Friday, August 6, 2021 at 12:00 a.m.
Gust, Albert
With great sadness we announce the passing of ALBERT "OPA" GUST, beloved husband of Kathe Gust. Opa passed away peacefully on Saturday July 31, 2021 at Fairmont Extendicare Lethbridge just 3 weeks prior to his 90th birthday.
With great sadness we announce the passing of ALBERT "OPA" GUST, beloved husband of Kathe Gust. Opa passed away peacefully on Saturday July 31, 2021 at Fairmont Extendicare Lethbridge just 3 weeks prior to his 90th birthday.
Albert was born on August 26th, 1931 in Friedensfeld, Romania, formally known as Bessarabia. Albert was orphaned as a child.
At 14 years old he began his apprenticeship as a blacksmith for his master in Lehnsdorf, Germany. He immigrated alone to Canada from Germany in 1953 where he met the love his life, Kathe Rallion and married in Lethbridge on June 21st 1958.
Opa advanced his skills by obtaining welding and industrial mechanic tickets and began work at Canada Packers in 1965, retiring in 1991. Opa valued hard work and dedication and placed much of his worth in his workmanship which was evidenced in his yard, and crafting his many welding projects in the garage. Opa had a great love for all animals especially his many dogs which he spoiled throughout his life. Opa continued to work hard until he was slowed by a heart attack. Opa loved to share a cold beer and tell a story or two.
Albert is survived by his loving wife, Kathe of 63 years; two sons, Ron (Kelly) Gust of Spruce Grove; Ralph (Linda) Gust of Lethbridge. Two grandsons, Nicholas Gust (Celia Duncan) of Mission BC and Michael Gust (Lindsey Martini) of Sexsmith; and one granddaughter, his princess, Jessica Gust (Shaimus Tolman) of Lethbridge; and two great-grandsons Oliver and Jake of Mission, BC.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the caring staff at Fairmont Extendicare. Especially Edna and Jodie, Opa's angels on earth.
A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 1:30 PM at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. A public viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.
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Dear Kathe: We're so emotionally sad to hear of Albert's passing. You two were perfect together. I know that you two will see each other again, your bond to each other is so strong. Love Chuck, Kim, and Fabiola. We will miss him very much.
It was with great sadness we learned of Opa's passing. Such a sweet, gentle and kind man. Our condolences to the family. Our hearts go out to you and the family Oma.
I met Albert the first day after buying my home across the lane from he and Kathe, only to realize later that he and my Father had been friends and co-workers most of my life ! We became Great Friends and he and Kathe were the 'Best Neighbors' anyone could have. Always considered them to be my second 'Mutter und Vater' ! Rest in Peace my friend. With your Strong Will and Work Ethic... not sure if they are ready for you ! Until we meet again..
Ralph & Family: With deep sorrow, I read about the passing of Albert. I met Albert years ago when I owned Accurate Coring & Cutting Ltd. I consulted with him when I got called out to cut some concrete at Canada Packers. He was quite the individual and I was always leery of asking him the origin of his pink coveralls. One day I was brave enough to ask and he proudly told me of the story of washing clothes with bleach and colored clothes. When he left the Packers, I had occasion to work along side of him and Kost Menzak. Those two sure knew how to do physical work. I told Albert that he should change name of the company to "Two old guys and a shovel". Kost took acception. I had respect for Albert and enjoyed talking with him when I would see him out walking and he never forgot who I was. He was a great guy! I can never say the right words but it brought back a good time and memory for me and I only hope you can accept my gesture of condolescence. Laurie Brown