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BORN
1931
DIED
2017
Don Busath Obituary
Don Busath of Salt Lake City passed away on February 8, 2017. Don was born on February 4, 1931, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Maurine Helen Hanks and LaMar Paxman Busath.
He married Donna Richards in the Salt Lake Temple in 1951 and they raised five children in Salt Lake.
Don worked as a photographer from 1954. In 1973 Don and Donna opened Busath Photography and many of the family took turns working there. Son, Drake Busath and daughter, Deanne Parry became Masters in the photography trade.
Don was active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings including Hillside Stake High Council and in the Salt Lake 21st Ward as Bishop.
Don and Donna served a mission in 2000-2002 in the California, Oakland mission.
Don played his trombone for 9 years in the 23rd Army band and worked as a trombonist in most of the ballroom, show and stage, venues in Salt Lake City.
Music and photography were his work and his passion throughout his life.
Don earned professional degrees as Craftsman and Master of Photography. He was a Fellow of the American Society of Photographers and of the British Institute of Photography.
Don pioneered the Salt Lake Honors in the Arts. His portraits grace the walls of Abravanel Hall and other institutions around Utah. He was inducted in the International Photography Hall of Fame in 1984 and published 3 books of his photographic images. He was a member of the Salt Lake Kiwanis Club since 1973 and was president from 1991 to 1992.
He is survived by his wife Donna Busath, his children: David (Angel) Busath, Deanne (Edwin) Parry, Drake (Elizabeth) Busath, Daniel (Karen) Busath and Dori Busath, 26 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, his brothers and sisters.
He was a fun-loving, personable and caring artist with a great sense of humor. Laughingly he said, "Don's Gone!"
Funeral services will be held Monday, February 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake 21st Ward, 668 Second Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family are welcome to a visitation on Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the same location.
In lieu of flowers SLCkiwanis.org for children of our community.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Busath
June 11, 2017
Glen Ricks just notified me of Don's passing. I had no idea or I would have dropped everything and been there for each of you. Don was so much more to me than just a boss. He was a second father. I loved Don and Donna just as I would my own parents. I was not a great employee at first and I owe everything I am now to him getting upset with me and molding me into what I am today. I appreciate everything he has ever taught me. I didn't just learn all about photography and the incredible art behind it, he taught me priceless life lessons I needed to learn. I am so grateful to all of the Busath's especially Don for giving me a chance and making me who I am today. God bless you Don. Rest in Peace.
Wilson Brown
March 2, 2017
Don was a huge influence on me when I was a young musician in Salt Lake. I played piano and trombone and paid attention to Don every time he played. He and I were in the Al Sedgley band at the same time. When I went on my mission in 1959, Don took my picture for my missionary program which I still have. I will miss him greatly. - Wilson Brown
Jackie F Robinson
February 20, 2017
Dear Donna,
I was sorry to read of Don's death. May "the peace that passeth understanding" be with you and your family.
Love,
Jackie F Robinson (Wasatch Ward - 1958-1960)
Wayne Stoker
February 18, 2017
I really enjoyed seeing, and talking , to Don at our weekly Kiwanis meetings - and wish to extend condolences to his family.
Also, his brother Boyd, is a good neighbor of mine.
Dave Newman
February 18, 2017
Donna and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Don's passing. We were out of town, and sorry to miss the funeral. Dave always enjoyed the association with him in the IPPA and other photography events. Don was a good man. Please accept our sympathy, and may you have peace.
Sincerely, Dave and Colleen Newman
Paul & Gayelee Thompson
February 17, 2017
Drake and Family,
We were saddened to hear of your father's passing. What a wonderful man.But then again son like father. WE appreciate you and all of your talent and look forward to sharing more travel in the future.
February 15, 2017
Dear Donna and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We just heard today about Don, otherwise, we would have attended the services for him. We will always have fond memories of our get-together with the two of you just a year ago. We especially enjoyed our "tour through his photography years" a true inspiration for our own family photo journaling. May peace and good memories be yours forever.
Best Regards,
Carol and Gordon Wakefield
PHILLIP EDMUNDS
February 13, 2017
Don and Donna both had a profound effect on my growing up years in Wasatch Ward. I feel terrible I saw Don's obituary too late to attend the funeral. Donna please accept my condolences.
Sincerely, Phil Edmunds
Cannon Tarbet
February 13, 2017
A kind and talented man. I knew Don through Kiwanis; he will be missed on Thursdays.
dd
February 11, 2017
Donna, I'm so sorry for your lost. May the God supply you with strength and endurance.~ Rom 15:5 ~
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