Charles A. Gustafson

Charles Albert Gustafson passed away peacefully on Feb. 13, 2024, in Anchorage, Alaska. Charles was 80 years old. Born on May 3, 1943, in Denver, Colo., Charles was the oldest of three children raised by his mother and father Stasie and William Gustafson. Charles grew up in Creede, Colo., and graduated from Creede High School, being one of six in his class. Growing up Charles was an avid skier and basketball player.

After high school, Charles attended Adams State College, in Alamosa, Colo., where he received an Industrial Arts Education degree. This is where he met his wife Carolyn and made many life-long friends. Upon graduation in 1966, Charles and Carolyn drove to Alaska in “Old Blue”, a 2WD Dodge pickup. This was Charles’s first of 93 trips up the Alcan! During those trips, he visited many Home Depots and was excited when he finally hit his 100th store.

Charles taught woodshop and coached basketball at Dillingham High School. He was proud that by the time he left Dillingham, the students taking woodshop were 51% male and 49% female. Charles shared his love of woodworking with all ages, holding workshops in the evenings for adults in the community.

After retiring, Charles and Carolyn tried to move Outside but kept returning to Alaska. Charles spent countless hours supporting his grandkids in their hockey, dance, soccer, and orchestra interests. Charles’ favorite pastime was spending time with family and friends on his boat in Prince William Sound, Kachemak Bay, and Resurrection Bay. He jokingly called himself “Cabin Boy”, and spent his time on the boat baiting hooks, cussing skates that were caught, and gaffing halibut. Charles had a love of living life to its fullest.

Charles is survived by his wife, Carolyn Gustafson, his son Sven (Kathy), his daughter Gwen Welch (Roy), and grandkids Steven (Sidekick), Julie Bell (Tinkerbell), Bryce (Buddy), and Cassie Rose (Sunshine).

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 16 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Ann Seton School Gym, located at 2901 Huffman Road — park in back parking lot and enter the lower level.