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Robert R. "Rick" Gustine, 64, passed away at his home in Bozeman on Aug. 22, 2011, after a nearly two-year long battle with cancer. A proud fourth-generation Montanan, he was born Feb 1, 1947, to Harold "Bob" and Peggy Gustine in Helena, and never lived outside of the state.
Rick graduated from Helena High School in 1965 and attended a few semesters at Montana State University in the architecture program. He split employment as a helicopter crew chief for the Montana National Guard in Helena and worked for the Helena Forest Service as a survey party chief from 1967-1972. Between 1972 and 1982 he worked for Sorenson & Co and Professional Consultants, Inc (PCI) in Missoula as a registered land surveyor.
In 1982 he began his career with Survco Surveying as a professional land surveyor; a company he has owned solely since 1984 and operated until his health forced him into retirement in 2010.
Rick was a land surveyor for more than 44 years and a devoted member of the Montana Association of Registered Land Surveyors (MARLS) for 33 years. He served as president of MARLS from 1986-1987, and spent many years on the board of directors. He was elected Fellow Member in 2003 and spent countless hours as the chairman of the legislation committee from 1985 to 2010. He was honored with the MARLS Outstanding Surveyor Award in 2011, an award presented for outstanding service to the land surveying profession and community.
Rick was a very vocal supporter of MSU Bobcat Athletics, as a longtime Gold Booster member and a past president of the MSU/ASA Bobcat Booster Club. He also served as president of Bozeman Noon Optimist Club, and was a third-generation member of the Knights of Pythians and the Masons.
Rick married Loraine "Kay" Matthews of Helena in 1973 and together they had sons, Brian Matthew (1974) and Robert Michael (1977). Later separated, they maintained a close friendship throughout his life.
Rick was an avid outdoorsman, spending much of his life outdoors both through his career as a land surveyor and his recreational time with his family camping, hunting and fishing. Many of his happiest moments were found at the family hunting camp in the Big Hole.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Peggy.
He is survived by brothers, Randy of Dillon, Ron of Kalispell, Rod of Bozeman, Rusty of Denver, Colo.; sister, Robin, stationed in Orlando, Fla.; his two sons, Brian (Shannon) and Robert (Lela); his much beloved three grandchildren, Cassidy (5), Kaitlyn (5) and Delaney (4 months); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go out to all the staff at the Bozeman Cancer Center, Deaconess Hospital and the Hospice of Southwest Montana for all of the help and support throughout his long illness.
At his request, no services will be held. We're sure that everyone who knew Rick well will enjoy a Vitamin R in his memory. Go Cats and FTG!
Arrangements are the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.
Published in Bozeman Daily Chronicle on Aug. 28, 2011
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