Richard Irving Gustafson

Obituary Richard Irving Gustafson Dick Gustafson, 88, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 with his family by his side. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years, Sharon; his sons, Richard, Michael and Robert (Marilou); daughter, Kathleen Bethke (Robert); four grandchildren who were the light of his life, Brian Gustafson, Isabella, Liam and John Bethke; and his sister, Carol Smalling of Tacoma. He was born January 14, 1927 to Charles and Ruth Gustafson in Tacoma. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1945 and after a four-year stint in the Navy he received the GI Bill and graduated from CPS (University of Puget Sound) and then the University Of Washington School Of Law. Dick practiced law for more than 40 years in Tacoma as a personal injury attorney. He was a member of the American and Pierce County Bar Associations, a member of the Pierce County Arbitration Board, former Judge of the City of Fircrest, a former member of the Fircrest Planning Commission, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Tacoma Mall and recipient of the Kiwanis Hickman Award, an active member of Fircrest Golf Club and St. Charles Borromeo Church. Dick is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert; sister, Jean; and his cherished in-laws, Mary Fran and Kenneth McCarthy. Dick adored his kids, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and he forever held a special place for children that drove his commitment as an active member of the South End Boys and Girls Club and the Kiwanis Club, to provide toys, scholarships and care for kids in need. He maintained his youthful spirit and took pride at being on the committee for Lincoln High School's Class of 1945's annual reunions. Dick was a good man who cared for his family and friends and made them laugh at many gatherings at the family beach house and summer vacations and on his regular stops to pop in and pop out, visiting friends and colleagues sharing a smile and a laugh and looking for sweets. He leaves a legacy of family values, kindness, generosity, personal and professional integrity and a 1966 Chevy convertible. He quietly touched the lives many and he will be missed dearly. The family would like to thank the ER staff at St Joseph's Hospital for their wonderful support and care. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Bellarmine Preparatory School Aloysius Chapel on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at 11:00am. The family suggests remembrances be made to the Henry Schatz Boys and Girls Club of Tacoma South End (3875 So. 66th St., Suite 101, Tacoma, WA 98409, 253-502-4600). Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.