Evald C. "Gus" Gustavson

GUSTAVSON, Evald C. "Gus" Evald C. "Gus" Gustavson, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, (August 14, 2007) in Portland, OR, peacefully, surrounded by loving friends and family. Gus moved to Portland to be close to his children after the passing of his wife, Madge in 2005. He is survived by his brother, Avie; his three children, Peter, Sally and Bruce; three grandchildren; and one great grandson. Gus was born on Sept. 21, 1915 in Bridgeport, the younger son of Swedish immigrant parents, Carl and Anna Gustavson. He revealed early-on a gift for athletics which eventually resulted in a full scholarship to play soccer at Syracuse University in 1936, where he graduated in 1940. It was here that he met his life partner, Madelyn "Madge" Clewell whom he married in March 1941. Gus began his business career in 1941 which was soon interrupted by military service in World War II. Gus served in the Army with "Wild Bill" Donovan's OSS group in France until 1945. After the war, Gus resumed his business career joining Southern New England Telephone in the marketing department. During his illustrious 39 year career he rose to the level of Senior Vice President of the Northern area, responsible for 4,000 employees and 500,000 customers. At SNETCO, he was known as the "king maker", for his efforts in effectively developing the people that reported to him. Gus was as successful in the Greater Hartford community as he was at SNETCO. One of his major interests was economic development. He was president of the Hartford Economic Development Corporation/Downtown Council and served as Chairman of the Hartford Development Commission. He was instrumental in bringing all of American Airline reservation activities into Hartford, an achievement which brought with it thousands of jobs and increased revenues for the city. In 1978, he received the first National Governors Association Private Sector Award for Distinguished Service to State Government. In 1979, Gov. Ella Grasso appointed Gus private sector representative to the Coalition of Northeastern Governors, an organization through which the governors of the New England states, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania worked together to further the economic development of the Region, effectively dealing with issues of mutual concern such as energy, housing and transportation. After retirement from SNETCO in 1980, Gus continued to work enthusiastically in the community in various volunteer positions until he was 85, when he reluctantly retired. Throughout his life, Gus was also very active in sports. He kept himself physically fit and his greatest love was golf, which he played at least three times a week until he was 87. He was a member of Farmington Country Club for over 25 years, where he served as President. For many years he took an active role in the Greater Hartford Open. He chaired the professional golfing event in 1979. As successful as Gus was in business, sports and the community, he will be most remembered for his wonderful sense of joy and humor. He was a generous, loving and supportive husband and father, who is missed every day. In the latter weeks of his life, the local Hospice organization was a great comfort to Gus and his family. Contributions will be greatly appreciated and should be sent to: Adventist Health/Hospice, 5835 NE 122nd, Suite 135, Portland, OR 97230.