Robert Lincoln Gustafson

Eastport – Robert "Bob" Lincoln Gustafson, 76, began his journey to the Spirit World after a short and courageous battle with cancer on Friday, September 21, 2012, in Machias, surrounded by loving care. Bob was born in Southbridge, MA, on October 7, 1935, son of the late Lambert and Blanche (Coleburn) Gustafson. He received his Bachelor's degree in English from Bowdoin College. He earned a Master's degree from Putney Graduate School, focusing on community organizing in Mexico, Tennessee, and Roxbury, MA. Bob worked for the Christian Science Monitor as a music critic and later as managing editor for The Bay State Banner in Boston. Bob was a founding member of the United American Indians of New England and its National Day of Mourning. He was a proud, card-carrying member of A.I.M. (American Indian Movement), and a tireless warrior in the struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination for all people of color. One of his proudest moments was introducing his daughters to the late Martin Luther King, Jr. Bob sang with the 1491 Singers, an intertribal powwow drum, and worked as security for powwows and sun dances. He eventually moved to New York State, where he was a writer for The Daily Mail in Catskill, NY, and met his wife, Ravin. A year and one month later, they were married. They spent their honeymoon traveling through Maine visiting lighthouses and realized that Maine was where they wanted to live. Shortly after moving to Maine so Bob could write for the Houlton Pioneer Times, they decided to move to Eastport, on the coast, where their heart really was. Bob worked as a reporter for The Quoddy Tides, from which he retired in 2000. He continued to write on issues concerning fishermen and working harbors in National Fisherman, Workboat Magazine, and Working Waterfront. He served on the Eastport 4th of July Committee, and was proud to have helped organize the Grand Parade for a number of years. Bob was a gifted musician, classically trained on the cello, but playing many instruments, including the piano and guitar. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Patricia Gustafson Blackman. Surviving are his loving wife Ravin of Eastport; two daughters, Robin Flanagan of Cold Spring, NY, and Kristin Gustafson of Cambridge, MA; five grandchildren, Moira Flanagan of Chicago, IL, Brian Flanagan of Dublin, Ireland, Alice Flanagan of Cold Spring, NY, Lydia Curliss of Cambridge, MA, and Keely Curliss of Cambridge, MA; many dear friends; and his faithful canine companion, Shunka. "Bob's strength, discipline, determination, caring and of course inimitable 'Gustafson' humor will always remain" - Stevan Kirschbaum. In keeping with Bob’s wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to PAWS Humane Society in Calais, 368 South St., Calais, ME 04619. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport.