RIP means Rest In Peanutbutter Cups.
As the coloring leaves on the trees begin to fall, and the weather begins to cool, I was met with saddening news this day. Troy Gustafson, a beloved professor of many, including myself, has passed from this physical earth.If you don't know who Troy was. He was a beloved friend, teacher and mentor to many who went to SCAD. He was an animator, a real life cowboy. The memories of him walking through Montgomery hall with his cowboy boots, hat, and cane are ingrained in my mind. He had a love for Reese's Peanut Buttercups. If Troy had a bad day, just give him those yummy greasy Peanut Buttercups and he would have been right as rain. Seeing his face light up as he plopped one of those peanut butter chocolates in his mouth brought me joy, because seeing people happy always brought me joy.
His time here on this earth was a gift. He inspired many. Including a friend of mine, Taylor Parrish, who truly looked up to Troy as mentor and second father.
I grew up with autism and was bullied growing up. I struggled in academics and was made to feel like an idiot not only by others, but by myself included. This forced me to become a perfectionist. To survive the harsh world I lived in, I believed there was no room for error, and people like me were not welcome in society. Unless I fit into the basic model of society, I was useless. Troy told me something that I still hold onto this day. He told me to let go of perfectionism. Because that was slowing me down and holding me back the most. Hearing that from him meant a lot. The man who animated special effects in the classic Disney films, the man who gave powerful, detailed and tough critiques was telling me to let go of my perfectionism? It struck a cord in me and realized I don't have to be perfect to create amazing results. It was okay to be imperfect. To be a little messy and rough.
I wish his family well and I know his legacy and memory will live on for generations to come.
Rest Well Troy.Sep 30, 2021
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#troygustafson
Comments
Im sorry for you and your friend's loss. This is really sweet, he seemed like a genuinely great guy, I hope all of his loved ones are doing alright right now 
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