Gus was born in Portland on Aug 26, 1941, his dad, Richard Rose II was from Montana and his mom, Meryl Lewis was from Canada. He is survived by his ‘Lil Darlins’ Brandee Lin Rose-Louik and Rustee Renae Rose; son-in-law Nathaniel Louik; and his grandchildren, Justin, Cassee and Trentin Louik and Baylee and Charlee Dunn. He was proceeded in death by his ex-wife, Judy Burdett Rose and his oldest son, Jeff who died of brain cancer.
After graduating from Rogers High School he held several jobs before starting his airliner job with West Coast Airlines in 1964. Gus was a relief agent and became friends with many co-workers. Gus Lived in Spokane for many years before moving to Arizona where he retired from Northwest Airlines in 1999. His resignation consisted of one word, “Tootalu.” In 2000, his longtime friend Jean Law-Berryman moved in with him and they were together until he moved back to Spokane in 2016 so his family could give him the care he needed for his cancer. Gus passed away on Sept 22, 2017 with his daughters, Brandee and Rustee at his side.