Kjell Harry Gustafson, 66

Kjell Harry Gustafson, 66, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Nov., 9 2008, at home.

Mr. Gustafson was born on Oct. 3, 1942, in Sweden, the son of the late Harry and Vivi Gustafson. He moved over to Montreal, Canada, and then settled in the United States with his family when he was eight.

Following graduation from Sachem High School in Ronkonkoma, Long Island,  he entered Union College in New York on a wrestling scholarship.

After a short stint in the U.S. Air Force, he moved to Aspen, Colo., in 1965. He married Jeanne Wilder of Westford, Mass., in 1969, and had two children Lisen (1971) and Anders (1976).

Kjell's passion was skiing and being in the outdoors, so his job as a ski patroller suited him well.

He used his skiing talents to race in town events and to teach his children to love skiing. In the summers, he was a wonderful stone mason, and his work can still be seen around Aspen.

He was always searching for other places to live, so shortly after his divorce, he moved to McCall, Idaho.

He built a nice house there, and enjoyed McCall's beauty for eight years. He then discovered Sandpoint and has made his home here for the last five years.

In all his searching, Sandpoint became his real home. He made great friends here, and found a new passion in sailing. He participated in the weekly sailing races and loved the challenge of becoming a fine sailor.

Kjell loved to have visitors, so he could show off the beautiful place that he called home. He mastered the game of chess and was an amazing wealth of knowledge, especially history. He was always willing and ready to help anyone who needed help.

Mr. Gustafson is survived by his daughter, Lisen Richmond, of Carbondale, Colo.; his son, Anders Gustafson, of Basalt, Colo.; and one granddaughter.

The family hope that Kjell's friends will join them to celebrate his life, at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at the home of Geana Johnson, 214 Pacific St., and Third in Sandpoint.