On May 27, 2020, Ken Bush became an angel in heaven to all of those for whom he was an angel to on earth.

His heart and spirit touched so many people and was genuine in his feelings.

He never passed up a chance to help someone in need, even if he didn’t know them.

The fourth son of Richard and Norma Bush, Ken looked up to his brothers – “younger brother” Rick, Steve, and Dave – as his role models. He wanted to be just like his big brothers. Known as one of the Cicero “Bush boys”, Ken made an impression on everyone he met. He spent his childhood helping his parents and learning the ropes at Bush Hardware, the family business. He learned about tools, construction, and so many other things by watching his Dad and brothers. What he didn’t learn from them, he would seek out how to do them. Ken had the ability to tackle the most complex projects with enthusiasm.

When he graduated from Cicero-North Syracuse High School in 1985, Ken sought out the education and training necessary to become an electrician. He used that knowledge to work in the electrical and controls fields throughout most of his career. He last worked at Aspen Dental as the Facilities Manager, responsible for the overall maintenance of not only the two local headquarters buildings, but also the various Aspen Dental stores in the area. At work, he was known for his willingness to do anything asked, his sense of humor, half-empty cups of coffee left around the buildings, and you knew he was coming when you heard his whistling. Never one to sit down for long, he always kept busy and made sure that everything was working for the employees before work by going into work before dawn.

Ken met Theresa (Clark) Bush while working at Plainville Turkey Farms Restaurant and, in 1988, they married and raised their two beloved children, Kayleigh and Christopher. Ken’s “Peanut” and “Buddy” meant everything to him, and were the light of Ken’s life. Their adventures while living in New York and Florida created some many forever memories. In later years, even though there was physical distance between in them, they were always in Ken’s heart, on his mind, and there was not a day that went by that Ken didn’t talk about his them.

Ken returned to New York in 2010 and married Susan (Grefer) Bush in 2011. With their marriage, Ken welcomed another son into his heart, Nick (Grefer) and they worked together at Aspen Dental. Ken and Sue moved to Constantia to their “forever home” – he loved that house. He built a fireplace in the living room by himself and built an apartment in the basement, among other improvements.
Ken loved the wildlife he saw out the back windows – the deer, turkeys, rabbits, bunnies, chipmunks, and birds.

In 2017, Ken’s life took an unexpected turn. Medical issues arose out of the blue that eventually lead to Ken’s paralysis, heart issues, and the eventual end of his journey on earth. His survival for the past 2-1/2 years was miraculous – less than 1% of people survive what Ken did. During this journey, the support Ken received from family and friends was unbelievable. He gained so much strength from their support. We maintained a blog during Ken’s medical journey that can be found at www.kenbushmedicaljourney.blogspot.com.

Ken and Sue loved to travel, taking many day trips and cruises during their time together. Ken didn’t let the paralysis stop him from travelling. The first trip after the paralysis was a bucket list item – an Alaskan cruise! Ken was able to sail on four more cruises, including one with his brothers and sisters-in-law – a great, lasting memory. On every cruise, Ken honored his father’s memory by taking a picture of himself in every country wearing his father’s hat. Sue will continue this tradition as she also brings a memory of Ken on her travels.

In addition to his mother, children, and brothers, many other family members will miss his sarcastic sense of humor and his ability to make people laugh. These include Terri and Kim, who were more than sisters-in-law to him; they watched him grow up and helped to mold him grow into the man he became. Ken loved each of his nephews Justin (Jennie), Corey (Emily), Lane (Carrie), and Devin (Ally), along with his great-nephews Bryson and Brody, and great-nieces Melody and Everly. Ken is also remembered by his Grefer in-laws including Sue’s seven siblings and their children and grandchildren. Ken’s dogs, Henry and Jack, will miss his cushy lap to sleep on and his awesome ear and belly rubs. He loved to see pictures and videos of his grandpups, Kal and Xodus and couldn’t wait to meet them. His cousins, aunts and uncles, as well the many people he encountered in his life, will always remember Ken’s angel heart and his devilish antics.

In keeping with Ken’s desire to help others, he was a full-body organ donor. He wanted to ensure those in need had a second chance at life, like he did. Many people who are blind may now see; burn victims may have fresh skin; cardiac patients may receive new valves, arteries, and blood vessels; potential amputees may have a chance to keep their limbs and joints; other countless recipients will also benefit from Ken’s gift in various ways so they too can become the 1%.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Ken’s name – or as Ken would jokingly say, “make the check out to Kenneth Bush – Bush spelled like the President, not the beer.”? Fly high my love. 831

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