Gordon Bushman

Gordon Bushman was a man at home in the great outdoors. He spent his life devoted to his family, his Lord, and the peace he felt when he was out experiencing nature. With the world as his playground, Gordon Bushman leaves us a legacy of his faith and his dedication to family.

The 1930s were a difficult time for Americans, as the Great Depression left many families struggling to make ends meet. Despite these difficult times, Gillis and Kathryn Karel Bushman found a reason to celebrate, with the birth of their precious son, Gordon. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on March 12, 1936, Gordon was an only child and was lucky enough to get every bit of his parents' attention.

Gordon attended Oakdale Christian School before going on to Grand Rapids Christian High School. He made the difficult decision to leave school after the tenth grade. Being somewhat of a rebel even at an early age, Gordon liked to skip school and often did. He could frequently be found revving the engine of his motorcycle near classroom windows before speeding off, just to let his fellow students know what he was up to.

In the summer, Gordon spend a lot of time at Franklin Park playing softball and other park sports. He was very athletically talented, spending whole afternoons perfecting his game. Gordon would do any outdoor activity, really. He also spent much of his time on the farm in Coopersville, Michigan. His favorite outdoor activity, however, was most certainly hunting and fishing. Gordon was at peace when out on the lake with his lures and fishing rods, and happiness to Gordon was a day in the woods hunting game. He went for deer, turkey, and other small game as well as a variety of fish. Summer vacations were usually spent camping in Michigan's upper peninsula, where Gordon had plenty of opportunities to enjoy his favorite hobbies.

In the spring of 1953, Gordon met a young lady named Dorothy Haisma in Coopersville Michigan. Three months later they bumped into each other again in Richmond Park in Grand Rapids, which made it seem like fate had brought them together. The couple began to date and did so for a year before marrying on April 30, 1954 in Angola, Indiana. The couple left the Grand Rapids area to get married. From there they went to Fort Knox, Kentucky for a relaxing honeymoon.

The couple were soon a growing family, celebrate the births of each of their children. Gordon was working in a factory at the time they married, but soon began to be self employed as a carpet installer and did so for nearly 45 years. Gordon was exceptionally talented at carpentry work, and even built his own house for his family. He always was willing to help his children when they had home projects.

It was important to Gordon to share his faith with his family, and they were members of Richmond Reformed for many years. When they moved to Grant, they became members of Grant Reformed Church. Gordon also served as a deacon at Richmond Reformed Church. Time for faith and for family were the two most important things to Gordon. Many good family meals were cooked on the grill while camping at Cadillac State Park and in the upper peninsula of Michigan, where the whole family got to relax together. Gordon collected hats of all kinds and also had a collection of the wild game he caught. Gordon would have his catch stuffed and displayed in the house.

Later in life, Gordon was blessed with many beautiful grand children and great grand children. As a grand parent he was easy going, supportive of what ever decision the kids made, and was fair and always there when anyone needed him. He had always been active in the lives of his children and his grand children.

Sadly, Gordon passed away on October 15, 2010, in Grant, Michigan at the age of 74. He will be remembered as a dedicated husband, father, and grand father who spent his life in the service of others. He will be so deeply missed.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Dorothy Bushman, his children: Roger and Mary Bushman, Pam and Joe Frank, Todd and Rhonda Bushman, Amy and Mark Ten Hoopen grandchildren: Brian, Brandon, Kara, David, Brad, Sara, Justin, Sadie, one great- grandson: Braylen, sister: Joan and Darrell Williamson, sisters-in-law and brothers in law: Peg Bosman, Don Haisma, Beryle Haisma, Jerry and Judy Haisma, Carol Haisma, Bob and Barb Modzeleski, Larry and Pat Haisma, Shirley Jonker, David Haisma, Karl and Gina Haisma, Bev and Jerry Loyd, and several nieces and nephews. Friends and relatives may visit with his family on Monday October 18th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Grant Reformed Church, 271 East State Road, Grant MI, and from 6:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:30PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St NW Grand Rapids, MI. Memorial contributions to Grant Reformed Church General Fund or Trillium Hospice would be appreciated. To read more about Gordon’s life, share a memory or sign the online guest book please visit www.lifestorynet.com