Mr. Pagosa, Ron Gustafson, hung up his dancing shoes, but not before saving the last dance for Cindy. We will all meet one more time to say goodbye at a celebration of life ceremony on Sept. 7 at Centerpoint Church.
Ron passed away on June 14 at the age of 90. It’s been 10 years since his beloved Cindy went home to be with the Lord. We are blessed to have had them to live here in their later days. I always wondered how they found Pagosa.
Ron joined the U.S. Air Force and was a part of the Pagosa Springs service groups American Legion and Vets for Vets. His last duty station was in Kansas City, Mo., before landing in Pagosa in 1997.
As a couple, they became involved as volunteer members and financial supporters for many local activities and organizations: San Juan Historical Museum, Chamber of Commerce diplomat, Pagosa Springs Outdoor Club, Mountain Rotary Club and Hi Country Square Dance Group. The list goes on.
Married for 42 years, I can’t think of Ron without thinking of Cindy. I never knew them to miss any event, and always together. They were cheerleaders for everything and everybody in our town.
I asked Cindy once how they stayed up with all the things happening in Pagosa. They were there for everything and everybody.
She said, “Every Thursday morning, when the newspaper came, I took my calendar and listed everything that was scheduled for the week.”
She was my personal cheerleader and I’m sure everyone thought the same. She attended the Pagosa’s Parade of Homes. We were listed with some of Pagosa’s most expensive and beautiful homes and probably shouldn’t have been on the list, but we were chosen for our creative ideas.
Cindy’s blue eyes took in every nook and cranny. She stood at our dining room window and surveyed our property. She said, “You can tell this house has a lot of love in it. I am so glad we didn’t miss it. It’s my favorite home on the tour.” She was always generous with her compliments. After that, she had her Red Hats come to our home for a luncheon. She and Ron were a part of all the art shows and Arts Council events. They were very constantly engaged with the arts in Pagosa.
Cindy passed away on Dec. 3, 2014, at the age of 79. My Sweet Al and I attended her service. The room was overflowing with their friends. We listened to attendees express their sympathy and love. Then the music played and the women stood in line to dance with Ron. He loved to dance and he danced with all of them.
I thought when Cindy passed Ron would stop living. It seemed Cindy was the spark plug behind their social life. I was wrong. Ron continued to have a full life, being everywhere all the time, which is remarkable. As long as he was able, he attended all the activities and sports events.
Even the world’s shortest parade for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, we could count on Ron being there, dressed up in his funny tall hat, clown-like green pants and sweater. The same day, still wearing his Shamrock costume, he was standing in the Pagosa Springs High School parking lot, waiting to welcome the basketball team upon their return from winning state.
Cindy began WHIPS (Women Helping in Pagosa Springs) and monthly luncheons raising donations for local causes. There were many recipients of the WHIPS donations. She was faithful to the Friends of the Library, where you could find her dusting books and placing books on the shelves.
During the summer, they supported a softball team with printed t-shirts — Ron and Cindy’s Kids.
They adopted all of Pagosa. She was our beloved Cindy Gustafson just as Ron was proudly called Mr. Pagosa.
Final brushstroke: We have lost one more special person whose life meant so much to our community. I am reminded of how this couple left big shoes to fill. While Ron was still able to dance, there wasn’t one wallflower waiting to be spun around. Cindy has been waiting for you for that last dance.
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