Earl Busch

Earl, the seventh child of Oliver and Rose Busch was born on 13 June, 1956 in Fort Frances Ontario. He lived his whole life in Northwestern Ontario and he very happily retired back to Fort Frances in 2014 after living in Thunder Bay for 39 years.

Earl received his helicopter license in 1978 in Kenora. He was fortunate enough to be able to fly all over Canada, logging 16,000 hours in various types of helicopters. He saw much more of Canada than most people ever will and was very knowledgeable about the geography, history and resources of our great country. He made lots of lasting friends throughout his work years and it was quite a treat to hear the stories everyone had to tell of their adventures and experiences with Earl. He was also employed as a baker, pizza maker, mechanic and fishing guide on Great Slave Lake during his teen years.

Earl was married to Terri (Smith) in 1985 and would have celebrated his 32nd wedding anniversary this fall. They travelled extensively the first three years of their retirement and were lucky enough to circumnavigate North America in a motorhome. They enjoyed beautiful scenic vistas and had many adventures along the way. Earl often said the best advice he got was from a neighbour in Thunder Bay who told him to travel now while he had his health and was able. Nobody knew how important that message would become.

Earl had many varied interests from reading, music and fishing to renovating the various houses and cabins that Earl and Terri owned through the years. He was an accomplished jack of all trades and knew a little about everything whether it was renovating or trying to figure out a solution to a problem. He was an intelligent man who had an aptitude for mechanics and was a wicked good pizza and bread maker. He was a lot of fun to be around and he was patient, kind, gentle and giving to anyone he encountered. He lived a very full life in the short time he was here. He had a great smile that lit up his whole face and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.

Earl leaves behind his siblings: Gerald Busch (Yvonne), Pam Makarchuk, Judy Bodnarchuk (Stan), Mervin Busch (Barbara), David Busch (Gloria), Jeff Busch (Bernice) and their families. He also leaves behind his sisters-in- law Tammy Smith and Tracey Allen (Michael) and brother-in-law Todd Smith (Crystal) and their families. He will also be missed by special friends Frank Redford (Sherri), Ken Sisco (Brenda), Todd and Amy Marchuk and Neil, Deb and Andy Thorpe. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews , great nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents Oliver and Rose Busch, by brother-in-law Pete Makarchuk and by many uncles and aunts.

As per Earl’s wishes no funeral will take place. A private gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date at Earl and Terri’s cabin on Red Gut Bay.

If so desired in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ontario Humane Society, care of Green’s funeral home.

Terri would like to thank anyone who was a friend to Earl or showed him a kindness during his life, especially the last few weeks while he was ill. Your friendship and kindness meant more to us than any words can say.

“Life is a journey that’s measured not in miles or years but in experiences, and the route your life takes is built not of roads but of songs”. Jimmy Buffett

This is not goodbye Earl, only see you later.