Robert George Letendre

On September 30, 2025, Robert “Gus” Letendre—a devoted father, grandfather, and beloved friend passed away at the age of 85.

Born on April 14, 1940, in Pembroke, New Hampshire, Gus grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and resilience. At just 15, after the passing of his father, he left high school to work full-time and support his mother and sister a testament to his selflessness and unwavering love for family.

When he was old enough, Gus proudly joined the U.S. Coast Guard, completing basic training in Cape May, New Jersey. His service introduced him to new horizons, including the beauty of Northern California. After his time in uniform, with only a few dollars in his pocket and a heart full of ambition, Gus hitched a ride to San Francisco and began building a life filled with hard work and adventure.

At 19, Gus was selling cars and living his dream driving a brand-new Ford Thunderbird and wearing sharp suits to work. “l felt like I had arrived,” he often said. Soon, he started a family and moved to Spokane, Washington, a place he fondly called “a good place to raise a family.” Over the next five decades, Gus thrived in the competitive world of car sales—new and used cars, wholesale, and auto auctions always working tirelessly to provide for those he loved.

He was endlessly proud of his children and deeply amazed by his grandchildren. His love for them was boundless, and he will live on in their hearts forever.

Upon retiring, Gus embraced a new chapter of adventure with his “Adventure Partner,” Margaret Burrett. Together, they explored North America in their RV, traveling coast to coast and from top to bottom, savoring the beauty of the open road. Those journeys were some of his happiest times filled with freedom, discovery, and companionship.

Gus is preceded in death by his father, Wilfred; his mother, Jeannette; and his sister, Rose. He is survived by his children—Guy Letendre (Colleen), GayMarie Bone (Kirk), and Dev Letendre (Randi)—and his five adored grandchildren: Connor, Sean, Jonathan, Matthew, and Remy.

A memorial service will be held at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, California, where Gus will rest in peace.

Gus lived a life of love, hard work, and adventure. His legacy is one of strength, generosity, and devotion – a life well-lived and deeply cherished.