Clear, 68° F
(Oct. 31, 1934 - March 24, 2016)
Thomas Robert Bushey, of Powell, passed away on March 24, 2016. He was 81.
He was born in Billings, Montana, to Bob and Garnett (Wright) Bushey on October 31, 1934. Tom attended Powell High School in the class of 1953.
On August 16, 1952, he married the love of his life, Elaine Englert. Three children, Steven, Richard, and Julie, were born to their union.
In 1956 the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where they lived for four and a half years, and where Tom owned and operated a service station. In 1960, the family moved to what was then the “small town” of Las Vegas, Nevada, where they settled for 50 years.
Tom kept expanding his business enterprises to include owning and operating several service stations, two bars, and a liquor store. In the 1970s he returned to Powell, (as most of us do), and bought the old Clay Miller farm behind the drive-in theater where he and Elaine had gone on their first date. In 1997, Tom and Elaine built a home on their land, and started spending summers in Powell and winters in Las Vegas — of course!
In 2011, Tom was diagnosed with dementia, and the long trips to Las Vegas were over.
Powell became the couple’s permanent home. As his health failed, Elaine took on a new job as his caretaker and constant companion. In March 2016, his illness had progressed to the point that he became hospitalized, and on the 24th of the month he was moved to Spirit Mountain Hospice at 10:30 a.m. where he passed away peacefully just three and a half hours after his admission.
The family would like to extend love and gratitude to Marilyn Wintermote for everything that she did to help during Tom’s final illness.
Tom was a lifetime member of the Elks, and during his life he was very active in fishing, hunting, camping, boating, and traveling. He enjoyed playing cards, and loved entertaining his friends.
Tom leaves behind many friends and relatives who were very dear to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Richard Bushey, and his daughter Julie Bushey.
His survived by Elaine Bushey of Powell, his wife of 63 years. He is also survived by his son, Steven (Cindy) Bushey, step-granddaughter, Megan Vitale; and step-great-grandson, Parker West; grandsons, Tyler (Candace) Bushey and Bryan Bushey; and great-granddaughter, Kaylee Faith Bushey, all of Las Vegas; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place, and no services are planned. Interment of his ashes will be at Palm Mortuary in Las Vegas, Nevada. Memorial donations may be made to Northwest College in Powell, or Spirit Mountain Hospice in Cody.
