S. Reid Gustafson
April 15, 1936 – February 6, 2024
Stuart Reid Gustafson, 87, of Los Gatos passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, surrounded by friends and family on February 6, 2024

Reid, as he prepared to be called, was born on July 15, 1936 to Earl and Florence Gustafson in San Diego, CA. The family lived in Point Loma where Reid, the third of six children, developed his long long love of sailing and fishing. After graduating from the Army-Navy academy in Carlsbad, CA, Reid served here years in the US Army, and went on to graduate from UC Davis with a degree in Agri-Business.

Following his graduation, Reid moved to Orange County. Professionally he found the building industry fit his talents and interests. Personally, he discovered his life-long passion for hunting and golf.

Reid moved with his family to San Jose in 1981 where he served as President of Shea Homes' Northern California Division until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure, Reid led development of Shea communities throughout the region, including the development of the Silver Creek Valley Country Club and community, the most prominent of his many professional achievements. Those achievements were recognized by his business colleagues. Reid served as president of the Builders Association and recognized as the Builder of the Year by the Home Builders of America.

Reid was also deeply committed to the City of San Jose, having served as Chairman of Symphony San Jose, and as a long-standing fixture on the board of the YMCA of Silicon Valley, among many others. Reid was recognized as the Man of the Year by the Boy Scouts Association. An avid sports fan, Reid loved the 49ers, the Giants and the Sharks.

Upon his retirement, Reid was able to spend more time doing the activities he loved: hunting and fishing all over the Americas, golfing everywhere and traveling the world with his wife. Locally, Reid had a special interest in duck hunting, especially at the duck club in Los Banos where he could be found on virtually every weekend during the hunting season.

Reid is survived by his wife of 27 years, Sharon Scott Gustafson, and their blended family: Daughter Julia Scott Day, sons Damon Gustafson and family (Lori, Nathan, Myles and Lukas), Fletcher Gustafson and family (Sarah, Henry and Wyatt), Jon Scott and family (Kelly Nolen, Erin, Claire and Colleen), and Jeff Scott and family (Marico Sayoc, Isabella and Quincy).

Reid was loved by many, and respected by all. He easily connected with all people, and rarely had a cross word for anyone, nor anyone for him. He enjoyed a good wine and a great conversation; a good meal and a great friendship; country music and the symphony. Many have said "we shall never see his like again." A celebration of Reid's extraordinary life will take place at a date TBD in the spring. Donations in his memory are welcome to the Grassland Fund (http://gwdwater.org) or Symphony San Jose.org.