Patrick 'Pat' Hustis, 81
Patrick "Pat" Hustis, 81, formerly of Bigfork, passed from this world with quiet dignity June 26, 2008, at his home in Spokane. Pat was born in Los Angeles in 1927.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at a young age, serving on the USS Schuylkill, an oil tanker, during World War II. He served his entire enlistment in the Pacific Theater, for which he was meritoriously decorated.
After his years in the Navy, Pat spent 40 years participating in the motion picture industry as a teamster, actor and honorary stunt man. It was during this time Pat designed, perfected and operated his well-known "Hustis Camera Cars," an integral part of filmmaking that allows for the close-up filming of chase and action sequences. He won special recognition for his chase scenes in the classic film "Bullitt" with Steve McQueen and "Smokey and the Bandit" with Burt Reynolds and Jackie Gleason.
In 1973, Pat married Faye Livingston of Great Falls, and moved to Bigfork, building their home on the shores of Flathead Lake and later, their second home on the banks of the Swan River. Instead of retiring, Pat and Faye helped to build, and co-owned and co-operated the Bigfork Marina in Bigfork's north shore harbor for 22 years.
In 2003, Pat and Faye relocated to Spokane and Loon Lake, Wash., where he continued to enjoy the restoration of his wooden Century runabout boat and his passion for boating and fishing.
Patrick was pre-deceased by daughters, Patti Ann Hustis and Christine Baxter.
He is survived by his loving wife, Faye; brother, Wayne Hustis, of Van Nuys, Calif.; daughter, Kelly Hustis, of Santa Clarita, Calif.; stepson, Mark Edwards, of Las Vegas; grandsons, Patrick Dettman and his wife, Lorraine, of Heber City, Utah, and Matthew Bacon of Jacksonville, Fla.; and three beautiful great-granddaughters, Baylee, Megan and Allison Dettman, also of Heber City.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Hospice of Spokane for their indispensable help and compassion in Pat's last days. At Pat's request, there will be no services.