Norman A. Gust, agent, 82

Norman A. Gust died at his home in Lake Havasu, Ariz., on Feb. 3, 2002. He was 82 years old.

He was born on Sept. 19, 1919, in Bloomfield, Neb.

In 1937, when he was only 18, he accompanied his grandmother to Vashon Island from South Dakota. He became the ambassador for the rest of the family, who later migrated to the island to live and work in the Northwest.

It was on Vashon that he met his bride to be, Opal Fitchell. World War II came along and Mr. Gust went into the Army and served his country both at home and abroad. He served until Oct. 23, 1945.

Prior to his discharge, he married Opal on March 18, 1945. Their 56 plus years brought them much happiness, friends say.

Mr. Gust was employed in the plywood industry in his early life and later became an agent with State Farm Insurance in Beaverton, Ore. He made his niche as an agent until his retirement in 1984. In 1990, they chose Lake Havusu City to be their retirement city of residence. He was a member of Community Presbyterian Church in Lake Havasu.

Survivors include his wife, Opal, and three children: Douglas Gust of Milwaukee, Wis; Sharyn Larson of Lake Havasu City and Charlene Arnett of Medford, Ore., a foster daughter Dianne Johnson of Princeville, Ore., six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; brother Earl and his wife Peggy of Banning, Calif.; three sisters, Lola Nass of Seattle, Ellen Chapman of Lake Havasu City, and Janice Tanberg of Sparks, Nev. Many cousins, nieces and nephews also survive.

A sister Betty Larson died earlier.

There was a celebration of his life Feb. 8, in Lake Havasu City. Graveside services will be at a later date at the Vashon Island Cemetery.

The family respectfully requests donations be made to Hospice of Havasu.

Arrangements were made by Lake Havasu Mortuary.