Herman Charles Bush

June 12, 1936 – August 25, 2023

Herman Bush passed away at the age of 87 on Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Summerland Seniors Village Care Facility while on evacuation from the Kelowna/West Kelowna fires.

Herman was born June 12, 1936 in Winnipeg, MB and was raised between Winnipeg and Beausejour, MB. He was the eldest of 6 children to Herman Sr. and Marjorie Bush (nee Tinling). After High School, he left Beausejour for the military at age 18, and while posted in St. Sylvestre, PQ, Herman met and married his first wife Theresa (Terry) Jeanette Delaney in 1958. He left the military temporarily after their family began to grow to work for the Bell telephone company in northern Ontario. He rejoined the Air Force in late 1966 and began a career as an air weapons controller monitoring the DEW line. Herman retired honorably as a Major after 25 years of service. During his time in the Air Force, he obtained a degree in Business Administration, all while moving every two years and raising his young family.

After retirement from the military in 1981, Herman relocated with his family to Kelowna, BC where he pursued a career as a Financial Advisor/Stock Broker for Dominion Securities. However, Herman’s dream was always to own property, and he was ready for a new challenge. In 1984 he purchased a10-acre apple orchard, and over the next few years removed the old apples trees. He was among the first orchardists in the area to bring in the dwarf variety of apple trees, and in 1987 he and Terry were awarded the 1987 ‘Best Small Orchard’ award from the BC Fruit Growers Association. Herman was passionate about orcharding and enjoyed spending his days overviewing his labour of love and teaching the intricacies of orcharding to his grandchildren. It was really just an excuse to drive his tractor or golf cart around the property!

In September of 2001, both Herman and Terry fully retired from the orchard life and decided the nomad life would be their adventure. They explored Canada, and parts of the world such as the Arizona desert and southern US, Australia, Ireland, and even Lise and Karl’s backyard in their motorhome for a period of time. He enjoyed spending time with his family and telling stories about what happened in life to lead him to where he was. He loved long conversations and a good chuckle.

In May 2013, Herman married Helen MacLean. He met Helen while playing bridge, where a spark was lit that would open up to him new pursuits like golf, crossword puzzles, and watching classic movies. They loved to travel, and often visited Florida and the southern states, and even a river cruise to St. Petersburg, Russia.

His passing has left a huge void in his family’s heart. Herman is survived by his loving wife Helen MacLean (Kelowna), his four children Michelle Colcerin (Kelowna), Lise Dierdorf (Kelowna), Jocelyn (Dave) Tonge (Kelowna), and Dan (Carol) Bush (Selkirk, MB). He is lovingly remembered by his brothers Ray (Judee) (Duncan, BC), Norman (Jacquie) (Winnipeg, MB) Bob (Marilyn) (Winnipeg) and sister Laura (St. Andrew, MB). He leaves behind grandchildren Jeff (Christy) Tonge, Garry (Christine) Tonge, Rebecca (Evan) Koppa, Patrick and Robert Dierdorf, Kalli Colcerin, Delaney and Declan Bush. He also leaves behind his great grandchildren Lynken, Ava and Edwin Tonge. Herman was predeceased by his wife Terry in 2011 and his younger sister Judy in 2010.

His family can’t say enough about the wonderful team of RN’s, LPN’s and Care Aids on Cherry Court at Brandt’s Creek Mews in Kelowna for helping us navigate some of Herman’s end of life issues, especially while he was on evacuation in Summerland when he passed. We are so grateful for the exceptional compassion, kindness, friendship and respect shown to all of us, and most especially to Herman. You all helped to make an unbearable situation tolerable for us.

A private celebration of life will be held Friday, September 1st from 1 - 5 p.m. at 890 Dougall Rd. S., Kelowna. Viewing will be at the Valleyview Funeral Home, 165 Valleyview Road, Kelowna, the same day from 12 – 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Herman’s name to Brandt’s Creek Mews Comfort Fund, Cherry Court, 2081 Cross Rd, Kelowna, BC. V1V 2G2

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com for the Bush family.