Andrew Gusty Sr. passed away peacefully at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, AK on June 8, 2023. He was 83.
Andrew was born September 28, 1939 at the Old Place near Stony River, to Gusty Michael and his wife Agrafina. Andrew often reminisced about his childhood and playing games of skill with his brothers to decide who would pack the water and chop the wood. Though he moved to Anchorage for health reasons in his later years, Andrew’s heart was always in Stony River and the Kuskokwim River where he grew up and spent much of his life. He truly lived the subsistence way of life and enjoyed spending time at his fish camp no matter the time of year.
Andrew was a well-respected local leader, serving for many years on the Stony River Traditional Council, the Gusty Michael School’s Parent Advisory Committee, and he was elected to the Kuskokwim Corporation Board of Directors, as well as to other local and regional organizations.
Andrew was a jack of all trades but worked the longest as the power plant operator in Stony River for the Middle Kuskokwim Electric Cooperative. He also worked for Kuspuk School District, and for various barge companies. His travels brought him up and down the river where he shared meals and stories with people throughout the region.
He was a shareholder of The Kuskokwim Corporation and Calista Corporation and member of the Russian Orthodox Church.
He is survived by Mary A. Macar and their children Andrew Jr., Kevin, Jeanie Lady, Francina, and Chris. He is also survived by daughter Andrea, and son Johnny; grandchildren Brad, Nacole, Michael, Nels, Lydia, Desmond, Kazer, Isaiah, Tristan, Daniel, Ethan, Agusta, Wilson, and Randell; as well as several great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by sons Kenny, Michael, and Gusty, grandson Robert; and siblings Constantine, Martha, Madrona, Barbara, Katherine, Lisa, Mary, Iyana, Alexie, and Marvara.
A funeral service and burial for Andrew was held at noon on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Old Place near Stony River.
