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BORN
1972
DIED
2023
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Mark Bush Obituary
December 13, 1972 - November 17, 2023
Merced, California - Mark Anthony "Blackheart" Bush, age 50.
Mark was born December 13, 1972 in Tacoma, Washington and passed away November 17, 2023 in Merced, California.
Mark was adamant to live a full life on his terms. Mark wrote his own rules, challenged social norms, and paved his own way.
He is widely known as a passionate conversationalist, music visionary and innovative thinker. He was also a father who loved BBQing for his family, snuggling with his dog Domingo, and taking long drives into the country. He was a rare combination of complexity and simplicity.
Mark was acutely aware of the brevity of life. His choice to spend time doing what he loved with those he loved over any material possession was only trumped by his territorial attachment to his computer.
His regrets were few but above all wanted people to know he loved them and could depend on him. The last few years of his life were spent with his partner, Emily Casselman, who supported his artistic dreams and lovingly supported him along with his family during their last days together.
Mark grew up in a Military family and was able to live all over the world. He moved to Merced in 1981, and was currently a Musician and the Technical Director of the Playhouse Theater in Merced. During his life, he was in many bands, including Infestation, Flea Bitten Hippies, Day One, Zero Again, Early Empires and The Echoing.
Mark is survived by his Sons; Jayston Bush and Jett Macias; his Mother Sue Shepherd, Father Mark Bush Sr.; his partner and best friend Emily Casselman. He also leaves behind his sisters Robin Arguelles, Traci Strauss, and Amy Stone.
A Memorial ceremony for Mark will be Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street, Merced, CA 95341, followed by a reception at the Funeral Home.
Contributions in Mark's memory can be made to Playhouse Merced, 452 West Main Street Merced, California 95340.
Mark, we love you, miss you terribly and will find you in the stars.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Bush
April Gall
December 1, 2023
"All roads lead to Derby....."
Mark, you were such an influence in my teen years. The lessons, the blessings, the music we shared and the adventures we all had together shaped my entire life.
Stoney cruises in the orchards... Spontaneous art and perfecting our Red Tail Hawk summing skills at La Paloma road....Pink Floyd lazer light shows in awe.... Many, many late nights in altered states of consciousness cultivating our minds and hearts... Hoping in the Nova and checking out SF.... Soul surfing curvy downhill and graffitied mountain roads on longboards... The sacred sound of skating parking garages...The way you ripped that bass! Getting lost over and over on the way to Santa Cruz in the middle of the night chanting "All roads lead to Derby"- the mantra that still guides.
Many blessings to your children, your family and loved ones in this time. The soul of a man endures forever, his love reaches across all space and time.
In Gratitude,
April Gall and family
Sharon Yates Mudget
November 29, 2023
Sue I am so sorry to hear your son Mark passed away. It so hard to loose a son my prayers are with you and family
Jay & Joann
November 25, 2023
Mark we only knew you as our handyman but we liked listening to your story about playing in a band in Los Angeles a few years ago. You were truly a special & talented person. Every time I see the light on our address sign I think fondly of you & know you are a bright light in Heaven. We appreciated you & all the things you fixed for us. Our condolences to your family & friends.
Jay & Joann
Alison & Steev Esquivel
November 25, 2023
Mark we only knew u for a few years, but what we do know is that u are a passionate, loving person, that we will miss terribly! Thank you for being you!
Candida Conley
November 24, 2023
"The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it - basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them." -Bukowski
Barbara a Hall
November 24, 2023
Mark was such a special man. I will miss our conversations and his wisdom. May he rest in peace. Sending love and prayers to his family and friends. Mark had friends everywhere. He will be missed.
Tim Emerich
November 24, 2023
This has been so difficult to process. My deepest condolences to Mark's family, Emily and close friends.
Stratford Evans Funeral Chapel
November 24, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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