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January 28, 1954 - October 5, 2016
Keith Doyle Gustafson of Lodi passed away suddenly on October 5, 2016 at the age of 62. He was born on January 28, 1954 in Seattle, Washington. He grew up in South Pasadena, California where he loved watching and participating in sports of all kinds. In 1967 a neighbor had an extra ticket so Keith was able to attend the very first Super Bowl game at the Los Angeles Coliseum, when the Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Chiefs. Keith grew up going to USC football games, as his family always bought season tickets. He also attended many LA Dodger games and has been a lifelong Dodger fan. Since he was born in Seattle, he thought it only made sense to be a Seahawks fan also. He played football, basketball and baseball at South Pasadena High School in the early 1970's. He was later inducted into their football hall of fame. He went on to play football and baseball at Menlo College for two years and then two more years of football at San Francisco State University. In 1980 Keith joined the Navy. His cruises took him to Hong Kong, Thailand, Australia and the Middle East. He was proud to serve his country and retired from the Navy after 20 years of service. For the past 13 years he has been a truck driver for Con-way/XPO logistics. Keith was a loyal and generous person who would do anything to help a friend or family member in need. He was an animal lover who adopted and spoiled many dogs over the years. To all who knew Keith it was obvious that his beautiful daughter Malloree was his pride and joy. She and her husband Ryan blessed him with two adorable grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Noreen Gustafson. He is survived by his daughter Malloree and her husband Ryan Baltzell, two grandsons Tyler and Logan, of Citrus Heights; brother Skip Gustafson, of Sutter Creek; brother Greg Gustafson, of Fairbanks Alaska; and sister Suzanne (Paul) Schreiner, of Lodi. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
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Lori Martin (Lehman)
Still having such a hard time wrapping my head around this....love and hugs to Molly and of course to Ann and the girls!!! I love you all! Keith was the real thing!! I feel lucky to have known him! Prayers my friend!
James Griffin
I was in disbelief to hear that Keith had passed. As many enjoyed reconnecting with Keith at the 40th Reunion where Keith, Simmons and his best friend Suter teamed up and won the Reunion Golf Tournament .. Keith was grinning from ear to ear for most of the day. He was overjoyed to be with his pals again from So Pas. I had not seen Keith since our HS days and I did not stay in touch with Keith beyond HS - I do know Keith served in the Navy for a period of time. First met Keith at Lincoln School in So Pas where he excelled in all sports and was the Kickball Legend. A big fella who was a "Man among boys" back in the day. Keith went on to a stellar Hall of Fame career as 3 sport Varsity Athlete as a SP Tiger and played for Football Legendary Coach Ray Solari again as several talented Tigers did at Menlo JC.
After Menlo I understand Keith continued his Football career at Sac State .. My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Keith his family, friends and neighbors.. He was a gentle giant and will be missed. RIP "Gus"
The Guy trying to pull Keith down seems to be struggling a bit...
not surprised he was a load and more .... tough as nails
With Keith at our 40 Year reunion in 2013 had not seen Keith in since HS - Dont recall if he attended any reunions prior don't think so .. So Happy to see the Legend again ...
Marsha L Ginsburg
Sad to have to say goodbye to such a gentle giant. There are too few gentle people in this world and he was one of them. We will raise a glass at our next reunion to a life well-lived.Alan Hueth
Guys, your comments were so wonderful...and spot on...thanks for posting...here's what I have to add...I have so many positive memories of Keith from 6th grade on!...playing football and kickball on the playground at Lincoln Elementary...seeing this big guy coming at me carrying a ball and thanking God that it was "touch football"....then playing football with him in pop warner and high school...basketball....and baseball in middle league...killing brain cells playing marco polo--we'd stay under for up to about 2 min's or so after 10 huge deep breaths!....going to disneyland together...and the grace and hospitality of his parents--a wonderful Christian family. I look forward to seeing Keith again.
James Griffin
In the Works possibility for Current Tiger Team to wear #45 Sticker on their helmets for rest of Football Season to pay tribute to Keith ... will keep you posted !
Jim
Elaine Feuer (Feuer-Barton)
I am so touched my everyone's comments about Keith, who I never had the chance to really know in high school or later. What I do know is that his last years with Ann and her family made both of them very happy. And that I missed knowing just the kind of person I value most in this world.
Georgia Shaver (Shaver-Boccaccini)
smiloNothing can prepare us for the sudden death of a friend. But one think I do know that when it has happened the outpouring of love and thoughtful memories from the Tiger family is special. Keith was loved and fondly remembered and Ann and others brought him back into many of our lives - lucky us. My lucky day was with Keith, Ann, Holly, John and Angelo for a day of wine tasting and catching up with Keith on the last 40+ years. He was proud of his family, especially proud of being a grandpa, loved driving a truck and proud to have served his country. He was so happy to see us all and it seemed as if we had just left high school. As Ann and many others know and as I found out very quickly that day, Keith was one hell of a guy. Keep smiling down from above😇😇😇
Tom Advey
I think that Keith was the person that we all wished we could be more like. A true genuine man that made all feel so special. He was the real deal.I am glad that he was living a very happy life. It really makes one reflect. Prayers for Ann and all of his family.
Ann McDaniel
The outpouring of love and admiration for this kind, gentle, loving man on this page and on Facebook would amaze my humble, dear Keith. He would do anything for anyone, loved his family and friends beyond words, loved being a grandpa. He loved his Dodgers, Trojans, and Seahawks with crazy passion. He spent last Sunday listening to Vin Scully's last broadcast with his dearest friend, Stan Suter. We didn't know each other much in high school, but found when we reconnected we'd had so many parallel experiences as kids. The world has lost a great man. My heart is broken beyond comprehension. Rest In Peace my sweet man. You are loved and in my heart forever.
Kim Pitre (Zukerman)
Didnt get much of a chance to know this wonderful man, but have learned through your thoughts and comments he was bigger than life. It is always a shock to lose one of our classmates........seems way to soon. Keith will be remembered by those lives he touched. I will remember the occasional hello as we passed the halls of H.S. such a sweet unassuming guy. R.I.P. Keith..
Kim Pitre