Rustin Aston, co-owner of Blooms, died Nov. 30, 2002, from complications of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. He was 46 years old.

Mr. Aston was born May 7, 1956, in White Salmon, Wash. He grew up in the Columbia River Gorge area. After graduating from high school in 1974, he attended Pacific Lutheran University and went from there to majoring in psychology. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Washington with a bachelor’s of science degree.

His studies took him to Europe. He spent time doing research in Germany, a place and time that he remembered fondly.

He first came to Vashon in 1989 where he worked for the Beall’s Rose Farm as a sales manager. The work took him to the Rose Farm in Columbia. While working for Beall’s, he attended South Seattle Community College, where he took courses in floral design.

Rustin met Victor Kring in 1992, and the two became partners in life and in business. They operated Blooms on Broadway together.

In September 1998, they purchased the Wallflower Flower Shop, renaming it Blooms on Vashon. Rustin was the manager at Blooms on Vashon. He strove to provide excellent service, often delivering at a moments’ notice and until late at night.

He was an avid reader and reservoir of knowledge, his friends and family recall. He was a great conversationalist, providing useful and interesting information regarding art, history, music, languages and cartography, nearly anything imaginable.

As a friend, neighbor and partner, he was always the gentleman, tolerant and willing to help those in need. He was happiest when entertaining his friends. All who knew him and loved him will miss his graciousness.

Survivors include his partner Victor Kring and brother and sister, Jay Aston and Shelley Hill.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Island Funeral Service.

A potluck wake will follow.

For questions regarding the potluck, call Dova Silks at 463-4888.

Memorials in his name may be given at the Bank of America on Vashon.