Ronald Gordon GUSTAFSON

It is with sadness the family of Ronald Gordon Gustafson announce his passing on April 1, 2021 at Rose Villa at the age of 85 years.

Ron was born February 6, 1936 at Elrose Union Hospital to George and Mary Gustafson (née Thompson), he was predeceased by his parents and younger brother Malcolm (Mac). He leaves behind children Darrel (Maureen) Gustafson, Russel Gustafson and Shelley Gustafson, grandchildren Amanda, Logan, Zane and Zoe as well as numerous cousins and close friends.

All his life, Ron enjoyed Hockey. In 1953, Ron and Terry Raycroft of Elrose decided that their Senior hockey team needed a name. They were diehard Jean Béliveau fans and had followed him as he played for the Quebec Aces. At school in the fall of 1953 a young Gustafson and Raycroft struck on the idea to have an Aces crest made and soon the team was called the ACES. While playing hockey against Outlook, Ron was checked into the boards and although he was the only player wearing a helmet at the time, this accident resulted in him being in a coma for months. He would later tell anyone who would listen about how he “broke his head” or “got my head caved in” and if he hadn’t been wearing a helmet he would have been dead. Ron loved watching hockey either on TV, in the original Elrose Arena, or at the Uniplex. At the Uniplex he would be found standing in his corner, leaning on the rail cheering on the Aces. He spent some time behind the bench during the 70’s coaching the girls hockey team.

Ron also enjoyed Baseball. He was catcher for a few teams in the area over the years. He spent time locally coaching baseball. He liked watching the Blue Jay’s and always had a comment about the most recent game or how the season was going for them.

Ron was a Mason, Shriner and also a member of the Knights Templar, Preceptory and Eastern Star.

Ron would often set up bank accounts for children born in the area. He loved to tease children, often mis-naming them on purpose to hear their outraged reactions. Many little girls would say “My name is NOT Susie” while speaking to him.

Due to Covid there will not be a service. Cards can be set to the family at P.O. Box 484, Clavet, SK, S0K 0Y0.

Donations in his name can be made to (Saskatoon’s Youth Bagpipe & Drum Band) the 96th Highlanders Pipes & Drums – PO Box 921 Station Main, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 3M4.