MICHAEL JAMES GUSTA

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MICHAEL JAMES GUSTA 1908 - 2004 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael James Gusta at Red River Place on November 18, 2004 at the age of 96 years. Leaving forever to cherish his memory is Winnifred, his wife of 72 years; daughter Evelyn Alexander; sons, Edward (Iona), Dr. Lawrence (Elaine), and Charles Lloyd; grandchildren, Glen (April), Kirk, Andrea (Darren), and Michael (Elizabeth). Also surviving are his sisters, Kay Plante, Helen Gorrell, Eva Chuhie, Jeanette and Valerie Manitowich; and brothers, Victor and Albert. He was predeceased by brothers, John, Adolf, Frank, Nick and Joe; sisters, Mary Janeczko, Annie Skrepich, Rose Wychreschuk, Stella; and son-in-law Charles Alexander. With very little education he began a long, productive career. Mike spent a great part of his life farming with his specialty being working on machinery, welding, doing maintenance and repairing. Nothing was too difficult, he could improvise and make the unworkable work. In addition to farming he worked for the Municipality of St. Clements as both an operator on road building and as a foreman of Public Works. Mike was a farm equipment dealer, handling several lines of equipment and at the same time he was an auctioneer in the Selkirk area and surrounding district. He grew potatoes and forage seed which won prizes at the Royal Winter Fairs in both Toronto and Brandon. Mike greatly expanded the farm, developing new land in the Stead area. In 1969 the sod farm was started and today is a major supplier of nursery sod throughout Manitoba, northwestern Ontario and Saskatchewan. Mike will be missed by many friends in Arizona where he and Winnie spent 30 winters. He was dependable and a man of his word who worked hard all his life. Mike was a man of action and we will miss him. The family would like to thank the staff at Red River Place for their care and compassion. Special thanks to Dr. Lindenschmidt for his care and understanding. The pallbearers will be Donald Gusta, Edward L. Gusta, Russell Wychreschuk, Pete Wipf, Glen Gusta and Kirk Gusta. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mikes memory may be made to the Selkirk General Hospital or a charity of your choice. Prayers will be said Monday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m. also in the chapel with Fr. Jerry Talarski officiating. Interment will follow in the Brookside Cemetery in Walkleyburg. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2004