David Ray Gustafson

David Ray Gustafson, 72, of Austin, died Jan. 23. The University of Texas Longhorns lost one of its biggest fans.

David was born May 3, 1947, in Austin, Texas. Early on, his parents, Sidney and Louise Gustafson, moved to Gonzales, Texas, where David spent his youth enjoying his friends and the quality of life in a small town. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1965 and went on to the University of Texas where he graduated in 1969 as a proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. David then attended Baylor College of Dentistry where he earned his DDS in 1973. He had a very successful dental practice in northwest Austin until retirement.

David married the love of his life, Bonnie Foster, and together they built their dental practice and enjoyed a life of hunting, fishing, traveling, entertaining friends, and spending time at their ranch in Three Rivers and later at their ranch in Llano. They both loved their dogs and all things burnt orange.

David was preceded in death by his wife and his parents. He leaves behind his many close friends from high school, as well as his “almost brother,” Kevin Malatek and wife Joyce, of Junction, Texas.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Feb. 28 at 11 a.m. at the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas, with reception immediately following at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to the David and Bonnie Gustafson Scholarship Fund, c/o Regina Schauer, Attorney, 12401 Hymeadow Dr., Austin, Texas 78750, or to The American Cancer Society.