Gustav Carl Bahruth's Obituary
Gustav Carl Bahruth, 21, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away on Tuesday evening, February 20, 2024, when his motorcycle was hit by another vehicle just outside the gates of IWTC Corry Station, Pensacola.
Gus was born on December 31, 2002, to Gustav J. Bahruth (Gus) and Maria (Wagner) Bahruth. He grew up attending Covenant Presbyterian Church, where he was baptized, confirmed, and participated in youth group, youth band, service projects, Cedarkirk Camp and Montreat Youth Camp. Gus’ church family played a tremendous part in his growing up years.
Eleven years in the Boy Scouts of America culminated with his achievement of Eagle Scout rank in 2021. Gus’ experiences in Fort Myers Troop 140 and Troop 316 developed his love of camping, his desire to serve others, and gave him opportunities of discovery and character development which most boys sorely lack these days.
Music has always been his passion. An alto and baritone saxophone student of Daniel “SaxPup” Lone for 7 years, Gus excelled in the exceptional band programs at Cypress Lake Middle and High Schools, where he developed his love of Jazz. During these years, he was in All-County Jazz Band, All-State Wind Ensemble and attended summer Jazz Band Camps at FSU and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. The pinnacle of his musical experiences came when he auditioned for the Naples Philharmonic Youth Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Lew Del Gatto and the late great Dan Miller. Comprised of the best of the best Jazz musicians in Collier and Lee Counties, NPYJO performed the actual charts of great composers of the Swing and Big Band eras, often playing on stage with visiting artists of worldwide fame.
Upon graduation from high school in 2021, Gus attended Florida Gulf Coast University for a year. Always having the highest respect for our service men, service women and veterans he began exploring his options to serve in our nation’s military, deciding the United States Navy was for him. He began Boot Camp in mid-February 2023 at Naval Station Great Lakes just north of Chicago, Illinois. Graduation was marked by PIR (Pass In Review) on April 28, 2023, which was attended by the proudest parents in the history of proud parents. Upon graduation, Gus shipped off to Pensacola, Florida to begin his schooling as Seaman E3. He excelled in his classes and rose in rank, achieving Petty Officer 3rd Class.
During just seven months in Pensacola and throughout his 21 years in our midst, Gus Bahruth touched so many lives and brought joy and laughter wherever he went. His friends near and far are fond of saying, “If you knew Gus, you had a friend forever.” He leaves behind a legacy of heart-deep friendship, love, and passion which he generously shared with all. If you listen closely, those who knew him can hear his distinct laughter/cackle and can see that magnificent smile that lights up Heaven where he now resides and where we will get to see him one day. Oh, what a sweet reunion that will be!
A Celebration of the Life of Gustav Carl Bahruth will be held on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 2:00pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2439 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Rather than sending flowers, donations are welcome to be made to the Gus Bahruth Memorial Fund which has been established to support the students and activities of Cypress Lake High School Band, Fort Myers, Florida.
To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time please visit the memorial webpage for Gus at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign his guestbook.
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