One of André's favorite quotes...
"Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure... than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in a gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
~Theodore Roosevelt
André Rustad, beloved husband, caring father and grandfather, devoted son and loving brother, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2014. He was just 56 years old when we was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2009. He had been fighting this disease for nearly 5 years but his brave battle ended with his family by his side. André is survived by his loving wife Julie and their three sons Nick, Eric, and Justin.
André was born in Los Angeles to Einar and Francoise Rustad, third of six children (siblings Steve, Ronald - deceased, Larry, Frances, & Yolanda). André grew up in Gardena, CA, attended Junipero Serra High School, and then served in the U.S. Army from 1972-1975. While in Germany he met his true love Julie and they married in 1976 and raised their family in a log cabin they built themselves in Etiwanda, CA.
During the last 37+ years, his substantial achievements in the medical device industry earned him the prestigious designation of Engineering Fellow. André was a passionate inventor and held several patents for his innovative designs. He truly loved creative problem solving and applied it to both his job and personal life. In his free time he loved to be outdoors and particularly took pleasure in fishing, hunting, and gardening. At home he also enjoyed repairing/tinkering on things, cooking gourmet meals, and chasing around his four grandchildren (Andie, Michaela, Mason, and Ethan) which he doted on. André had a deep love for family, a passion for life, a great sense of humor, and an infectious laugh. The void in our lives is significant but we will forever carry him in our hearts and cherish our memories of him!
In lieu of flowers, if you feel compelled, we would appreciate a small donation to the American Cancer Society in memory of Andre. http://main.acsevents.org/goto/andrerustad
He shared with me his Dodge Challenger 383 Magnum in the seventies. He showed me to hold a knife and throw. I remember his Eagle bicycle his rode to Serra everyday. His mom was just a beautiful person. And what a house he lived in. I pass by it when I am in town. I would love to see his log cabin. What a guy. He sure loved his family. My soul will meet his later I suppose. He will always be my friend.
When I became interested in owls I though André was pulling my leg about a pet owl. I’m still waiting for an owl to move into my owl box…
I've learned a lot from my father and one particular life lesson I'll never forget took place in the early morning hours of a fishing trip to Lake Castaic. I was about 12 at the time and always extremely excited to go fishing with my Dad. The sun had not yet risen, it was very cold, cloudy, and the wind was gusting and blowing hard. We did not know whether we would even be able to put a boat in the water to fish; I was very disappointed. After finishing a thermos of coffee, my father stepped out of the warm vehicle to relieve himself and after a couple moments of thought I decided to do the same...both standing on a ridgeline vista overlooking the lake in a blanket of fog.
Suddenly I feel droplets and exclaim..."Dad, now it's starting to rain!"
With a short pause and chuckle he replied... "Son... I'm taking a leak and you are downwind...think about it".
Life lesson learned...always check your surroundings and know which way the wind is blowing!
