The following is an obituary for the Hon. Judge Kirk Gustafson, born November 6, 1944, died July 23, 2019, submitted by his son. A memorial will be held on at 2 p.m. on August 24 at the Willits Center for the Arts.
Hon. Judge Kirk Gustafson died peacefully in his home on July 23rd 2019 in Willits, California at the age of 74.
Kirk is survived by his children, Ari and Nils, his Grandchildren Sam and Ronin and his ex-wives Robin and Joyce.
Kirk was born on November 6th 1944 in Pennsylvania to Alvin Gustafson (a WWII Marine Raider Medic) and Ruth Tilstrom (a School Teacher). He graduated from Stanford with a degree in Law and became a Lawyer, 1st Circuit Superior Court Judge for the State of California and then a Superior Court Judge for Mendocino County before retiring.
Kirk was an accomplished fisherman, fan of Bob Dylan, ping pong player and often opened his home for community events. He was a generous individual who loved people and who was passionate about giving them a second chance. He was an active and dedicated member of the community and often donated to the local community as well as international charities. Kirk also had a wonderful sense of humor and tried to make people smile and laugh in the most dire of times. He brought happiness and hope to many of us and will be missed greatly.
A memorial is scheduled for August 24th 2pm-7pm at the Willits Art Center. Friends and colleagues are welcome to attend and celebrate Kirk’s life. Bring a dish or appetizer to share. The family would like to thank Phoenix Hospice for supporting them in bringing Kirk home. Memorial information can be obtained at (415) 680-5465.
Obituary submitted by Gustafson’s son Ari Rule-Gustafson. The Mendocino Voice welcomes obituary submissions and publishes them free-of-charge.
