Philip George Bushee

WILLISTON/MORGAN -- Philip George Bushee, 67, passed away Sunday, Oct. 19, 2003 in Copley Hospital in Morrisville, of pneumonia.

Phil was born Jan. 13, 1936 in Bennington. He was lovingly raised by Mary (Noyes) McFeggan in North Bennington.

Phil attended North Bennington High School, where he was a standout athlete excelling in basketball and a pitcher for the baseball team, throwing several no-hitters.

Phil was a member of the Vermont National Guard during high school and, after graduation in 1954, enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served in the 11th Airborne Division as a paratrooper in Germany.

In 1959, Phil married Virginia Kathryn Angney in Arlington. Phil and Ginny moved to Connecticut, where Phil attended Hartford Institute of Accounting, New Britain State College and American Institute of Banking before starting his career in business. After moving back to Vermont in 1961, he worked for various companies as a business manager and late owned several businesses on his own.

Phil enjoyed playing many sports, including golf, baseball, softball and basketball. He also coached many youth teams including Little League and basketball in both Bennington and Williston. Phil was an avid Cleveland Indians and Browns fan, beginning in 1948.

His pastimes included doing daily crossword puzzles, playing “FreeCell,” and e-mailing friends across the country. Phil had a special place in his heart for all animals and had a knack for rescuing stray animals, including his beloved dog, Buff and cat, Stumper.

For more than 25 years, Phil was an active member of the Essex Junction Lions Club serving in various offices, including a term as president. He was also a member of the First Congregational Church Essex Junction.

In 1977, Phil and Ginny bought land on Lake Seymour in Morgan, upon which they built their family camp and in 2003 camp became their retirement home.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 44 years Ginny; a son, Philip S. Bushee; granddaughter and her mother, Lisa Bushee, all of Williston; a daughter, Pam Morris and her husband, Todd, and their three children of Hinesburg. In addition, he is survived by his foster family; brother Harry Noyes and his wife, Norman, and their five sons and partners; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. He is also survived by Ginny’s brother, Richard Angney and his wife Alice, of East Montpelier, and their daughters and beloved niece.

A celebration of life for family and friends will take place in the spring. Donations in Phil’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Chittenden County, 142 Kindness Court, South Burlington, VT 05403, or the American Heart Association, 434 Hurricane Lane, Williston, VT 05495. Arrangements are in the care of Stephen C. Gregory Cremation Service, Shelburne.