Robert Gustav Built Affordable Homes, Gave Something Back To His Community

The hands-on, physical side of developing and building homes and housing projects suited Robert J. Gustav. He had run track in high school, helped his father in the salvage business, and enjoyed golf, tennis and boating.

But the mental and emotional demands suited him, too: He liked solving problems and making something useful in the community. His affordable-housing projects, underwritten with federal funds to aid the elderly and disadvantaged, brought him satisfaction, his family said.

"He built Council House for the League of Jewish Women about 25 years ago and some housing for HUD in the 1960s," said his son, Richard Gustav of Seattle.

"There was Henry House in North Seattle and Tanara Village by the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It was part of his commitment to look for ways to serve the community, providing housing for people from different walks of life."

He had built condominiums in Bellevue and houses in Palm Springs, Calif.

Mr. Gustav, of Mercer Island, died last Friday (Nov. 13) of prostate cancer. He was 76.

Born in Seattle to Samuel and Beatrice Gustav, Mr. Gustav graduated from Garfield High School in 1940 and worked with his father in the scrap-metal business. He opened Gustav Construction, and for five decades worked on projects in Western Washington and Southern California.

Bellevue was a special interest. One of his earliest projects was a development called Mercia. One of his last was the On the Park

condominiums near Bellevue Square. "His legacy to me is giving back to the community," said his son. "Quality was important. And he wanted people to be able to have quality housing they could afford.

"There was a joy of the moment in everything he did. Every day, every gathering was important. He knew how to bring a smile."

Mr. Gustav belonged to Temple De Hirsch Sinai and Ezra Bessaroth Congregations, and to Overlake Golf and Country Club.

Other survivors include his wife of 29 years, Letty Gustav; son Steve Gustav of Bellevue; daughter, Susan Alhadeff of Seattle; sister, Maxine Bunsusen; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Services have been held. Remembrances may go to the Prostate Cancer Memorial Fund, University of Washington Medical Center, 1959 N.E. Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195.

Carole Beers' phone message number is 206-464-2391. Her e-mail address is: cbeers@seattletimes.com