I don't know what caused me to check the Heraldry Guard facebook page for the first time in months, but I was saddened to see the notice of Bill's passing.  I haven't seen him since marching band days, but my heart goes out to his family.  Blessing to all of you.

I remember being in the concert band with Bill freshman year. My condolences to his family. May God hold his hand on Bill and his family at this time of sorrow. You will be missed.

My wife and I send out our sincere condolences to Mr. and Mrs. "Crash" (that's what I used to call you) and the rest of the family.  It's so hard to believe that Crash is gone.  Bill, (I never called you Bill after the crash) we had so many great adventures.  You were one of my best friends in High School and beyond.  I'm sorry that the last few years I havn't stayed in touch...family and teaching got in the way.  I'll never forget how you could always make a dull afternoon a great memory.  I think you missed your calling...stand-up would have been great for you.  Just like Mr. Laskey said..."why are those speakers humming?...because they don't know the words".  You always knew the words to say.  I love you for that.  Even though I didn't stay in contact with you over the past few years I thought about you every day.  I raise my glass to you, Crash.  If there really is a Heaven it is a better place now.  Rest in Peace...

Our condolences to Bill's family. My wife and I played in Heraldry Guard the same time as Bill, and remember him fondly; his quick but quiet humor, his gentleness, his love for making music. As we celibrate this season, may the warmth and comfort of Christ  embrace the Gustafson family, and may Bill play in the "first" section for eternity!

My deepest sympathies to the Gustafson Family.  I was a neighbor of yours growing up on Hickory Drive and have many fond memories. Peace and comfort to you all at this time.

I have fond memories of you, Bill... My ol' (old, old) neighbor, school chum, band mate, friend -- Gawd. We grew up together! (Well, I did anyways...I think! ? ) Bill, you and your sense of humor touched lives in ways you probably never knew, and you will be missed by many. God speed ? and my condolences to Mr and Mrs Gustafson and Bob and the rest of the family.

Rest in peace fellow trumpeter.  You will live on in all who knew you. 

"Keek"
Theresa Sabatka Bland

Very sorry to here of the loss of your
 Son

Bill and I were in band together in Jr. High & high school, we haung out with friends together for years, and even worked together for awhile.  There is no way of knowing someone as funny, outgoing & fun loving as Bill, for 35 years, and not be impacted.  Mr. & Mrs. G, Bob, Kathy & kids,you are all in my thoughts & prayers.

I guess God had a need for some new entertainment.

My sincerest condolences to the Gustafson family.  Although we will feel an extreme loss without him here with us, I know that he is probably quite impressed by how much he has affected the lives of the people around him.  He has a beautiful soul and had an incredibly kind heart.  He has been a great part of my life and I will miss him tremendously.  I know that when someone tries to console you that your loved one is now in a better place, it seems a bit weak, but I truly believe he is in a better place.  He is no longer in pain, he can now eat and drink as much as he wants, and he finally is able to see the faces of the people that he loves and that love him.

Our sincere sympathy to the family -- Bob, Pat and Bob.  Indian Guides and the Heraldry Guard are fond memories.
Love and prayers.
Bob and Donna Reber

Bill was my sweetheart, always made me laugh and feel special, taught me so much about life, love & music all those years ago.  His courage, strength & positive attitude are an example to us all, and he will be so missed.  My prayers and condolences to his family.  Peace & Love.

I will miss Bill's sense of humor.  I've known him since high school and he will be greatly missed ... My prayers to his family

I was in The Heraldry Guard with Bill and he was extremely funny on those long pratice days. It was a pleasure to of know you and you will be missed. My sincere condolences goes out to the entire family.

We all loved "Crash" and his great sense of humor who participated in all of our band activities despite his debilitating illness. I particularly recall one instance when rehearsing the jazz band. The amplifiers were humming noisily and I asked: "Why are those amplifiers humming?" Bill's reply: "Because they don't know the words". He was a joy to be around and will always be fondly remembered. My deepest sympathy to brother Bob, Dad "Straight Arrow" Bob and Pat, Warm regards, Bill Laskey

Our condolences-Patty & Bob & Robert, I have a lot of memories, STRAIGHT ARROW and Patty.  We love you all. BIG HORSE.

Bill was a wonderful friend to me the last 14 years.  I will miss his humor, razing him about the Cubs and our late night chats about music.  I will miss you my sweet friend.  He recently chose the Olympic Fanfare as his ringtone on my phone.  I'm sure the angels played it as he entered the gates of heaven.  Love and Peace always.

Bill...aka Crash.  Thank you for the memories.  There are many and they are all good!  You have weathered the storm through the years with the strength of an army. We will miss your wit.  You may be gone from us here, but you will never be forgotten.  To the Gustafson Family - my deepest condolences.
Rest in peace Bill.

DEAR PAT,ROBERT I'AM so sorry about your loss. Bill was a very sweet person. I always enjoyed cutting his hair. From yor old neighbor from Hickory Dr.

Bill was an excellent trumpet player and a wonderful human being.  He was always respectful and modest.  As his former band director and teacher I was fortunate to work with him at school and at church.  He was very dependable and he will be missed.  

Gordon Triefenbach

I was just thinking about Bill a month or so ago. We were friends back in the late 70's.  We called him Trippin Tiger on the CB where we would spend hours chatting.  I have lost touch of him over the years, but he was a great friend back in that time.  My prayers and condolences to his family.

bill you were my loving friend and will be missed terribly. Love you Crash

My heart goes out to Bill's family, I have known Bill for several years and he will be greatly missed. Our lives are forever changed by having known such a positive, caring, wonderful person. Ever brave with all you went through and always in my thoughts. Rest in peace my friend

We were both members of the Heraldry Guard trumpet section so we certainly spent a lot of time together making music and getting into trouble. I'll never forget all of the good times with Bill. He will be missed but not forgotten.

My sincere condolences goes out to the entire family. He will be dearly missed. He was quite a courageous and strong person. Rest in peace Bill, my friend. " Cindy Reinert Trenhaile" ( Florence, Colorado)

Bill, you were so brave in all that you faced through the years and you've inspired us all with your sense of humor. You will be missed terribly. Rest in peace, my friend.

To all the Family: My husband and I send our sincere condolences. I can't find the words to express my sorrow but I can express my Joy. The Joy of having known someone as funny, caring, and strong as Bill. The Joy of knowing and watching how he Loved his family and friends so dearly. I am honored to have been one of those friends and he will Live on in my heart.  RIP Crash, I Love You.

OBITUARY

William C. Gustafson

June 18, 1962 – December 16, 2010

Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home

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