Robert “Bob” Douglas Bush

Robert “Bob” Douglas Bush, 64, passed away March 21, 2013, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer from complications of pneumonia.

He was born Aug.17, 1948, in Palmer to John and Evelyn (Hawley) Bush.

A Celebration of Life service in honor of Bob is at 3 p.m., April 7 at the Moose Lodge in Palmer.

Bob, as he was known to his family and friends, graduated from Palmer High School in 1967 and attended the University of Idaho, graduating in 1972 with a BS degree in chemical engineering. He wanted to save money while attending college and lived in a tent while attending the last two years of college. He moved back to Alaska and lived in Anchorage until he moved to Palmer in 1979. He was employed with the Department of Transportation as a registered engineer until he medically retired in 1987 from the state of Alaska. Bob also worked with his brother Bruce at the Bushes Bunches store on the Parks and Glenn highways until 1999 when the store closed.

Bon was an Alaskan through and through. He loved hunting and once shot two moose through his bathroom window with his one good arm! And then shared the moose meat with his family. He learned with one hand and one leg and his family said he was extremely independent and insisted on living in his own home with some help from his good friend, Jack Dunham. He remained independent, taking care of his affairs until the last two years.

He will be remembered by his family as someone who, even though he was handicapped more than half his life, was a brother who was easy to care for and was always jolly. His family said his happy demeanor was remarkable. He loved to go to the Moose and Elks lodges almost every week and enjoyed visiting with the friends he made there, and his friends found ways to communicate with him about the challenges he faced in his life. Bob was a pilot, an avid fisherman and hunter; he loved to make wine and cook gourmet meals, which he shared with his family and friends, who said he also loved to eat!

Bob is survived by his mother, Evelyn Bush of Palmer; and sisters, Nancy McGee of Palmer and Bonnie Goss of Ohio. He is also survived by brothers, Bruce of Palmer, Danny of Wasilla and Vern of Palmer; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, John.

The family would like to thank his good friends and the local community for being there for Bob and showing what Alaskans are all about.

Arrangements entrusted to Kehl’s Palmer Chapel, 209 S. Alaska St., Palmer.