Richard Darrel (Gustin) Gustin

Richard Darrel Gustin was born in May 1966 in the northeastern Montana town of Plentywood. Some of his earliest memories may include roaming the neighborhood with his big sister Deanne and their friend, and playing down in the creek (or "crick" as we pronounced it). Rich also enjoyed frequent trips to visit his grandparents' farm in North Dakota, where adventures on horseback and toboggan with his many cousins awaited.

Rich and his family moved to Helena, MT in 1978. He later attended high school at Mt Ellis Academy in Bozeman.

Always mechanically gifted, Rich became certified in aircraft mechanics and worked in that industry in Seattle in the late 1980's. He shared a love for cars with his dad and the two would often visit car lots. His mechanical inclinations also led him to design and patent a better pool cue. He later relocated to Albuquerque to work with his parents and brother, Bob, in their hotel business.

A skilled pilot, Rich owned and flew a Lancair - a fast experimental aircraft. He'd fly it as far as San Diego, a feat not attempted by many other pilots.

He will best be remembered for his quick wit, unique observations, and most recently, for the love and care he gave to his partner of four years, Erika, and her two daughters.

He is survived by his parents, Darrel and Kathleen Gustin, brother Bob (Laura), sister Deanne Gustin Vizurraga (Tony) and their three children, and his partner, Erika, and her daughters Lyla and Lilly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in his name to Mt Ellis Academy in Bozeman, Montana.