Great-grandfather, decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, superior court judge, author

Robert Carl Gustaveson died at home on November 2, from complications due to congestive heart failure.

He was born in Los Angeles on February 3, 1928, to David Hyrum Gustaveson and Eva May Petersen. He grew up in the Los Angeles area and moved to Hyrum, Utah when he was 14.

Robert served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints in California. Upon his return, he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Utah State University. Later he served as a United States Air Force officer during the Korean War and was awarded three battle stars.

After military service he taught middle school in Salt Lake City. While teaching, he met his wife, Julia Anne Neville. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 15, 1955. They lived in Salt Lake City, where Robert attended law school at the University of Utah. After graduation, they moved to California, where they lived 46 years in Pomona and Claremont.

He was elected city attorney of Pomona and later a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge. In addition, he served for one year as presiding judge of the L.A. County Municipal courts.

“Robert had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and served as a ward clerk for the Hyrum 2nd Ward when he was 17,” his family shared. While living in California, he served in many leadership positions, including bishop for the Claremont 1st and Claremont 2nd wards and as a counselor in the La Verne Stake.

Retirement didn’t slow him down. He worked an additional 11 years as a retired judge on assignment. When he left the bench, he was on record as the longest sitting judge for Los Angeles County. Additionally, he authored and published seven novels. He was also a prolific artist and enjoyed sketching, painting and creating cartoons.

He is survived by his children, Jan Harris, Christy Taylor (Mark), Susan Gustaveson, and Carl Gustaveson (Valerie); nineteen grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers, and his daughter, Barbara Gustaveson.

A visitation will be held Friday and Saturday, November 5 and 6. Services will take place Saturday, November 6 at the Fairways Ward in Farmington, Utah. A short graveside service beginning will precede interment at Hyrum City Cemetery.