Gabriel Gust was born to Andrew and Dolly Gust on March 6th, 1931 in Newhalen, Alaska. Gabe has six sisters and one brother, however his older brother and one of his sisters are now deceased.
Gabe spent the first 6 or 7 years of his life living in Newhalen. Then in 1937 Gabe and his family moved to Kokhanok, AK. When Gabe was 16 he traveled back to Newhalen and attended school there for a year. Gabe enjoyed going to school, and even though it was only for a short period of time, he still reflects fondly on his memories of school.
As a kid Gabe always played outdoors. He especially enjoyed playing at the beach. During the winter, Gabe would sled often. He created sleds from empty cardboard boxes or various animal furs. As Gabe grew older, the work he was required to do became harder and Gabe learned life was no longer all fun and games. He remembers having to pack water for the house whenever it was needed, even if it was in the middle of the night. He would also have to chop and pull wood by hand, using a sled to hold his haul. Gabe also helped raise the family's dogs, and recalls that feeding and running them was very hard work.
