Robert L. Gust III

It is with great sadness that we start the journey to saying goodbye to Robby Gust. Robert L Gust III passed away suddenly at the age of 24 on June 26, 2016 in Post Falls, ID. He is survived by his father and mother, Bob and Shawnna Gust, sister Jenna Gust, stepparents Nicole Gust and Shawn Vanderberg, step sisters Victoria, Madison, and Kendall Cozad. Great Grandmothers; May Whallon and Jeanette Bellmore. Grandparents; Dixie Whallon, Larry and Sandra Whallon, Joanne Bellmore, and Robert Gust SR. Aunts and uncles; Chris and Casey Whallon, Tami and Lyle Kittle, and Leah Anderson. Great aunts and uncles; Terrie Dickerson, Jim and Shirley Issacs, Butch and Vicki Whallon, Kenny and Penny Poston, Becky Lungren, and Cliff Bellmore. His most favorite cousins in the world; Nick, Mckenzie, and Chase Whallon, Caden and Cannon Kemper, and Shawn Nelson and an extended family of cousins that I am sure includes half of Bonners Ferry and Wallace, ID.

He is preceded in death by his great grandparents Chuck and Maxine Poston, Ken Bellmore, and Calvin Whallon. His Uncle Jason Kemper, his Great Aunt Loraine Folgham, and his cousin George “Skeeter” Issacs.

Robby was born in Sandpoint, ID on May 31, 1992. From the first breath he took he captured all our hearts completely and forever. Robby truly had a magical childhood. He was continually surrounded by love, understanding, encouragement, and more love. From the time Robby could walk and talk he had an unwavering love for his family. They were the core of his being.

Next to his family, Robby loved his friends and sports.

From the time he could sit up he had a basketball in his hand, which grew to include baseballs, footballs, volleyballs, bowling balls, and later in life, golf balls. He excelled in everything he did.

After sports his next favorite thing to do was constantly irritate his little sister. The more irritated she got, the more he giggled. He had a love for his sister that he often did not let her see but in her absence he let it be known that no one was to ever mess with her. That was his job and his job only.

As Robby started into school, his teachers had to learn a lot of patience and found quickly that it was impossible to stay upset with him. He had a smile that melted your heart. Robby’s biggest problem in school was that he could not figure out why you had to do school work when there were so many people to visit with. His Jr. High principal commented to me that never in all his years of teaching had he had a person such as Robby. Every student in the school liked him and he was kind to everyone. That kindness followed him throughout his life.

During high school Robby excelled in athletics and socializing. His favorite times were the locker room before games, Friday Night Football especially. The bonds he formed with his teammates never left him.

After high school, Robby was uncertain what path he wanted to take. Traditional college education did not interest him. It was then that he spoke with his great uncle Jim who was a lineman, this conversation lead him to the path of his adult life.

Robby graduated from Northwest Lineman College in Meridian, ID in May 2011. This lead him to more places across the US than most will ever work in. He went from TX, ND, MT, FL, CO, UT, and OR. Robby was so proud to be a lineman, he had such respect for the profession and everyone involved in it. We cannot imagine him ever doing anything different.

As in childhood, throughout his adult life people were drawn to him.

We as a family have been awed by how many friends and co-workers across the country have reached out to our family in this time. He simply had a personality that made you want to be near him.

He had a prankster side to him that just made you laugh. If you were the one being pranked, you immediately forgot to stay mad at him because when you heard and saw him laugh, all was forgotten. He laughed with his whole being.

Robby led his life to the fullest and experienced more in his short 24 years than many will experience in 100 years. The one thing that was always constant with Robby was the love for his family. Though his work kept him far from home, he is at home with us now.

Robby started and ended his life with his family by his side where he wanted to live most and with lifelong friends that brought him years of joy.

Rest in peace our dear sweet Robby.