Celebrating the Life Eric Gustafson

Some 28 years ago I married into the Gustafson family and gained two amazing brothers-in-law, Eric Gustafson and David Gustafson, my husband Grant's two younger brothers. 

Eric and I bonded in a special way, and he became my "big brother."  I loved him as if I had grown up as his little sister since childhood.  Eric and I shared a great love for God's creation and he was my "personal ticket" to experiencing California's beautiful High Sierra. I never ceased to be impressed with how he effortlessly rattled off altitudes, distances and vertical climb statistics.  He and I took great pleasure in sharing the good things God was doing in our lives and spurring each other on to greater faith and trust in Jesus. 

Eric was a bright spot in our family holiday gatherings, always regaling us with nail-biting stories of his high-risk adventures.  We thanked God after every telling that Eric made it through each predicament alive and able to share it with us.  As the years went by, Eric and I were forever pledging to see each other at the next holiday gathering healthier and more fit (and laughing when we next saw each other in the same "mid-life" state).  Eric was always warm, compassionate, funny and entertaining and I love him and miss him deeply.

On Monday, December 5th, 2016, Eric was driving home from a wonderful camping/hiking trip in Death Valley with several of his long-time closest friends.  It appears that he fell asleep at the wheel and missed a turn on Death Valley Road,  just 5 miles from highway 168.  The news of his fatal accident has been devastating.  It is so hard to imagine life here on earth with Eric gone.  He is sorely missed by so many.  As we visited Bishop to take care of the immediate details we encountered so many people who expressed their great love for Eric and great sorrow and disbelief over his passing.

As a CMT (Certified Massage Therapist), Eric blessed many clients with his soothing and healing hands, earning the funds to pay his bills on a monthly basis.  He had no contingency plan for his unexpected graduation from earth to heaven.  Although his limited car insurance will cover some of the expenses involved in settling his affairs, we (Grant, David, and I) will be needing funds to take care of many things that the car insurance will not cover as we work toward closure with the coroner, the memorial services, and the practical issues surrounding the closing of his massage office and apartment. 

We are grateful for all the wonderful people in Bishop who have already volunteered to help us in practical ways, and we will be welcoming that practical help when we do come up to Bishop and begin to work on these things in the new year.  We are thankful also for all who have prayed for us during this sad and grief-filled time.  We have felt the comfort of God through your prayers, and we pray for you as well, knowing that Eric was a warm friend and confidant to many, and your loss is also very great.
 
If there are any funds raised on this site in excess of those needed to settle Eric's affairs, they will be donated to a cause close to Eric's heart as a memorial in his name.  Thank you for loving Eric and helping us, on his behalf, as we walk through these next few months.

Warmly,
Julia Gustafson