Hugh Aaron Mustoe

Hugh Aaron Mustoe, aged 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep the night of May 24, 2024 while being treated at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Junction, CO for a combination of long-term conditions. He leaves behind four siblings (Craig, Brett, Brad, Susie) and four children (Robert, Triyona, Calahand, Blaine) and four grandchildren (Jaedyn, Robert, Thomas, Alicia and Eliza). He was preceded in death by his parents as well as older brothers Clayton and Grant Mustoe.

Aaron was born on April 5, 1958 in Woodland, CA to parents Robert Lee Mustoe and Charlotte Jean Mustoe (née Seitz), the fourth of their seven children. But his parents were soon back home in Colorado where they raised Aaron and his six siblings on a homestead (the last of its kind in the State of Colorado) on Goodman Point. Growing up there instilled in him a love for the outdoors and an understanding of the importance of hard work. Aaron was always eager to help his dad, including the time as a four-year-old when he "gassed up" the truck using the water hose.

After the Goodman Point homestead was proved up in 1962, the family also lived at a house on Lebanon Road north of Cortez. Aaron attended Mildred School, followed by Lewis - Arriola Elementary School, then Cortez Junior High School, and graduated from Montezuma-Cortez High School in 1976. He continued his education at North Dakota State School of Science (NDSSS) where he discovered a talent and passion for welding.

In 1983, after graduating NDSSS and returning to Cortez, Aaron's mother introduced him to a woman who would turn out to be his future wife, Carol Sue Buffington. It didn't take long until he had fallen in love with her and formed a bond with her four-year-old, Robert. They married on March 24, 1984, in Cortez, CO. The following summer of 1985, the young family moved to Arvin, California where Aaron began working as a welder for Grimmway Farms.

Aaron had always wanted to have a home full of kids like the one he grew up with. In 1986, Aaron and Carol Sue began growing the family by taking in foster children. He felt blessed by the opportunity to temporarily nurture and care for approximately twenty children over the next decade and a half. Aaron further grew his family permanently when he adopted a son, Calahand, and a daughter, Triyona.

In 1993, a pleasant surprise arrived when another son was born to Aaron and Carol Sue. Aaron gave him a first name (Blaine) in honor of his childhood best friend (Randy Blaine Stanley), and a middle name (Grant) in honor of his departed brother.

Aaron always took pride in work and providing for his family. He worked in many fields over the years, becoming a jack of all trades and master of some. Among other trades and careers, he welded, drove commercial trucks, did seismography, cut trees, supervised irrigation, built trailers, and more. At work, he was known for his reservoir of knowledge and ability to creatively think through whatever task was at hand. At home and among friends, he was known for loving to discuss the next project, idea, or enterprise and how to accomplish it. Aaron would usually make these family affairs, like the wood-cutting operation he launched that for several years would see the whole family out helping to chop and haul firewood.

In his free time, Aaron loved to tinker and loved to explore the great outdoors. His passion for Jeep trips combined both loves and was something he tried to share with his sons. There were many overnight four-wheeling trips in the Jeeps with his sons, brothers, and nephews to locations in California and the Southwest. Once, on a lark, he built a go-kart with his sons using a hand cart as a frame.

Aaron and Carol divorced in 2002 but they remained on good terms and continued to raise their children together. Aaron took pride in seeing all his children grow up and apply his lessons on work ethic, responsibility, and charity to find success in life and their respective careers. He enjoyed his grandchildren from Robert and Calahand and took time to send presents when he couldn't be near.

In 2016, Aaron moved back home to Cortez, CO where he lived out the rest of his days. He cherished the opportunity to reconnect with old friends and family, in particular his cousin Gail Barker. Aaron's son Calahand moved to Colorado as well and Aaron cheered him on as he launched a mobile mechanic enterprise.

A memorial of Aaron's life will be held at 10:00am on June 3, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1700 E Empire St, Cortez, CO 81321. Interment will follow at Goodman Point Cemetery. In his last days, Aaron was guided by a strong sense of faith and referred to his services as his "going-home party." All who knew Aaron are welcome to join.