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Douglas Bush Obituary
Douglas Earl Bush was born March 1, 1947 to Joe and Phyllis Bush and died in his home on October 4, 2013 after battling cancer. Dad frequently talked about his upbringing in rural Montana - working on the farm with his grandparents, gardening, cooking, and spending time with his family.
From a young age, he had a deep love and interest in history and a strong inclination toward music and organs specifically. These two loves became the defining interests of his life. His passion for good music led him to become a world-renowned organist, a "Bach-aholic", and beloved teacher, with a particular gift to love, motivate and inspire others to want to become better people. He was passionate about family history and temple work as though it were his second profession, spending all of his time invested in family - both here on earth, and on the other side of the veil. His faith was the guiding force in his life, along with a persistent quest for that which would bring depth, beauty and meaning to all around him. Dad had magic hands; everything he touched always bloomed. His was a life characterized by selfless service, compassion, gentleness, and excellence. He created beauty wherever he went, and we feel profoundly blessed by such a lovely father, example and friend.
He is survived by five daughters: Sarah Bush, Rebecca Buchert (Martin), Susan Bush (Joshua Trammell), Elizabeth Bush Campbell (Scott) and Christa Groesbeck (Garrett); 12 grandchildren who were the light of his life; his father, Josiah Douglas Bush (Mary Bush); and two siblings, Rick Bush (Jackie) and Dianne Reeder.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at the Provo Central Stake Center, 450 North 1220 West, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Monday from 6-8:00 p.m. and at the church Tuesday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent at www.bergmortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Bush
Maxine Rasmussen
October 7, 2019
It was such a privilege to work with Doug on the book Caroline Eliza Hubbard and her four husbands. He was professional to a fault and through his many contacts was able to get some pretty amazing photos and stories on our ancestors. He is sorely missed. Maxine Rasmussen
Kay Hamilton
October 27, 2013
I am devastated by Doug's passing. He was such an inspiration to me to become a better organist and such a dear friend. I live in Issaquah, WA and he has stayed at our home many times when in the area. He was supposed to play for my funeral. I had lunch with him in American Fork shortly after he had melanoma removed from his scalp and he felt they had gotten it. I was planning on meeting him for lunch when I was down for General Conference. Then my grandson, Jonathan Keith from American Fork, who had taken some classes from Doug gave me the news. I don't know who to reach out to but I just want his family to know how much he was looked up too and what a great friend and person he was. If I can offer anything I am willing. My best to his daughters, Kay Hamilton, Issaquah, WA.
Maxine Rasmussen
October 21, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Doug and I were distant cousins who share a love for family history. We were working on a history for our great grandmother Caroline Maria Hubbard/Beatty/Fenstermaker. I admired his quest for excellence and love for all things family. I am so shocked and saddened at his passing. I give you all my love and condolences. Please call me 801 819 6558, I would like to finish the work he started on this history.
Dale Little
October 20, 2013
"Dr. Bush", as he was known to our family, helped our daughter, Holly, hone her organ skills and focus her passion for music. I will be forever grateful for the influence he had on our daughter -- and for all the selfless, quiet, service he performed for many.
Dan Lee
October 15, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Doug Bush's passing. He was a great influence on my musical life and a good friend. His enthusiasm and humor will be missed! Thank you Dr Bush for opportunities I will never forget!
Brian Church
October 14, 2013
As newlyweds, after Dr Bush learned in a passing conversation we did not have living room furniture - he promptly brought us a couch and a chair. His capacity to love, mentor, and teach has deeply touched countless lives. I will always remember his profound wisdom regarding sacred texts set to music. "The medium must match the message" is what he taught. How grateful I am to have known this great man.
Andrew & Talita Osman
October 14, 2013
Bishop Bush, was always kind, always inspired and inspirational and conducted the most spiritual sacrament meetings through music. We think of him as a darling father, a gentle giant, a man who appreciated and created beauty, an individual who unfailingly served and did what was right. We think of cowboy boots and a picture of him as a little boy that he once showed us. Last but not least, we think of organ music, we have never heard anyone play it better!
We have such fond memories of being in the same ward and neighborhood with him and his most lovely girls! It has been 20 years and yet the effects of the things that he taught us during our newly-wed years are still felt in our lives today. Thank you for that!
Sweet Bush girls, we are so sorry for your loss and we are sending much love. May you be comforted during this difficult time with the knowledge that there will be a joyous reunion and a heaven full of organ music. With much love!
October 14, 2013
I remember a happy always smiling Doug Bush as BYU student rooming with two other gifted musicians, Ron Staheli and Walter Whipple in an apartment of my mother's home – she love them all, it is sad to see him go. Karl N Snow
Jenny Wadsworth
October 13, 2013
Dr. Bush was an instrument in strengthening my testimony through music and taking the time to be kind in a personal way. I see him as one of my greatest mentors and examples. I am so thankful I know him. He changed my life forever.
Robert Jones
October 13, 2013
Very talented individual. I have a CD of Organ music from Mike Bigelow (M.L. Bigelow & Company) where he played the recorded music. Rest in Peace friend. All the best to the family as well.
Lewis Billings
October 13, 2013
Dear Family, As you already know, your Dad was the source of so much good and so much joy in the lives of many. He was so effective in using music to reach out and touch people who otherwise might not have been reached. He was always kind, patient and polite. Doug was a very effective church and community leader. He was quick to help those who were alone or frightened by difficult challenges. If Doug Bush was your friend, you never had to walk alone. He carried a very substantial load in so many areas of life and helped so many good people. Oftentimes, I wondered how he did all that he did. We will all miss him and his warm example.
Kent Jensen
October 13, 2013
I knew Doug from missionary days in Switzerland. What a true gentleman and gifted musician. I am so sorry for you loss. Schlaf wohl, Doug.
October 13, 2013
We knew Doug in Austin Texas and thank him for sending the music to our son's
music teacher in England. I remember the little girls I had at our house in Oak Hill
Owen and Adeline Owens in Houston, TX
Adrian & Kathy Morgan
October 12, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We loved your Dad, he was a great man, a kind man. He was a beacon of light and always had a smile. We lived in the basement of his home for the first four years of our marriage and we loved being there. We have such fond memories of him and of all you. We pray you will be blessed with peace, and comfort at this tender time.
Michael Peck
October 10, 2013
I feel nothing but admiration for Doug Bush as I observe the motives he followed and the life he lived. I feel privileged that he was gracious enough to allow me to take private organ lessons with him, making himself available for an obscure time during the week to accommodate me. His gifts to us all are many!
Linda Marks
October 10, 2013
I love Doug Bush's music! I love the organ books and cd's. He was a kind, wonderful man. He made this world a better place to live.
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