Darrel Gustin

Darrel Michael Gustin was born in Mandan, North Dakota to Mike and Rose Gustin, and passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 86 years of age after a valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease.

The oldest of six children, Darrel grew up surrounded by the support of extended family, a value that would guide him throughout his life.

After becoming the first person in his family to attend high school, Darrel served in Korea with the U.S. Army before returning to complete his education at North Dakota State Teachers College, where he met the love of his life, Kathy. They married and settled in Plentywood, Montana, where Darrel taught high school English and driver's training and together they welcomed their three children: Bob, Deanne, and Richard. He later was the high school principal in Plentywood for several years. Many former students became lifelong friends of his and Kathy's. While in Plentywood, Darrel also had a stint as City Manager. One of his accomplishments there was to establish trash pick up service for the Town's 2100 residents.

Darrel's entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on when he personally built out the basement of the family's first home into a one-bedroom apartment to help provide housing for Plentywood teachers. This first project sparked a lifetime of building, as Darrel developed apartment complexes and homes across eastern Montana, all while teaching full-time and raising a family. For the Gustin's employees and tenants were like extended family. Darrel & Kathy's children learned the value of hard work by helping on construction sites alongside their parents. His entrepreneurial drive would lead him to the hospitality industry, which he pursued full time beginning in 1978 He opened his first hotel in Helena. MT where the family had relocated.. He later developed hotels in numerous states. He loved forging new business relationships and seeing projects through to completion. His eyes would twinkle with the start of each new development. He was known as a straight shooter.

Generous with his time and resources, Darrel quietly helped countless family members and friends over the years. His legacy of seizing the day and making things happen encouraged many others to pursue their dreams.

Darrel and Kathy purchased and economically stabilized historic Reeder's Alley in Helena, Montana. In 2000 they donated the entire development to the State of Montana Historical Society as sustainable and income producing.

Starting in 1990 Darrel and Kathy lived in Albuquerque except for several years residing on Coronado Island, California.

Darrel's greatest partnership was with his beloved wife, Kathy. Married for 62 years, they were true partners in both life and business. Together, they enjoyed extensive worldwide travel. Their dedication to one another was an inspiration to all who knew them. A special thank you is extended to Martha, Belinda and Linda, who lovingly cared for both of them.

Darrel is preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his son, Richard; his parents, Mike and Rose Gustin; and his brother, Russel Gustin. He is survived by his son, Bob (Laura) Gustin of Albuquerque; his daughter, Deanne (Tony) Vizurraga of Centennial, Colorado; and three grandchildren, Andres, Alex, and Sabrina. His surviving siblings include Del Gustin, Kathy Herr, Peggy Jo Emmel and Michelle Gustin-Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Plentywood Educational Alumni Foundation or to a charity of your choice, in honor of Darrel's commitment to community, entrepreneurship and education.

Rosary and Eulogy will be held at Risen Savior Catholic Church on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 8:45 am with a Catholic Mass to follow at 9:30 am. Darrel will be laid to rest at Santa Fe National Cemetery in a private burial at a later date.