WB
For those who hunted the Y-O, know bear whisperer George
Thursday, April 21, 2022, 13:04

I think the fantastic bear guide George Faerber may now live in TX. He was good friends with Gus. I have a photo of us in Anchorage eating dinner together. I had no idea Gus had passed on. Time marches on. He sure had some good stories.

Gus Gillespie passed away peacefully in his sleep on 12/20/20 from Pancreatic Cancer. Gus left behind his wife Geri Gillespie, youngest son Thomas, oldest son William Gillespie, daughter-in-law Oksana Gillespie, grandson Alexe’ Gillespie, younger brother Robert Gillespie and his wife Rhonda Gillespie, many family members in Michigan, dozens and dozens of friends from all parts of the world. Each and every person that had the privilege of knowing him speaks kindly of his great personality, caring qualities and quick wit.

Gus was born in Michigan, graduated from Rochester High School in 1959, joined the Navy right after high school graduation. He was trained by the US Navy to be an Electronics Technician where he served on the Destroyer USS Hawkins until he retired after 4 years’ service. He attended the University of Nebraska and obtained a Bachelor’s degree, with honors as an Electrical Engineer. He worked in the oil industry in Louisiana, California and then his work in the Oil industry took him and his family to Alaska in 1978. He worked on the North Slope until he had the opportunity to purchase a fur business in 1984 which he incorporated with his wife’s already established Alaskan arts and crafts business. Thus, Alaska Fur Exchange was established.

Gus was a prominent member of the fur industry and became very active in many hunting and fishing organizations, such as Safari Club International of Alaska, Wild Turkey Foundation, APHA and many others. He was past President of SCI Alaska and Regional Vice President of SCI. His passion was the Wounded Warriors Program and other Veterans organizations and he was an active member of Post 1 in Anchorage, Alaska. He loved working at Alaska Fur Exchange as a “greeter” at the front counter and always had a story or comment to share with the many people he met.

He will be remembered by his positive uplifting personality, love of his family and friends, vast knowledge of the world events, caring and giving personality, and quick wit. He was fortunate enough to travel the world hunting and fishing, which were his passions in life. Places he traveled included Africa several times, South America, Hawaii hunting and fishing, Costa Rica and Mexico fishing, many states across America, and Missouri turkey hunting and deer hunting which was an annual event for him, just to name a few. He even wrote a book about his adventures, “Have A Laugh With Gus”. Gus was devoted to his family and friends and will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege and honor of knowing him. He was one of the “good ole boys” and will be remembered fondly by