Paul W Gustafson

Paul W. Gustafson, 89, a native of Holden, quietly and peacefully (So characteristic of him) left us Monday morning, March 23rd 2009 before he even had his breakfast, his favorite meal of the day. Paul was a humble man, a good soul with a big heart, a gentle giant of sorts. Paul a product of the great depression could never throw anything away and would always find some use for it. Paul had a wide array of tools in his workshop but his hands were his best tool. Paul loved to tinker and could fix anything. He had every gadget ever invented! Paul was most proud of his Swedish heritage and the family home he built with his father in the 1950's. Paul enjoyed Public Broadcasting Television, the radio, watching and feeding the birds and spending time at the Unitarian Universalist Church, where he worked after he retired from Heald Machine Company after more than 40 years of employment. Paul was a veteran of World War II. He was born on June 4th 1919, the only child of Per and Agnes Gustafson. He leaves behind his wife and best friend of more than 60 years, Gladys D. (Anderson) Gustafson; a son David and his wife Elaine of Auburn; a daughter, Janet and her partner James Pederson of Boulder Colorado; two grandchildren and a great grandchild. Paul was predeceased by a daughter Joan. Paul has generously donated his body to the anatomical gift program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. A memorial service to celebrate Paul's life will be held on Saturday April 18, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden St. Worcester. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. Memorial contributions may be made in Paul's name to the Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden St. Worcester. "A Mighty Oak has fallen in the Forest, and the silence is deafening"