I'm so sorry to hear of Don's passing.  The very first time I played a Mahler symphony was with Don in the Arapahoe Phil - I think it may still have been called Community Arts at that time.  Then years with him in the DMB.  What a kind and talented man.  It was a privilege to know him.  

Don was the principal clarinetist for the Community Arts orchestra back in 1978 when I joined. He provided leadership for me then and throughout the time I played with Community Arts and the Arapahoe Philharmonic. There are many odd and assorted tales that are developed when you are performing and yet there are consistencies in performance that are gleaned through decades of playing together. One such story is that after one concert, I think it was Resighi's Pines of Romes he sent me a thank you letter and a check so that I could buy more reeds that matched the quality I had during that performance.
It is hard to truly capture the bond musicians experience when striving to create a compelling performance. Vince LaGuardia was the master of this and grew our orchestra's musical impact through the love of music. Don personified that love of music. Thanks to the Don for the decades of playing music together. 

Trudy Forsyth
(bass clarinet)

Don was a very special friend of my husband, Leonard Diggs.  They participated in many musical events through the years.  Know they will make music together in their new lives.  Missed but not forgotten.

Don and I Shared Choir together.  We were the bass section.  Because of Don, I was nominated best improved member.  His singing helped me feel wonderful and connected. I also attended Byers Jr High and West High although 5 years after he did. We still shared lots.  He made me happy with his music, memories, and caring.

Thank You Don.


Thank you Don for your incredible musicianship over the years, for your years of contributions to the Arapahoe Philharmonic and your community, and for setting the foundation to create an amazing orchestra. On behalf of the entire Arapahoe Philharmonic, your memory will live on in our good work. 

I learned today of the passing of our amazing AP past principal  clarinetist and friend, Don Gustafson.  We all remember picking our jaws up off the floor while listening to his flawless and oh so musical solos.  In addition, he will be remembered as one of the kindest men you will ever meet.  It reminds me that you can have incredible talent and still be a humble and caring soul in the world.  I had the amazing opportunity of not only playing in the Community Arts Symphony and the Arapahoe Philharmonic with him, but also to work every day with him teaching young children the joys of learning an instrument in Adams County SD 14.  His students loved him, as did I.  He was my mentor and my role model for what a good teacher should be, and his lessons on how to inspire young people were never forgotten in my 36 years as a public school teacher myself.  Music was a calling of joy for Don.  It was a sad day when Don resigned from AP, but the memories of his stunning solos, warm smile and friendly greetings whenever he saw you will remain with us forever.  To his family; Know that your father/grandfather will be with us always!

So sad to hear of Mr. Gustafson's passing.  He taught our children in elementary band at Kemp Elementary School.  As they continued through  the music program, there were surprise visit from him at various festivals and concerts.  When the Adams City HS band performed at a festival in Rapid City, the students were thrilled to see Mr. and Mrs. Gustafson at Mount Rushmore.  He then showed up in the audience the next day at their performance.  Great support.  Our daughter had the opportunity to play along side him in our church orchestra for special occasions.  He leaves a great legacy.

Don Gustafson was a great musician and an outstanding clarinetist.  He was the solo clarinetist in the Denver Feast Band which I directed.  Truly a professional in every respect, Don was recognized as one of Denver's best, playing in the Denver Municipal band and the Arapahoe Philharmonic Orchestra.  I was in high school in Trinidad, Colorado, when I first met Don.  During his short stint as the director of the Trinidad State Junior College Band, he afforded me the opportunity to play in that band. Even though I was still in high school, Don nominated me to play in the Kappa Kappa Psi, District III, Intercollegiate Band which was held at Colorado State College, (now UNC) in Greeley.  The director of that band was Dr. Clarence Sawhill from UCLA, a man for whom I served as a graduate assistant five years later.  What a great lifetime opportunity Don Gustafson gave me.  He was a wonderful person and will be missed. May he rest in peace!

I knew Don was a wonderful musician from many years of making music around Denver and as a graduate of the CU Music School. He absolutely loved playing the clarinet and could really make it sing. He was a valued member of the Arvada Presbyterian Church chancel choir when I became the director even though he was a member of another church. Don was a person of strong faith and character who loved music and was a dependable member of the bass section. As the years brought challenges to his mobility the other men of the choir, especially Roy and Paul, made sure that he could still be a part of his Sousa Band and attend choir rehearsals and worship services. We will miss you, Don! Godspeed, good friend. 

Uncle Don will truly be missed but I know how happy he is seeing Aunt Betty again.  He missed her and their beautiful life together.  I think I got to know Uncle Don better after Aunt Betty's passing (sounds strange but when visiting Aunt Betty and Uncle Don I spent more time visiting with Aunt Betty) and after her passing I spent more one on one time getting to know Uncle Don and reminiscing about life.  We drove to Red Rocks one day and Uncle Don talked about when he played in the band there and all the different places he played at (such an amazing career he had).  

We got to spend time together fishing at Taylor Park a few times - he loved to fish and spend time in the Colorado mountains. We talked the last few years about going back but never made it but will always remember the times we did have there. 

I will miss our visits and phone calls Uncle Don.

Mickey Crippen (Deshler)

As a young boy, our family would attend summer evening concerts of the City Park/Denver Municipal Band.  Having just starting clarinet lessons with my Dad as my teacher, I was so impressed by the first clarinet section that included: Don Gustafson, Ron Owens, Richard Johnston the Master of Ceremonies and my father, Jack Stevens.
  
The Band was incredible and when Ed Lenicheck would give the downbeat, you'd better fasten your seatbelts 'cause you're going for a ride... it's like ridin' a Bull at the Stockshow!  Don was a great leader and played the heck out of the clarinet... he didn't miss a note!
  
Many years went by and I would come back home from college, during the summers, and was fortunate to join the band.  Don was  welcoming, supportive and positive... traits of a Saint.  He and I would get together from time to time reminiscing, working on clarinet mouthpieces and just "shooting the breeze".  I miss his gentle and sincere demeanor and he'll most certainly have a special place in Heaven.

Andy Stevens






 



 

Prayers of comfort and peace for Don's family. I met Don, in what is now known as the Ambler Clarinet Choir, in about 1984. He was a wonderful clarinetist, and an even more wonderful human being, always supportive to other players. Don's technical skill on the clarinet was amazing. He loved playing! We still talked on the phone every so often. I know how much he missed his wife, and take comfort in knowing that they are now together again. 


I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing.  I met him back in the 80s, playing in Don Ambler's clarinet choir, and later when I joined the Denver Municipal Band in 1995, where he played the 1st clarinet part.  He was the nicest man and seemed so kind - those qualities seem to be a bit less common these days.

Speaking of the band - I remember how we would chuckle when he and Ron would be frantically pawing through their folders, looking for the next piece we were supposed to rehearse or play on the concert (Gerry Endsley was famous for changing things at the concert).  Kinda looked like two little old men trying to figure things out - but I say that with the greatest affection and respect for Don's fine musicianship and leadership.

What a life he had! 


OBITUARY

Donald Alvin Gustafson

6 May, 1929 – 4 April, 2021

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

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