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BUSHNELL KEELER Obituary
BUSHNELL KEELER (Age 87)
Died August 16, 2012 at the Mandrin Inpatient Care Center, Hospice of the Chesapeake after a brief illness. He was a resident of Anne Arundel County since 1974. Arrangements were made by the Cremation Society of Maryland. He was preceded in death by his mother Geraldine Love, his father Horace Keeler, and his sister Cynthia Carter. "Bush" is survived by his wife Judy Keeler, his four children, Toby Keeler (CA), Win Jenkins, and Robin Gillespie (CO) Jeff Keeler (NC); nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and brothers David Keeler (FL) and Mike Keeler (England). He is also survived by four stepchildren, Karen Sullivan, David Sumpter, Vincent Sumpter, and Jennifer Anderson and two step grandchildren, Michael Sumpter and Dylan Quatmann. He was born in Cleveland, OH on December 1, 1924. He flew P 51s as a First Lieutenant-40th Fighter Squadron-35th Fighter Group in the Pacific during WWII from 4 August 1944 to 14 February 1946. He graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Economics, worked in industry, and returned to American University graduating with a degree in fine arts. "Bush" was an artist, teacher, picture framer and most importantly, a wonderful character. His paintings have been collected by patrons all over the country. He was passionate about his art, sailing his beloved "Nexus," fly fishing, and teaching art at the Annapolis Senior Center. He was a sweet, helpful man, loved by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held on November 12, 2012 at 1 p.m., Camp Letts, 4009 Camp Letts Rd. Edgewater, MD 21037.
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Memories and Condolences
for BUSHNELL KEELER
Thomas Quigley
September 22, 2012
"A masterpiece withstands time. Its importance grows on those who feel attracted by its unending life. It creates enthusiasm which spreads from soul to soul..." — Hilla Rebay
This quote reminds me so much of Bush, a masterpiece in his own right. Whenever I hear his name, I have memories of him playing the piano with the same feeling that comes through his painting. Music and painting..., they are one..., they are art. Judy, my thoughts and feelings are with you.
And the masterpiece still lives on in each of our memories. Sincerely, Tom
Toby Keeler
September 7, 2012
It is with great honor and appreciation to announce the Bushnell Keeler Scholarship Grant for fine art classes at the Annapolis Senior Activity Center, Anne Arundel County Department of Aging & Disabilities at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, Maryland.
Thanks to the generosity of filmmaker and painter David Lyncb, two grants for each of four 10 week sessions, including material costs will be offered to deserving student painters who reflect the creative and artistic spirit of Bushnell Keeler.
David Lynch was profoundly changed by meeting the artist Bushnell Keeler,l and discovering "the artist's life" Here's
how David met Bush http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDdECU3IhfA
Does anyone care to match David's $2,000 grant, and help build a legacy into the future? Contact [email protected]
September 3, 2012
Bush, I remember and still hear your stories and wish I could hear more. Judy, my thoughts are with you - take heart.
Gail
Beryl Pierce
September 1, 2012
We only met Bushnell and Judy briefly when we bought their trailer in Boones. I have lived here for almost 18 years and enjoyed their home here and still do. My childrens dad also graduated from Dartmouth and I myself was an artist and loved to paint and work with pen and ink. I am pleased to see that you have had a loving and happy life. I send my sincerest condolences for your loss. Sincerely, Beryl Pierce and son, Kevin Pierce.
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August 29, 2012
Bush, you are truly missed and will always be in our thoughts. Your beautiful smile and twinkling eyes are some of the things I remember most, and your easy going carisma. We miss and love you, Bob and Mary Ann Hunt
August 29, 2012
Bushnell Keeler was my father. I called him "Pop" because he was really my stepfather, and in the beginning he asked for that name, which sixty-years later would continue when my own son (Bush's great-grandson) started calling me Pop. It's a fine name from an earlier time.
Pop taught me an important life lesson, that doing what you love to do in your work, is an essential part of living a happy and fulfilled life.
My life knowing Bushnell Keeler began at Dartmouth College, where he got a degree and Economics, and was the cartoon editor for the college paper, to corporate executive in his hometown of Cleveland, then to Alexandria, to study at the seminary there, until his love of painting changed everything. Bush had an insatiable creative energy that in the last thirty-years of his life, brought him much happiness and contentment.
He loved teaching others how tp paint. Living a continent away, I never took his class, but I know his students at Quiet Waters Park felt the same commitment to art that I discovered growing up with this great man.
In his final days his wife and parter Judy placed a cell phone to his ear. "Hey there, Pop! It's Toby." He said "I love you", Judy then told me. The last words from my father. I'll take it. I miss you, Pop.
I miss you, Pop.
Mike Love
August 23, 2012
Not only did he love fly fishing, he was exceptionally good at it (as he was with his paintings)!
Marcia Russell
August 23, 2012
For Christmas 2009, my sister gave me a very pretty unframed print. Little did she or I know, she had given me a much more precious gift. My husband, Bob, and I took the print to our local frame shop, where we were greeted by this lovely elderly gentleman with a twinkle in his eye. We've all met lots of very nice people over the years who've helped we customers with one purchase or another, but Bush was special. Not only did he transform my print into a treasure with his expert framing techniques, but in conversation, he shared with us in an understated kind of way that he was an artist.
And then he showed us some of his work!!!!! My goodness, Bush did not just dabble, he was a master! Bob told him that I had just retired from a teaching career and was thinking of painting, and asked him if by any chance he'd get me started, and that began one of the highlights of my life. Every Wednesday morning for the past few years until that was no longer possible, Bush came over to our house, and we just had the loveliest time. I wish I could say he turned me into an artist, but that's OK; every minute he was there was a real joy. He started by thumb-tacking two hand-made signs on the wall of my ironing room, which he now deemed was officially my artist studio.
“Art loves chance. He who errs willingly is the artist.” Aristotle
“Audacity” Winston Churchill
While I would paint (or try to, that is), Bush would talk to me about his graduating from Dartmouth, his adventures flying in WWII, of his sailing, fly fishing, and, of course, painting, while at the same time, guiding me to try this or that with my brush or some other nifty art tool that he had made himself. He read to me from some of his favorite books, especially The Art Spirit by Robert Henri.
“Real students go out of beaten paths, whether beaten by themselves or others, and have adventure with the unknown…Pretend you are dancing or singing a picture.”
Bush danced and sang! How lucky were we to dance and sing with him!
Meredith Krewson
August 23, 2012
The world lost a great man. Past fellow co-worker as well. Fondest of memories of Bush and all his stories.
Michelle Bandura
August 22, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of Bush's passing. I worked with him for several years. He was such a wonderful man. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He truly will be missed.
August 22, 2012
I am sorry to learn of Bush's passing. He was a fellow sailor and dear friend of my former husband and I back in the late 60's and throughout the 70's. Unfortunately, we lost contact. My sincere condolences to his family. Cheryl Ellis Jacobini
Pamela Anderson
August 22, 2012
The Staff at Owensville Medical Center send their Prayers to the Keeler Family. Mr. Keeler has been a patient her for quite sometime and it was a honor to take care of him He was a warm,loving person and had a smile and was strong willed. He will be missed by all
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