MTFCA Forum

Howard Gustavson passed away last week. He was editor of the MTFCI Model T Times for over 30 years and a fixture on the annual tours. Here is the obit.


HOWARD GODFREY GUSTAVSON

On Wednesday, June 26, 2019, Howard Godfrey Gustavson, of Boca Raton, Florida, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 91.

Howard was born March 22, 1928 in Waukegan, Illinois to Godfrey A. and Hilda (Nelson) Gustavson. He was a graduate of Morgan Park High School in Chicago, Illinois. Following graduation he was inducted into the Army and stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia.

In 1955, Howard married Ruth Drews and together they had two children, Carol (Stephen) Hoffman and Robert Gustavson. Howard worked for RCA in television and communications and later owned Beverly Hills Communications Company in Chicago, Illinois. Howard enjoyed being involved with many hobbies, including boating, raising orchids, gardenias and geraniums and was an active member of the Garden Club. Howard especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his A-Frame cabin on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. He was an active and faithful member of his church community, both in Chicago and Florida.

Howard was an avid automotive enthusiast; however his zeal was for Model T Fords. His first Model T was a 1926 Coupe which was eventually immortalized in the movie “The Untouchables”. He then restored a 1923 Touring, but his main passion became his 1909 Touring. Family vacations were wherever the Annual Model T International Tour took us, making lifelong friendships along the way. Howard enjoyed sharing the history of the Model T with everyone, especially with his children and grandchildren.

Howard was highly involved in the Model T Ford Club International. Soon after being introduced to Model Ts in the sixties, he became editor of the club’s “Model T Times” magazine, which he published for 36 years. He also assumed the position of Executive Secretary for 24 years and took his turn as president of the club for the year of 1977.

He was preceded in death by his parents Godfrey and Hilda and his former wife, Ruth.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marcia Landgraf, his two children, Carol (Steve) and Robert, stepsons, Robert(Ann) and Brian Landgraf, six grandchildren, Robert, Rose and Madeline Hoffman and Taylor, Andrea and Alexander Landgraf.

Services will be held on July 6, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Saint Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 100 NE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton, Florida 33432. Reception to follow in Harris Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Saint Gregory’s Music or General Endowment Funds.

R I P Howard, a very kind Model T guy. He always spoke when we would meet on tours, a faithful attendee to the MTFCI Tours. Another one gone.

Always enjoyed seeing Howard on the Florida Winter Tour. RIP old friend.

Howard was indeed a powerful reason for the Model T being treasured by so many, as he provided wonderful leadership to the MTFCI publication, Model T Times, for many years.

Had the pleasure of carrying Howard and Marcia in the back of the touring on an out west tour two years ago.
By then he wasn't driving his own, but loved to ride with others. Fact is, he probably hadn't ridden much in the back seat of a Model T, was always driving his own.

Always a true gentleman. It was a pleasure to know him. May your soul rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon you.

Teresa and I are greatly saddened by the loss of this wonderful man. We have enjoyed meeting him and dining with him and Marcia on several of the national tours we have had the pleasure of sharing with them. He had been getting more frail in the last few years, but always had a friendly greeting and smile, and a warm conversation. Marcia and the kids are going to miss him greatly, as we all are. May God and the saints give him a warm hug and greeting. Our prayers are for him and his family at this difficult time.
Noel and Teresa Chicoine

Howard was a true gentleman and a big leader in our Model T hobby. To say that he will be missed is an understatement. Our sympathy and prayers for him, Marcia and their entire family.

Keith and Carol Gumbinger

Howard was a great guy. We would laugh about goofy things people did to Model Ts and at the same time marvel at how people got them to go so fast. He was a good salesman when he would twist my arm when it came to things of club business. Usually at swap meets our paths would cross and he was always interested in what you were up to and how your family was. I will miss those times. So foot off and lever down Howard, on to the next town.