Ralph Herbert BusheySwanton, Vermont - Ralph Herbert Bushey, age 90 years, a lifelong resident of Swanton, went home to be with the Lord early Tuesday morning June 28, 2011, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and with his loving family by his side at the Franklin County Rehab Center in St. Albans Town.
He was born in Swanton on Feb. 13, 1921, the son of Royal and Cora (Raymond) Bushey. On May 26, 1942 he married the former Doris Mary Young, who survives him.
Ralph and his wife Doris ran a vegetable stand for 40+ years and he was known for his sweet corn and fresh vegetables. He had a special way with plants and gardening. He could and has revived many a dead plant for his children and grandchildren. Ralph enjoyed hunting with his son Royal, brother Clifton, nephew Clifton Jr and friend Bobby Lucier. He walked daily in the woods with a little cup filled with bird seed attached to his hat to feed the birds. When the snow came he strapped on his snowshoes so the birds were well fed in all seasons. He took great joy in showing his grandchildren how the birds would eat out of his hand.
In his early years Ralph worked with his brother Clifton on the Lakeshore Turkey Farm. He retired after 16 years as a foreman for Carpenter Supply Co. He was a member of the Grange, The Holy Name Society, and was a charter and lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Edmund of Canterbury Council 7669. He was a very special man and we will miss him forever.
Besides his wife of 69 years, he leaves four children, Delores Trahan and her husband Ollie of Swanton, Lois Archambault and her husband Mark of Jericho, Royal and his wife Peggy of Fairfax and Debra Savery and her husband Bruce of Chester; 11 grandchildren and 11 great grand children; one brother, Donald of Bakersfield; two sisters, Evelyn Thibault of Swanton and Hazel Trahan of Canaan, CT and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Delia Brouillette and Dorothy Lebeau and brothers, Robert, Jerome and Clifton.
The family of Ralph Bushey would like to express their ‘sincerest and most heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Franklin County Rehab Center for all of the love, care, support and concern shown to Ralph and his family during these long and difficult last days.
The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 1, 2011, at 11 a.m. from The Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 65 Canda St. Swanton. Fr. Thomas D. Nadeau will be the celebrant and homilist. The Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at the Bushey family lot in St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at The Kidder Memorial Home, 89 Grand Ave., Swanton on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. Gifts in Ralph’s memory may be made to, Our Lady of the Meadows Home, 1 Pinnacle Meadows, Richford 05476
To offer private online condolences please visit:
www.kiddermemorialhome.com
