AUGUSTINE "GUS" SWANSON: Sadly, Gus passed away on February 4, 2009 after a lengthy illness. He was 96 years young, a fact he proudly conveyed at every opportunity. He was born December 18, 1912 in New York City, and luckily for us, a variety circumstances led to his settlement in eastern Connecticut. He leaves behind and will be greatly missed by his house mates, Harry and Robin, his "family" the staff at Scarborough, his cats, Lucky and Richie and the house dog, Prudence. Also left to mourn him are his many friends at Whole Life, Inc., Baroco, Inc. and DDS formerly, DMR. Gus proudly worked as "Kitchen Manager" at Hurley Hall, ECSU for many years retiring in 1987. Prior to that, he worked in the kitchens and meat house at MTS. While residing at MTS, Gus held the distinguished and honorable title of Manager of the Year for his management of the basket ball team. After retirement, Gus attended the Elderly Enrichment Program at UCP and more recently, at Baroco, Inc. He was an avid bowler for many years and had a room full of trophies to prove this fete. He enjoyed "old timer" cars, train rides, the New York Yankees of which he could remarkably recite from memory the stats of all the old time players. He was a long time UCONN Husky basket ball fan, never missed a beat to the music of Lawrence Welk and had many exciting fish tales to tell. Gus had many friends in the community and it would be a rare occasion for him not to run into someone he knew. His happy and endearing nature drew folks to him thus forming many lasting relationships throughout his lifetime. Those of us who were lucky enough to know Gus were indeed lucky and will be left with pleasant and memorable moments to cherish of a man who selflessly gave of himself, his faith and his love. He was a long time communicant of the First Congregational Church in Willimantic where he also had many friends, especially his good friend Ellie O'Neill and her family, with whom he shared many good times. A Memorial Service and celebration of Gus's life will be held on February 10, 2009 at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 199 Valley Street, Willimantic. His burial will immediately follow at the Windham Center Cemetery on Route 203. Please join us for a reception at the church hall. For online memorial guestbook, please visit
www.potterfuneralhome.com
.