The Papa Bear: A Memoir

Born in 1922 in a poor section of Jersey City, New Jersey, to parents with only third grade educations, this is the life story of Gus Prinsell. In this autobiography, Gus starts by reflecting on his humble beginnings -- his earliest childhood memories are of poverty wrought by the Great Depression. His father was unemployed for a decade. Gus's parents never wavered in insisting that their children pursue an education. World War II started as he was entering his 20s, and he served his country in the US Navy. After becoming a "born again" Christian in the early 1940s and marrying Louise Bininger, he finished college and earned his medical doctor degree from Columbia University in 1952. From there, Gus went on to study surgery and tropical medicine. He then turned away from material gains and dedicated his life to medical missions in West Africa, where he moved with Louise and their four sons and opened the new Kamakwie Wesleyan Hospital in 1959. In 1964, Gus returned to the States where he served as a family physician in Western New York until his retirement. Gus still lives in Houghton, New York, with his wife of over 70 years, Louise. At the ages of 94 and 91, Gus and Louise now have seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Gus takes us through his life’s journey in his own words. Not only does he tell the story of his own life, but he effectively weaves in the stories of many of his family and friends. His trust in the Lord through faith has led Gus through his life of achievement.

When asked to describe himself in one phrase, he defines himself as “a Christian missionary physician and humanitarian.” His life of dedication to God and mankind is an example for us all.