Donald M. Bush

Donald M. Bush, after 87 years of an amazing journey in life, passed away peacefully at home on October 12, 2017. Those familiar with Don knew his love of coffee, bicycling, quilting, Dallas Cowboy football, and Lobo basketball. He also loved challenging himself with crossword puzzles and cryptoquips. Don was known to share a joke along with a friendly handshake or warm hug to those around him.

Don was born in Kansas in 1930. He attended University of Kansas where his college career was interrupted to serve in the Army during the Korean War. After his military service was completed, Don returned to KU and finished his Chemical Engineering degree in 1955. His career began in China Lake, CA and it ended at Kirtland Air Force Base after 37 years of a civil service. Don retired in 1991 as a Lead Project Engineer for Warhead Development.

During his time in Albuquerque, Don became involved within the community and enjoyed a variety of activities. At Whittier Elementary School, Don established Boy Scout Troop 284 and he thoroughly enjoyed Wood Badge at Philmont Scout Ranch. He was a member of the Day Breakers Toastmaster group for over 30 years. Don was also a Ham Radio operator, a fantastic bread maker, a quilter (making quilts for all of his grandchildren), and he sang in the church choir. Don also loved to be "on the move". He completed his first marathon before his 60th birthday and enjoyed cycling. He rode in the Bike Across Kansas three times. The last time to do so was in 2007 (at the age of 77) with all four of his sons.

His proudest accomplishment in life began while living across from the Freeman Apartments on High Street, in Albuquerque, NM. It was there a young school teacher by the name of Carol Sue Montgomery caught his eye and they were married a few short months later on October, 10, 1958. The two of them eventually ended up with a family of five children, eleven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Don is survived by his wife, Carol, of 59 years; son, Don (Gina) and grandchildren, Caitlin (Kip) & Annaliese; son, Rod (Laurie) and grandchild, Curtis; daughter, Sue (Shawn) and grandchildren, Alyssa (Justin), Kirk, Seth, and great-grandchildren, Kirkland and Quade; son, Gary (Karla) and grandchildren, Krystal, Gary, and Madeleine; and son, Marc (Karen) and grandchildren, Max and Sam.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 20, 2017, 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 2801 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106 where he was an active member for 60 years. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Boy Scouts of America's Great Southwest Council. 5841 Office Blvd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Don will be forever in our thoughts and we hear him saying, "I paid for it with my good looks and I got change back."