Frank Johannesen Gustin

Frank Johannesen Gustin, 79, passed away peacefully at home on the first day of spring 2012.

Frank was born October 21, 1932 in Salt Lake City to Harley Wemple and Violet Johannesen Gustin. He was raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho with his beloved sisters, Jean Gustin McKay and Jane Gustin Campbell, and cousin Dixie Jo Porter.

Frank loved music. In high school, he was a drum major and member of the “Nine Beats of Rhythm” band. He had a beautiful tenor voice and loved playing the accordion, trumpet and piano. To the embarrassment of his daughters at times, he broke out the accordion and serenaded their friends with “You are My Sunshine.” At Christmas, he piled the family and friends into “the van” to go caroling. Everyone had an instrument—a kazoo, drum, maraca or small horn. Frank drove through the neighborhood with the door flung open for all to hear.

Frank was a born leader. He was student body president of both Idaho Falls High School and the University of Washington. He was encouraged by his Phi Delta Theta fraternity brothers and his mother, whom he adored, to run as a “write-in” candidate at UW. Because Frank was recovering from back surgery, he was delivered to campus in an ambulance. His supporters would carried him out on a stretcher and propped him up so he could deliver a campaign speech. To the chagrin of the UW administration (and the groundskeeper), Frank’s fraternity brothers rode on horses through “the quad” carrying “Vote for Galloping Gus” banners. Despite the destruction of the lawn, Frank won the election.

After graduating from law school at UW, he became a Pierce County prosecutor in Tacoma, Washington. He met his future wife, Gloria Rawson, at a political fundraiser—Democratic, of course! In 1961, Frank & “Glo” moved to Salt Lake City so Frank could practice family law with his father Harley at Gustin & Gustin. After Harley’s death, Frank formed the firm Gustin Kasting Adams & Liapis. As an oil and gas attorney, Frank was general counsel for Equity Oil for 38 years. From 2004 until his retirement, he was of counsel at Dart Adamson & Donovan.

He cherished his many friendships inside and outside the law. He especially enjoyed his membership in the exclusive “Law Club,” a group of lawyers who meet monthly at the Alta Club to review cases, dine and tell “war stories.” He was president of Law Club for many years and at the time of his death.

Frank was proud to be a Mason for 41 years in Wasatch Lodge #1. He was a 33 degree Master Mason, an honor bestowed upon 5% of Masons. He participated in the Scottish Rite, Jesters and was Associate Guardian for Job’s Daughters, Bethel 5.

As a member of All Saints Episcopal Church, Frank served as senior warden and loved singing in the choir. He was also involved with the Jubilee Committee to renovate congregations in the Episcopal diocese.

Frank was the life of the party, had a great sense of humor and a big laugh. “Keep your sense of humor” was one of his many teachings. His “Casey at the Bat” rendition could not be beat. He claimed to be a patient man. At age 75, he estimated that he had spent seven years of his life “waiting for Gloria.” Since that time, another six months could probably be added to that calculation.

Frank was a great lawyer, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He had a keen intellect, he loved to read, and he liked to discuss politics, history and religion. He was a giver, not a taker; generous to a fault; reliable and kind. We were warned, however, to never “take advantage of his good nature.” Despite his accomplishments, he was a very humble man. We were honored to frequently hear, “Frank is the greatest guy!” How proud he was of his daughters and their chosen fields of endeavor.

Frank is survived by his wife Gloria and three daughters: Julie Gustin (Lon Huntsman), Susanne Gustin (George Furgis) and Tina Gustin (Bryan Bagley). “Papa” to 5 grandchildren: Allison Bagley (11), Ella Bagley (10), Michael Furgis (7), Zeke Huntsman (6), and Violet Huntsman (4), who will miss his playfulness and “Donald Duck” voice; two sisters Jean McKay (John) and Jane Campbell.

Special thanks to Dr. Tom and Sarah Kurrus, lifelong friends and medical advisors, his caretaker Sandy, the Huntsman Cancer Institute and Dr. Gregory Litton, Utah Cancer Specialists.

A viewing will be held Monday, March 26, from 4:00 to 7:00 at Evans & Early Mortuary, 600 East 100 South. Funeral services will be at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, 231 E. 100 S. on Tuesday, March 27 @ 3:00. A celebratory dinner will follow at the Salt Lake Country Club. Oreo cookies, Dad’s favorite, will be served for dessert.

Internment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 1300 E. and 500 S. on Wednesday, March 28 @ 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Masonic Temple Restoration Fund, 650 E. South Temple, SLC, UT 84102.

Rest in peace Daddy-O. In your own words, “You done good!”