Rush L. Harrison

Rush Levant Harrison, age 81, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 7, 1945, in Kalamazoo, the son of Ralph and Marian (Middleton) Harrison.

Rush attended Mattawan High School, where he was an accomplished athlete, participating in baseball, basketball, and football. He proudly wore number 44 primarily as a tight end but was also successful in other field positions. When Rush was a junior, his basketball team won districts. It was also during his elementary school years that he met his future high school sweetheart, Janice Kimble, a cheerleader who loved to watch him compete. Rush and Janice graduated together in 1963 and were married on August 8, 1964. They shared more than 62 years of marriage, building a life and family filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Following high school, Rush began working in the family business, Harrison Packing Company. What began as a small house and a barn on R Avenue eventually expanded to locations on Church Street and Ransom Street. The family maintained their R Avenue property for recreation, while a state-of-the-art packing facility was built on Stadium Park Way in 2006. Rush and his son, Rush Jr., played an integral role in designing the new facility.

Rush took great pride in Harrison Packing Company and especially enjoyed working alongside his family. He was able to work with his parents, brothers Denny and Brad, nephew Darwin Harrison, his wife Janice, children, and grandchildren throughout the years. He was a hands-on businessman who was involved in every aspect of the company. He was also proud to help his mother commute to work and cherished the opportunity to share his career with the people he loved most.

Outside of work, Rush enjoyed the things that brought his family together. He was a devoted University of Michigan football fan and followed Detroit sports, but U of M football held a special place in his heart. He loved watching the games with his family and sharing in the excitement of each season.

Boating in South Haven and salmon fishing created some of his favorite memories. His family will forever cherish the many fishing trips aboard the Turn Me Loose, along with the good-natured debates over who caught the biggest fish. Captain Rush had a knack for finding the big fish and even on the slower days made sure the family had a great time anyways. He also enjoyed hunting on the family property.

Rush loved country music, especially Gary Allan and Brooks & Dunn. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to have fun, and for Rush, a good time could often be counted on to include pickles and a cold Miller High Life. He had a way of making ordinary moments memorable and brought genuine warmth and enjoyment to the people around him.

Rush will be deeply missed by his wife, Janice; his children, Rush Jr. (Kelley) Harrison, Chad (Qiana) Harrison, and Lisa (Trent) Hellenga; his grandchildren, Claire, Paige (Kalli), Rush III, Drew, Eric, Taylor (Nick), and Chad Connor; his brother, Brad Harrison; as well as several nieces and nephews and many beloved friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marian Harrison, and his brother, Denny Harrison and his wife Sally.

Friends may gather with Rush's family on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Greg Van Heukelom officiating. Rush will be laid to rest at Hope Cemetery during a private family ceremony. Friends are invited to wear their favorite University of Michigan or Detroit sports memorabilia.

Following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a celebration of Rush's life at Louie's Corner Bar, 7177 W Q Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rush's honor to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or Senior Care Partners P.A.C.E., 445 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Please visit Rush's memorial webpage at www.Langelands.com to share condolences and memories with his family.