John A. Lundstrom
August 28, 1950 — September 10, 2013
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John A. Lundstrom
He was born in Melrose on August 28, 1950 and raised with his two siblings in Melrose.John grew up in the First Lutheran Church of Malden.
John realized his life's work at a young age when he began working and learning in arbor care.He was a graduate of the Essex Agricultural Institute and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMASS-Amherst.He received his degree in Arboriculture and began working for the respected tree and landscape company, Frost & Higgins in Burlington.John started as a tree climber and worked his way up to foreman, and later become a salesman.John's friendly personality and affable nature allowed him to build lasting relationships with many clients over the years that he continued to this day.His clients included famous residents in Cambridge that he served for many years following.He also provided tree care for many properties in Melrose including the Fitch Home and many other residents on Lake Avenue.John's knowledge of trees and plants was unsurpassed as he would often recount Latin terms for plants and could tell you exactly what was wrong with a tree or a plant in seconds.John's expertise as a Certified Arborist led him to start his own company, the John A. Lundstrom Tree and Landscape Co.Beginning in 1984, he operated his arbor company with the help of his brother Jim, and they built the company into well-respected firm offering specialty tree work, landscaping, design, brickwork, and arbor consulting.Between John and Jim there was no job too big and they continued working in Melrose and the surrounding areas until John retired in 2009.
As he was backpacking around the world in the 1970's, which he would do twice, John encountered a game that would forever change his life.While in Scotland, he was challenged to participate in the Scottish Highland Games.He accepted and won nearly every game he participated in.The seven heavy events are a feat of strength and endurance that showcase professional and amateur athletes all wearing Scottish kilts.Upon returning home, John founded the Scottish Highland Games in New Hampshire which has become one of the largest Scottish events in North America.Each year it draws competitors from around the world to Loon Mountain for a 3 day festival.John is credited with starting the new event "Stones of Strength" in which each competitor must carry 508lbs of rock with ring handles.For years, John along with his wife Sue, helped run the annual events at Loon and in Quechee, Vermont.His event was the "Caber Toss" which required flipping an 18ft pole into the air and landing directly away from you. John won nearly every Caber Toss he entered.They travelled to New York and Canada for the events throughout the years.Sue would help organize and score the games, and John supplied the weights and managed the events.
At 6ft 5in John was an imposing physical presence, but he was also one of the kindest people you would ever meet.He was gentle, devoted to his wife, and a great brother and son.He made everyone around him proud to call him a friend or family member.
John was something of a renaissance man.His other interests varied and he could talk in detail about a number of topics.He was an avid reader who enjoyed historical books, science fiction, and mysteries.He never lost his boyish charm and zest for life.John always seemed to be enjoying life.He loved his model train set that ran upstairs, his favorite movies were Harry Potter, and he loved all animals.His 5 Terriers were his pride and joy: Frey, Lydia, Peanut, Audrey and Lars.He also loved the computer for learning new facts, or figures about anything in life.
His other passion in life was metal working.John built anything that came to his mind using different types of materials with intricate detail.He used many tools to create metal sculptures of animals and creatures that he displayed on the front lawn.He even created a life-sized metal skeleton of his own body.One of his favorite activities was forging ancient weapons like swords, shields, or chainmail armor.
John will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed.
He was the beloved husband of Susan (Kelly) Lundstrom with whom he shared 23 years of marriage. Cherished son of Florence C. (Puim) Lundstrom and the late Arthur O. Lundstrom of Melrose and S. Yarmouth.Loving brother of James P. Lundstrom and his wife Cheryl of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Janet A. Lundstrom of Malden.Dear brother-in-law of Jack Kelly of Wakefield, Debbie Woelflein of Nashua, NH, and Larry Kelly of Bedford, NH.Loving uncle of Sarah Lundstrom, James Gunnar Lundstrom, Jessica Neilsen, Lisa Kelly, Beth James, Laura Woelflein, John Woelflein, Larry Kelly, Jr., and Sean Kelly.Also survived by several greatnieces and greatnephews.
Relatives and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, September 15 from 2-6 PM, and again on Monday morning for his Funeral Service celebrated at 10 AM.Gifts in John's memory may be made to the MSPCA, 350 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John A. Lundstrom, please visit our flower store.
Past Services
Visitation
Sunday, September 15, 2013
2:00 - 6:00 pm
Robinson Funeral Home
Funeral Service
Monday, September 16, 2013
Starts at 10:00 am
Robinson Funeral Home
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