Patrick Brent Gustin

Patrick Brent Gustin left his earthly home and loved ones behind on Thursday, September 3, 2015. He now lives and flys in the blue skies of Heaven. Patrick’s journey began on March 1, 1980 when he was born in Italy; and is the cherished son of Michael Hays Gustin and Cynthia Buehring Gustin.

He currently lived in Plantation, Florida and was a Captain with Reva Air Ambulance Service. He was loved by his co-workers and the company grounded their entire fleet of aircraft in memory and in honor of Patrick. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida with a BS in Aeronautical Science. After college, he went on to receive his A&P (Airframe & Power-plant) license, something few pilots do. But first of all, he loved to fly and was an excellent pilot. He got great satisfaction knowing he was helping the sick, injured and sometimes pre-mature babies get to the medical care they needed. He flew all over the world to do this. Before Reva, he flew for Air Flight Charter Service in Fort Lauderdale.

He was born in Rimini, Italy but grew up in Texas. He graduated from Whitney High School in 1998, then moved to Waco, Texas where he began his path to becoming a pilot. He moved with his parents to Uvalde, Texas and continued his training there at a local college, then went on to be accepted to Embry-Riddle where he graduated in 2005.

Patrick will be forever missed by his parents, Mike and Cindy; his brother and best friend, Sean; and nieces Hannah Lou and Ella Campbell Gustin. They so loved their "crazy" Uncle Patrick. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Michele and Terry Ray of Colby, Kansas; Dana and Ray Cox of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; Bunnye and Paul Clark of Longview, Texas; and Walt Buehring of Portland, Oregon. First cousins Krysti Terrell and husband Jeff; Chris Cox and wife Gina; Daniel Cox and wife Jennifer; Jaime Reynolds and husband Greg; Sarah Walters and husband Drew; Rebecca Amicarelli and husband Anthony; Rachael Kluge and husband Blake; Annie Buehring of Katy, Texas; Kurt Buehring of Portland, Oregon; Nancy McKenzie, her son Nathan Bellah, and her husband Bob; and many more second cousins and relatives. And, lastly, he's survived by his grandmother, Mary E. Buehring of Longview, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother Lou Gustin Poteet who loved him so dearly; grandfather Gene Gustin; great-grandmother Tommy Lou Hays who he was always able to put a smile on her face; great-grandfather Walter J. Buehring; uncle Ralph N. Clark; and cousin Michael Brent Ray, who Patrick was named after, and who was also taken from us far too soon.

He loved life and loved his friends and family. He had a razor sharp wit that could keep everyone around him laughing for hours. He loved to have fun, and loved to race his motorcycle and cars. He had an extensive group of friends in Florida and Texas that all loved to do the same thing and they had many good times together. He will be greatly missed by them all. Patrick especially loved his brother, best friend and buddy, Sean. They built cars and motorcycles together and went many times to local tracks to race and have fun. Their brotherly bond was truly something special. But most of all, he loved to fly. Once while visiting him at Embry-Riddle, his instructor pulled his family aside and told them he was a "natural" and was born to fly. And he proved that in many ways while flying his parents' Cessna 414 in Texas, and later with his jobs in Florida.

Captain Patrick Brent Gustin was a pilot. It was not just his occupation, it is who he was. Some people go through life wondering if they ever made an impact on others. Patrick never had this problem. In his short time on Earth as an air ambulance pilot, he had a positive impact on many lives all across the globe.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, September 7, 2015 from 4:00-8:00pm at Glick Family Funeral Home (561-672-1880) in Boca Raton.  A funeral service in celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday at 11:00am at the funeral home.

The family appreciates all the love and support they've received from Patrick's many friends and co-workers. It has truly been a blessing.

Donations to a favorite charity in Patrick's memory and honor would be appreciated by the family.

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