Obituary
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Ricky Leonard Gustus

Date of Death: November 16, 2020

Date of Birth: November 28, 1956

Biography:

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Ricky Leonard Gustus, 63, of
Sabattus, on November 16, 2020 at Androscoggin Hospice Home in Auburn with his beloved wife,
devoted son and a special niece by his side following a lengthy and courageous battle with multiple
cancers.

He was born on November 28, 1956, son of the late Leonard A. Gustus & Dorothy I. (Smith) Gustus. He
graduated from Leavitt Area High School in 1975. He earned a diploma from CMVTI with a major in
Electronics in 1977 and an Associate's Degree in Business Management from the University of Maine in
1989.

He was employed by Country Kitchen until 1982 when a motorcycle accident abruptly changed the
course his life. He then worked at Rick's Auto Body until starting his own excavation company in 1984.
Rick was a shrewd businessman and maintained a loyal customer base throughout the years. He also
developed strong relationships with trucking companies & material suppliers. His integrity made it
possible for R. L Gustus & Son Construction to be his legacy for his son.

Rick met Linda Bradstreet in 1982 and they were married on December 19, 1992. They spent 38
wonderful years together creating many beautiful memories that included motorhome trips to Florida,
Niagara Falls and twice to Manhattan. Before he got ill, he had purchased his dream 'diesel pusher' and
enjoyed Memorial weekend at a Bar Harbor campground and the 4th of July at OOB. Rick loved being a
Dad and always enjoyed spending time with Mike and his friends. Many looked up to him as a Dad
figure. Favorite memories were created during the many years Mike raced in both motocross and
snocross events. Not only was he Mikes #1 fan, but he was the mechanic for Team Holeshot and always
the first to get to Mike on the few crazy crashes he had I His proudest achievement though was
becoming a Grandfather. The bond Kinsley and he had was incredibly special and his formidable 16
month fight will allow her to have real memories of her "Brarnpa",

Rick was predeceased by his parents, sisters Donna Pratte & Judy Scott, nephew Nathan Pratte and
niece Katrina Pratte.

He is survived by his wife Linda Bradstreet Gustus, son Michael Leonard Gustus, companion Caitlin
Parker and granddaughter Kinsley Gustus of Greene, sisters Regina Dagneau of Sabattus, and Cindy
Stevens and husband Howard of Greene, a brother Rory Gustus and wife Theresa of Lisbon, maternal
aunt Betty Gravel of California and uncle Ralph Srntth Jr. of Auburn. a special lifelong friend Owen
Donnell of leeds and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wants to give special thanks to Rick's sisters-in-law Pauline Murphy and Nancy Gumprecht,
brother-in-law Pastor Christian Grumprceht, and niece Emma Encarnacion for opening their homes to
Rick and providing the tender and loving care that he deserved during his final months.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 21 at 11 a.m. At Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Hill Road, Sabattus.

In lieu of flowers donations to compensate those who provided a home and care would be appreciated.