Sonia Boyce
"A Community Man"

While growing up in Red Lake, visiting the     Gustafson household which was only a couple of doors away was as natural and comfortable as being in my own home.  John’s philosophy for life regarding honesty, integrity, hard work, kindness and generosity was shared with us children regularly and undoubtedly influenced our lifelong value systems.  If anyone taught us to think outside the box, it was John Gustafson who’s conversation topics often included “how to’s”  for being inventive. 

 He would tailor a joke and tall tale to match our ages and share in the ensuing laughter so the smile and twinkle in his eye are legendary to me.  I couldn’t have depicted him without them or his suspenders and working-man’s shirt.  

As a Red Lake pioneer, John Gustafson’s respect for humanity, industriousness and love of country have helped to make this community a memorable place.  I am grateful for this opportunity to honor him with a banner. 

John Gustafson arrived in Canada with few material possessions.  With his wit, intelligence and  perseverance, the perfect ingredients for being “a spirit of the north”, he became a much respected and successful family, business and community man.