In the nine years that Terry worked at SCC, he proved himself to be an excellent teacher and an even better human being. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies go out to his loved ones.
Ryan Tjonn
October 7, 2015
I was very fortunate to have a stepdad like Terry. He was a great guy. He was also an awesome granddad. We all love him and he will be missed greatly.
Susan Peterson
October 7, 2015
Terry was an outstanding professor at Scottsdale Community College. He cared about his students and their success. We will miss his professionalism and his bigger-than-life personality.
Dawn and Randy Bulriss
October 7, 2015
Terry will be truly missed. He was a mentor, distinguished colleague and friend. Our prayers go out to his family, friends, students and colleagues.
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
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Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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