Robert Hal Gusler

  Robert Hal Gusler, age 62, of Bramwell, WV transitioned to his eternal home on Sunday, Nov.26, 2017 at The Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, WV. A wise man once said, “You can measure your wealth by the number of friends you have!” Hal was a multi-millionaire! He was loved and admired by many. Hal was born Dec. 31, 1954 in Hollybrook, Bland Co., VA. He was the son of the late William Gusler and Audry Farlow Gusler. He also lost a sister, Lucille Wright, when he was in high school. He was an honors graduate of Bland High School in 1973. Hal moved to Bluewell in 1978 and spent most of his life here in his beloved Mountains. Hal’s true love was antiquing: “going on the hunt,” studying them, appraising their worth, and collecting! A new place to search brought an instant gleam to his eyes! Hal loved nature, the earth, and all its’ creatures. He wouldn’t even kill a spider! In 1980, Mr. Gusler met his soul mate and best friend Carole Cole. Together, they opened The Ugly Duckling Antique Store which now occupies the old Thornton’s Dept. Store on Federal Street in downtown Bluefield, WV. In 1993, Hal met the love of his life, Anthony Gongora, and for a while he left his mountain home to live in Asheville, NC; New York City, and Baltimore, MD. He missed the area and returned home to live the remainder of his life in Bramwell. Hal also had an avid love of the arts of all genres. He studied Egyptology, Metaphysics, Botany, interior/exterior design, architecture, and was an avid reader for knowledge and enjoyment. As a member of The Bluefield Beautification Commission, The Alliance for the Arts, and The Bluefield Preservation Society, Several Garden Clubs, and 4PALS Productions, Hal was the “go to man” for all things from costuming, decorating, heading committees, and anything “needed for the cause.” He could grow anything and had “The original green thumb!” In short, Robert Hal Gusler is irreplaceable to all who knew him. Hal is survived by brothers: Kermit Gusler and Eddie Gusler of Hollybrook, VA; Lewis Gusler of Atlanta, GA; and sisters Sarah Curry of Abingdon, VA; Joanna (Mike) Havens of Hollybrook, VA; and Rita (Brian) Moore of Radford, VA. Hal had 12 nieces and nephews, 7 great nieces and nephews, and 1 great-great nephew. He is also survived by “extended” family members Skip Crane of Bluewell;, Anthony Gongora of Orlando, FL; Kathy Johnson of Saltville, VA; Debrah Ammar of Bluefield, VA and Betsey Sorrell of Bluefield, WV. A celebration of life will be held at The Bluefield Area Arts Center on Sunday, December 10, 2017 from 3pm until 7pm. Hal had time to prepare “his party” as he called it. He asked that we have a service from 3pm until 4. Then he asked that those wishing to stay after the service to bring a finger food or covered dish for a “potluck supper” from 4 until 5pm. At 5pm his wish is to open the bar, offering adult beverages for purchase and having a DJ play disco music from 5pm until 7pm. Hal always said he wanted to celebrate his passing with joy and for those remaining to have some fun in his memory. In lieu of flowers, Hal asked for donations be made in his name to the organizations he mentioned above. Contributions can be mailed to The Estate of Hal Gusler, P.O. Box 92, Bramwell, WV 24715. (Please put which organization you chose on the memo line.) You may also donate the day of the Memorial Service. There will be a drop box to insure your privacy. Thank you.