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Ronald Bushouse

January 6, 2025
Portage, MI

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Ronald James Bushouse (1937 - 2025) left this world peacefully at home on January 6, 2025. His wife of 65 years, Nancy, was his devoted caregiver during his long health decline. Nancy and their three children and their families will miss his wit, his king-of-the-grill skills, and all those summer nights around the firepit at their cabin.

Ron was born in Comstock, Michigan, the son of Albert and Jennie Bushouse. He graduated from Kalamazoo Christian High School in 1955 and Calvin College in 1959. Ron's career was in insurance and sales but his passion was politics. His public service spanned the Portage City Council, Portage Planning Commission, and the Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners. He was most proud of his work to establish the Portage Public Parks system and as Chair of the Commission when the Kalamazoo County building was dedicated in 1978.

His family cherishes the many, many camping trips at the Michigan State Parks and around the Great Lakes. Somehow Nancy and Ron fit three kids, a dog, a tent and all the camping gear in a station wagon. We stuck it out, rain or shine. He taught us to canoe, fish and to swim in red flag waves. No matter the water temperature, he was always the first one in the water. Both Ron and Nancy loved gardening and grew bountiful organic vegetables long before it was mainstream. Ron's biggest achievement, however, was maintaining his sobriety for 42 years. With the gift of sobriety, he was able to thoroughly enjoy his seven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Ron is survived by Nancy and his three children, Ronald Jr. (Pamela) Bushouse, Susan (Chris) Foran, and Brenda Bushouse (Charlie Schweik) and his grandchildren Michelle (Jay) Jameson, William (Molly) Bushouse, Dorothea (Scott) Drummond, Alex Foran (Rachael Charles), Samantha Foran (Benjamin Gagne-Maynard), Maxwell Schweik, and Sophia Schweik.

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the summer. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to The Special Olympics Michigan, P.O. Box 795, Mount Pleasant, MI 48804-0795.