Paul Frederick Gustavson

Epping - Paul F. Gustavson Jr., MD returned to the Lord on Saturday, January 6, 2024. Paul and his family ask that he be remembered, not for his varied accomplishments and degrees, but for his strength of character that arose from his Christian faith. From his early days of riding his bike to Trinity Lutheran Church in Tenafly, NJ to his involvement in Epping Community Church in Epping, NH, Paul constantly sought to experience Christ in community, fully believing, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20). In everything Paul did or said, his motivations were born from his fervent prayer life and his radical love of Christ. It was this love that led Paul to serve Rockingham County and the NH Seacoast for decades as a family physician. Paul humbly respected his patients, deeply listened to their needs and concerns, and truly felt he had a great deal to learn from them as their physician. Paul himself gracefully managed a chronic illness - over 25 years with Parkinson's Disease - and offered those around him a great deal of hope. Up until is death, Paul was still involved in a Parkinson's Support Group that he founded with two other men dealing with PD more than 18 years ago at Rockingham County Nursing Home. In addition to being a compassionate physician, Paul was known for his passion for music and singing. Paul felt his rich tenor voice was a gift from God and with the prompting of Leddy Center Theatre Director, Elaine Gatchell, Paul was able to share that gift in over 50 musicals put on by the theatre. Paul's most beloved role was Tevye in "Fiddler On The Roof". Paul also shared his musical talents singing hymns each Sunday at church, performing concerts, being in the Rockingham Choral Society Choir, and the ECC Church Choir. Another love of Paul's was gardening. He was an active member of the Grange 183 in Epping where the community garden served the ECCI Food Pantry. Throughout the life of discipleship, Paul's biggest supporter and partner was his wife of 56 years Elisabeth. Their love, with God at the center, brought them on incredible adventures, and supported Paul in growing beautiful family relationships. Paul was deeply grateful to have experienced life with his dear wife, his parents - Paul and Esteri Gustavson, his inlaws- Tom and Betty Bustard, as well as daughter Susan Gustavson and her son Joshua, Daughter Lisa King and son-in-law Josey King, son Jonathan Gustavson and daughter-in-law Chrissy, and three children Joceylyn, Brianna and Brettl, brother Larry Gustavson and wife Charlotte, Sister-in-law Sue Sherman and husband John, and many nephews and nieces. The family wants a special thankyou to go to the Epping Community Church family for their paryers, gifts, meals, visits and love; the many friends and colleagues who visited; and the Rockingham County Hospice Famiy who provided care, love, friendship, spiritual guidance and support during the last year. May Paul contiue to enjoy gardening in heaven, as much as he did here on earth, and may God bless us with reminders of Paul's quiet, humble, faithful presence. Services for Paul will be held on Sunday, January 21 at the Epping Community Church at noon followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the Epping Community Care Inc. at PO Box 313, Epping 03042; Rockingham Hospice Care at 137 Epping Road, Exeter 03833; Christian Hands In Action (CHIA) at 16135 Timbers Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73165; or the Rockingham Grange 183 at 233 Main St. PO Box 141, Epping 03042.