Daniel Fielding Bush

Daniel Fielding Bush, beloved husband, father, grandfather, scientist, and lifelong fisherman, passed away on January 8, 2026, while spending the Christmas holidays in Belmont, Massachusetts, surrounded by family. At the time of his passing, he resided in Carlsbad, California. He was 82 years old.

Dan was born on November 24, 1943, in Spokane, Washington, to Elaine Ordie Bush and Miles Fielding Bush. He grew up in Spokane alongside his sister, Joany Bush, and often spoke fondly of the many fishing and camping trips he shared with his family. Among his most cherished childhood memories were annual fall trips with his father to Lake Pend Oreille in Idaho to fish for lake silvers—traditions that helped shape his lifelong love of the water and the outdoors.

Dan pursued higher education with great dedication, earning both a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Ph.D. in Physiological Psychology from the University of Washington. He later completed the Executive Development Program at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the Transnational Executive Leadership Program at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

In his professional life, Dan built a distinguished career as a clinical neuroscientist in the pharmaceutical industry, specializing in Central Nervous System drug therapy development. He authored more than a dozen papers in academic and industry journals and presented his work at conferences across North America, South America, and Europe. Over the course of his career, he worked with Astra Pharmaceutical Products, Merck Research Laboratories, and Quintiles. Dan directed the clinical development of several antidepressants, an antipsychotic, and an anti-Parkinson agent, and contributed to research in Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, panic disorder, and other neurological conditions—work that impacted countless lives.

Outside of his career, Dan found his greatest joy in adventures with family and friends. As a young adult, he enjoyed water-skiing, snow-skiing, golf, and fishing. Fishing, in particular, remained a lifelong passion. An avid deep-sea fisherman and captain, he celebrated the catch of a lifetime when he landed a 640-pound marlin off the coast of Costa Rica. He and his beloved wife, June Myra Bush, whom he married on February 14, 1975, shared a love of travel and explored destinations around the world together. They raised their family together in Rochdale, MA and Furlong, PA, before moving to Carlsbad for the last 3 decades of life.

During these years, Dan was deeply involved with the Southwestern Yacht Club in San Diego, California. He generously served the club in many volunteer roles, including Commodore, and found great joy in the camaraderie and community it provided.

Above all else, Dan considered his greatest and most rewarding role to be that of a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a constant, loving presence in the lives of his family—known affectionately as “Granddaddy” and “Gogo”—and treasured time spent together on many holidays and vacations.

Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife, June Myra Bush, who passed away on August 26, 2024. He is survived by his three children and their spouses: Heidi Maxine Milligan and Mark Milligan; Paul John Bush and Jane Bush; and Michelle Elaine Bush Jacoby and Brandon Jacoby. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Lowell Daniel Haska, Sophia Kathleen Haska, Audrey Claire Bush, June Evelyn Jacoby, Casimir Miles Jacoby, and Violet Lucia Jacoby.

Dan will be laid to rest beside his beloved June at Eternal Hills Memorial Park in Oceanside, California, on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 9:30am. A celebration of his life will follow at the Southwestern Yacht Club from 2-4pm, a place that held special meaning for him. Dan will be remembered for his intellect, generosity, and devotion to his family. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched—as a scientist, a leader, and most importantly, as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.