Augustus S. "Gus" Zuidema, 64, of 58 Town Farm Road, died Friday, January 16, at home.
Gus leaves his wife of 43 years. Paula E. (Kincaid) Zuidema; two sons, Jeffrey R. Zuidema and his wife Jennifer of North Brookfield and Todd M. Zuidema and his wife Jacqueline of Newington, CT; four grandchildren, Shelby and Benjamin Zuidema of North Brookfield and Jillian and Paige Zuidema of Newington, CT; his father Peter Zuidema of Auburn; three brothers, Wayne Zuidema of Southbridge, Albert Zuidema of Spencer, Gary Zuidema of Auburn, several nieces and nephews; his mother Irene G. (Willar) Zuidema predeceased him.
Born in Athol on February 14, 1939. He was raised in Auburn and attended Auburn High School. He worked and raced for Harr Ford in the early 1960’s before opening Competition Automotive, a high performance racing business. He was an avid race and enthusiast achieving national recognition as an NHRA record holder in 1964, 1965, and 1966 driving Shelby GT Mustangs and Cobras and still holds records to this day. He won SCCA championships as a chief chassis and engine builder. He worked as a chassis specialist at the Indianapolis 500 and built oval track engines for many championship teams.
Gus was well known for his expertise in the sport of competition racing which includes many championships titles and drag racing records. He was also widely known for his master craftsmanship in the restoration of the Shelby Cobra.
He is a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friends and will be sadly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 20, at 2:00 PM in Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln St., Worcester. Calling hours will be held from 12-2 before the funeral. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.