Dr. Dwight Gustafson Will Be Missed and Well Remembered

About 1:00 pm Tuesday morning I received a phone call from a former teacher and friend, Mr. Alex Fields. He was calling to inform me of the passing of Dr. Dwight Gustafson. The last time I had seen Dr. Gus was at the Wilds in 2013. He was at the camp signing copies of his book, “A Brighter Witness: Conversations on the Christian and the Arts.” His book is a collection of essays that recount his memories—moments of art, music, and family.

I remember watching him move to his seat slowly as he was greeted by so many of his former students.  The fond memories of my college days and the interaction we had during countless productions came flooding back to me. Dr. Gus was a godly man whose charm and gracious ways would endear you to him almost immediately.  I loved the way he could paint a picture in our mind with the music he wrote and how he made the life of Sheffey come alive with his masterful film score. On a funnier side, I loved to see him be crazy when he acted out “My Old Flame” for a student body assembly.

His life touched thousands of students over the years, including me. Dr. Gus alway taught us to strive for excellence and to live our lives to bring glory and honor to the Lord. He has set us that example for sure.

We will miss you!

I would love to hear about your memories of Dr. Gus too.