Trig Tronstad

Trig (Alf Martin) Tronstad, 70, of Westport, passed away peacefully in Providence, RI on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in Shelby, Montana to Mary Ingaborg Sahlen and Alf Tronstad. Trig always had an inquisitive mind, and from a young age he pursued his own investigations into science and nature. He grew up helping at his father's gravel company where he first discovered his mechanical aptitude. In high school, he rebuilt a '57 Chevy, inspiring the admiration of his peers. Trig attended the University of Montana where he received a BFA studying fine art, engineering, and geology. As a young adult, Trig worked at a shipyard in Seattle and lived in Alaska where he co-owned a fishing boat with his brother and some friends. In the early '70s a job opportunity brought him to Massachusetts, where his love of fishing and the ocean drew him to the coastal community of Westport. There he developed an interest in carpentry, beginning a successful career as a residential contractor. He was known and respected by clients, colleagues, and employees alike for his honesty, integrity, and fine workmanship. He was a mentor, inspiring many in his field. In Westport, he met and married Emily Dowd, and together they had two daughters, Erica of Bellingham, WA, and Alex of Hudson, NY. Trig remained close with his brother, Tim, and Tim's wife Marianne, who live in Missoula, Montana. Throughout his life, Trig never passed up an opportunity to expand his skills and knowledge. After retirement, he found time to pursue his interests in astronomy and photography, among others. He will always be remembered for his intelligence, kindness, easy-going nature, and goofy sense of humor. Friends and relatives are invited to a celebration of Trigs life on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Spindle Rock Club, 762 River Rd., Westport, MA 02790 Arrangements are under the direction of the Potter Funeral Home, 81 Reed Rd., Westport, MA 02790. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.potterfuneral service.com.