Arvid "Gus" Gustavson

Hampton - Arvid H. “Gus” Gustavson, a remarkable man who lived a rich and meaningful life, surrounded by friends and family, died on Tuesday, Dec. 5, following a short illness. He was 94. Gus was a loving father and a devoted husband. He had a big, outgoing personality and made friends wherever he went. He had great comedic timing and a laugh that lit up a crowded room. His passing leaves a void in the lives of all who knew him. A gifted storyteller, Gus entertained generations with tales from a life well lived. These include growing up “wild” in the Boston suburbs, his time in Japan during the occupation after World War II, a lifetime of travel, and his efforts tending land and livestock at Crooked Chimney Farm, his beloved Hampton Falls homestead. Gus was born on July 28, 1929, in Somerville, Mass., the son of Arvid H. Gustavson, Sr and Amelia Letasz. He married Shirley Ambrose on Oct. 24, 1953 after serving two years in the U.S. Army. Gus and Shirley moved to New Hampshire in 1960 after Gus transferred to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. One of his early thrills during a long, rewarding career involved joining the crew of the atomic submarine USS Seadragon for sea trials. He worked in quality control at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for more than three decades, earning numerous honors and commendations along the way before retiring in 1985. Later in life, Gus and Shirley lived in Madison, NH, Marco Island, FL, Epping, NH, and Exeter, NH. Gus cherished his enduring marriage with “Shirl” and took pride in the many years they spent together. Gus was a steadfast companion and caretaker to Shirley through the phases of cancer until her passing on Dec. 23, 2019. His heart broke that day and remained that way until the end. Even so, Gus never complained, even in later years as his health deteriorated. His wit and sense of humor never waned. To anyone who asked how he was doing, Gus typically replied, “Can’t complain, don’t get any sympathy.” He lived an exemplary life that included countless contributions to his community. His legacy is one of integrity, optimism, generosity and unwavering love and support for his large extended family, who continue to live those values. Gus leaves behind scores of friends across many states and abroad. He is survived by his children: Stephen Gustavson and his wife, Joanne Merrill of Nashua and their daughter Kyla Gustavson Pascal and her husband Alex of Chelmsford; Karen Gustavson Kulberg and her husband, John and their son, Eric and his wife Michelle and their children Viktor and Josephine of Hampton, their daughter, Lauren and her husband Casey and their children, Jack and Brooks of Seattle; Paul Gustavson and his partner Kelly Fitzgerald and her son, Thomas of Hopkinton; Paul’s sons, Luke and Trevor and Cindy Jensen Gustavson, their mother, of Rowley, MA, plus many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Shirley Ambrose Gustavson; his father, Arvid H. Gustavson, Sr; his mother, Amelia Letasz Gustavson, and his sisters, Elaine Gustavson Mullen and Sylvia Gustavson Amsden. He left an indelible mark on all of his family, who miss him dearly and cherish their memories with him. Visiting hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 27 at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A service celebrating Gus’ life will be held on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Oak Lawn Cemetery, Hampton Falls. In lieu of traditional remembrances, donations may be made in Gus' name to the International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham & Women's Hospital at https://impmeso.org/philanthropy/donate/

Arvid "Gus" Gustavson

July 28, 1929 - December 5, 2023