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Bush Helzberg Obituary
January 15, 1971 - May 23, 2023
Aspen, Colorado - Bush Charles Helzberg, of Aspen, Colorado, formerly of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2023.
Bush was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Shirley Bush Helzberg and Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr. He graduated from Pembroke Hill School, and the University of Michigan. He then served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, West Africa for two years. Following the Peace Corps, Bush earned graduate degrees from Columbia Business School and Stanford Law School.
Bush was an investment banker at Lehman Brothers, co-founded Helzberg Angrist Partners, and founded Expedition Capital and Best & Co., Jewelers in Aspen, Colorado. He served on the boards of a number of nonprofit organizations including Past Chairman of YPO Aspen, University Academy Public Charter School, Aspen Country Day School, World Learning, and St. Luke's Hospital of Kansas City. He also served as a member of the Advisory Council of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), The Committee on Collections for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and the Board of Visitors of Stanford Law School.
His book, Charter Schools Work: How America's Failing Urban School Districts Can be Transformed, describes the ideals, operational strategies and results at University Academy, serving as a guide for others who wish to participate in the charter school movement.
He is survived by his mother and father, Shirley Bush Helzberg and Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr., brother Barnett C. Helzberg III (Jennifer) Wellesley, Massachusetts, former wife Jamie Helzberg, sons Oliver, Benton, Leo and Arthur and daughter, Amelia of Aspen, Colorado, and nephews Elias and Sawyer Helzberg, Wellesley, Massachusetts.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to further scholarships for travel abroad at University Academy to the University Academy Foundation, 8080 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, Missouri 64114 or the charity of your choice.
A service will be held Tuesday, June 6th, at 2:00 p.m. at The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah, 12320 Nall Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 66209. A private burial service will follow for family members only. For the funeral livestream information, please contact The Temple, Congregation B'nai Jehudah.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.louismemorialchapel.com. (Arrangements entrusted to the Louis Memorial Chapel 816-361-5211)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bush Helzberg
Sponsored by Kansas City Star.
Bob Schweich
December 18, 2024
Bush was a wonderful person who gave back a great deal to underprivileged youth. I knew him all his life and still miss him. He was a great son for Shirley and Barnett and I am sorry they no longer can be with him.
Serl Zimmerman
December 18, 2024
Bush was my law school classmate; we worked on a project together. Believing he had not contributed enough time to the effort, he had a magnificent deli spread sent to my house to make up for it. We ate, laughed, and finished the work. He was an amazing colleague....
mary alice orito
May 26, 2024
A full and admirable life cut short-condolences to the family.
Bob SCHWEICH
May 25, 2024
Bush was an extraordinary individual who facilitated international travel for underprivileged individuals from Kansas City and Aspen that broadened their life horizon. He was loved by his family and friends and is missed by all.
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Dave McDonald
August 13, 2023
I´m so so sorry Barnett and Shirley.
My heart aches for you and your family. Praying for peace and comfort.
Christine castle
June 23, 2023
To the helzberg´s family, I am so sorry to hear about bush passed away. My father and I say hello to you all. We will keep you in our prayers at this time of sorrow. Nathan and Christine castle
Joyce Gillespie, T.S. Withers
June 18, 2023
Dear Shirley and Barnett,
Sincere condolences for the loss of your oldest son.
My son enjoyed Pembroke Hill friendship with both teenagers. ...Peace be with you.
Joni Cobb
June 14, 2023
Shirley and Barnett,
This is an unspeakable loss and I am certain I don't have the words right now. I do remember Bush being a very charismatic business man and a credit to his parents for certain. I am deeply concerned for you both and know that you have many around you to hold you up right now. God bless you all.
jean b baum
June 10, 2023
so sorry to learn of your loss...my deepest sympathy to you....fondest memories always...jean baum
Nicole Jacobs Silvey
June 10, 2023
Barnett and Shirley, I was heartbroken to learn of Bush´s passing. He was a person I greatly admired and deeply respected. I will always remember his compassion, vision and immense determination. Working with him on the UA board was a great honor I will always treasure. I am so sorry for your loss-may his memory be a blessing. Much love to you and your family.
Sandr Macaluso
June 6, 2023
Barnett and Shirley, no words are sufficiant , excpet I pray that God grants you the peace above all understanding. We should not lose our children before us. I remember Barnett give me a bood when I lost my son." When bad things happen to good people". I spent close to 40 years at HDS. none were ever as good as when Barnett was there. My love to your family, peace be with you . Sandra Macaluso
Virginia Fortner
June 4, 2023
I remember sitting by Bush and other first graders watching Upper School boys wrestle at Pembroke's gym, his effort in reading and spelling games, and his ever-ready grin. It was a proud day for him when Barnett Sr. gave us all diamond chips during an Economics field trip to Helzberg's on the Plaza. Virginia Fortner
Dana Long
June 3, 2023
Mr.& Mrs.Helzberg
I am so deeply sadden for the sudden loss of your Son. No parent wants to go thru this. Prayers are being said and hugs will be given for your Family and Bush´s children. I will always keep you in my prayers.
I remember Bush being so kind when he worked one summer at Corporate. Ask permission if he could go into vault. Never forget how humble and kind he was.
Dana Long
Pat Beach Jeffery
June 2, 2023
So sorry for the loss of your son. Our children are not supposed to pass before we do. My prayers are with the family. Pat Beach Jeffery
Class of 59.
Ron Zaghloul
June 2, 2023
So sorry for your loss!
Helen Bushman
June 2, 2023
My heart goes out to Shirley & Barnett & the rest of the family.I never met him but from what I read his passing is a loss to the entire world.
Mary Alice Orito
June 2, 2023
Such an unexpected loss for you and your family. My heart is with you.
John Wind
June 1, 2023
Our sincere condolences go to the family. From all of us at Piper-Wind Architects.
Serl Zimmerman
May 31, 2023
Bush and I were law school classmates. I still remember the delicious Kansas City deli he had delivered to my house when we were working on a project together...He had such a generous spirit...
Vicki Bush
May 31, 2023
I am deeply saddened to learn of your loss. My heart goes out to you.
Bob Schweich
May 31, 2023
Our deepest sympathy to Barnett and Shirley, Bar, Jamie and the five children. Monique and Bob
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
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Louis Memorial Chapel - Kansas City6830 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64131
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