Michael F. Bush

Michael Francis Bush passed away on Thursday, September fourth, 2014. He was preceded in death by his mother Eleanor G. Bush, and his father John (Joe) Burchard Bush. Michael was born in Houston, Texas on election day in 1940 when Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidential election against Wendell Wilkie.

Mike grew up in Pasadena, California. He attended Wilson Elementary, Pasadena High School (class of 1957), Pasadena City College, UC Berkeley, and Cal State Los Angeles.

Mike met Sandy Williams while in high school and they were married in 1960. The births of three daughters (Jennifer, Pamela, and Susan) followed in the next five years. In 1967 they all moved north to Santa Barbara, California, so Mike could start a position with ABC Clio publishing company. A fourth daughter, Linda, was born at Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara in 1970. In 1971 Mike and his family moved to Oxford, England to open the European division of ABC Clio.

In 1975 Mike moved to Dana Point, California where he worked for the Orange County Daily Pilot newspaper and then owned a successful house cleaning business for many years.

Mike had an affinity for the ocean and fishing. He loved Dana Point for its access to the harbor and its proximity to great Mexican food. Up until the end, he searched Orange County for the best carnitas. The victor was continually changing, but the last we heard it was a little place in San Juan Capistrano. Mike looked forward to his weekly lunches with his brother, John and their long, intelligent, and meaningful discussions.

Mike’s favorite times were when his four daughters, six grandchildren, and one great granddaughter were all in the same place at once, telling stories, laughing, making music, and playing games. An incessant teaser, Mike always had the right answer when playing Trivial Pursuit; it was the makers of the game that were wrong.

After he beat the odds and added many good years on to his life, lung cancer finally got the best of him. His four daughters were with him at the time of his passing, ushering him gracefully on to the next adventure with Eleanor, Carolyn, Helen, Henry, Helena, Frank, and Joe. He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed.

Michael F. Bush is survived by his brother John B. Bush, Jr.; his daughters Jennifer, Pamela, Susan, and Linda; his niece Catherine and nephew John; his grandchildren Emilie, Torrey, Anastasia, Henry, Taylor and Ava; and his great-granddaughter Phoenyx.

There will be a private memorial service in Dana Point, California on September 21, 2014. For information please contact Susan at susanbushwest@gmail.com.