Howard Leon Gustafson

December 12, 1938 – December 16, 2023

Howard Leon Gustafson, 85 years young, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, December 16th, 2023.  Born on December 12, 1938, in Portland, Oregon, to Katherine and Alvin.  Howard married the love of his life, Doris Faye, in June 1963.  He was preceded in death by his toddler brother, Virgil, his parents, his wife, Doris on August 19, 2011.   Howard is survived by his brothers, Richard, (Joyce) and Charles, (Diane). His son in Oregon, Gary (Katrina), son in Mississippi, Ron and son in Arizona, Don, (Allison).

Howard had 2 grandsons, Kevin and Jordan. He and Doris were thrilled spending time whenever they could, whether it was picking blackberries at the park, then making a pie or spending the night, weekly or monthly while growing up. Howard was fascinated and enjoyed listening about their jobs and was so excited to catch up with them as they were adults.

Howard graduated from Seaside High School.  After his graduation, he went into the United States Air Force and was stationed in Detroit Michigan.  He would routinely hitchhike back and forth to Oregon from Detroit.  He was a proud Veteran.

Reynolds Aluminum/ALCOA was Howard’s career for over 35 years .Howard knew how to do everything in every department of the factory.  He retired from the factory, only because they shut it down.

Howard and Doris moved to San Tan Valley, Arizona, in 2007. After Doris passed, Howard downsized and moved to Mesa in 2014.  He really loved the location and how much gas he was saving and being closer to church and his friends.

Howard was extremely handy and could fix almost anything. He had a 5 year plan to paint his house and he completed it in half the time.  He was so gracious.  One neighbor asked him for a favor once and it was to take some paintings to an art gallery in Sedona.  Howard accommodated her and did her errand for her. That is Howard.

Bye For Now

5525 S Baseline Road Mesa Arizona 85206 2pm Baseline Christian Fellowship
2:00pm Celebration of Life Friday January 12th, 2024

Interment Friday January 19th 11:00am
Forrest Lawn Memorial Park
Gresham, Oregon