Harvey Gustafson, 81, artist and teacher

Harvey V. Gustafson of Tiverton, R.I., an artist and art teacher who lived in Ridgefield more than 30 years, died Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Kimwell Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Fall River, Mass., after a long illness. He was 81 years old, the husband of Hope Rex Gustafson of Tiverton, and the father of Attorney Rex Gustafson of Ridgefield.
A native of Lakewood, R.I., Mr. Gustafson was born on Oct. 9, 1919, a son of Victor F. Gustafson and Elin Fredlund Gustafson. He grew up in Rhode Island and in 1941 entered the Rhode Island School of Design. He left to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and returned to the school after his discharge.
Mr. Gustafson earned his teaching certificate in 1948 and came to Ridgefield that year to become the art teacher for the first through 12th grades, then all housed in the East Ridge School. In 1954, he began teaching art in the Weston schools, retiring in 1980 as chairman of the art department at the high school.
He was considered an inspirational teacher. “A lot of people have told me, ‘Your father’s the reason I became an artist or the reason I became a teacher,’ ” said Rex Gustafson.
Mr. Gustafson was an early and active member of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists. He had also been very active in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church where he served on the Parish Planning Committee, was a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, and was chairman of the Nutmeg Festival.
A watercolorist who specialized in New England landscapes, Mr. Gustafson had exhibited his work in many shows and galleries throughout his career. He had belonged to the Hudson Valley Art Association, the Stamford Art Association, and the Providence Art Club.
During his years in Ridgefield, the family lived on Silver Spring Road.
After returning to his native Rhode Island, Mr. Gustafson taught private art lessons. He continued to paint until 1990 when he had the first of several strokes.
He was also an avid reader who used to visit the local library nearly every day.
Besides his Ridgefield son and his wife of 52 years, Mr. Gustafson is survived by two other sons, Mark Gustafson of Tiverton, and Eric Gustafson of Providence, and a daughter, Lisa Gustafson of Providence; and by eight grandchildren.
A brother, Robert Gustafson, and a sister, Beatrice Grassed, died before him.
A memorial service will take place Saturday, Feb. 10, at noon at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Main Road, Tiverton.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Potter League for Animals, P.O. Box 412, Newport, RI, 02840-0400 or the Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas Street, Providence, RI 02903.
The Hathaway Home for Funerals in Fall River is in charge of arrangements.