Phillip Lyal Bush

After patiently waiting and creating memories with us here on earth, Phillip Lyal Bush 92 years old of Fort Collins, Colorado went on now to rest in a heavenly paradise. Phil was born July 5, 1922 in Fort Collins, Colorado to Rock and Maude Bush. Growing up on a farm with four brothers and two sisters there was always work to be done. The farm grew onions and sugar beets and it kept the family sustained.

When the Great Depression hit Phil and his brother, Arthur made the decision to join the CCC camp. They contributed greatly to projects including Tunnel Park. After feeling that he wanted to move forward with his journey he enlisted in the United States Navy. Soon after enlisting, he was called to war in the World War II. One of the ships that Phil was aboard was struck by an enemy plane and was unable to continue in battle. After the war Phil returned home with a loss but with the honor of receiving a Purple Heart and several other medals for his sacrifices and service.

Upon returning home to Fort Collins he met and fell in love with Marie Daggett. Soon the two joined one another in the journey of life by vowing their love with a marriage. This marriage included Phil working hard and always contributing to the town and foremost his family. The family that now included two children.

He was a man of many traits and he contributed to the growth and foundation of Fort Collins. He drove buses for Greyhound, operated a cement truck, was a bailiff for the county (Judge Shannon), also a dedicated fireman (where he helped battle the fires including the state's dry good building and the CSU old main building fire), but most off he was a family man.

Although Phil is no longer with us, he has left behind family and friends that will continue to carry on his memory. He leaves his story to be told with his son, Phillip Bush; his daughter, Susan (Jerry) Duran; four grandchildren – Cory, Shalo (Calvin), Tiffany and Michelle; five great-grandchildren – Teresa (Teddy), Adelena, Avelita , Gabriel, and Milena, and two great-great-grandchildren – Teddy,Jr. and Talia.

Although we are saddened to part with him we can now find peace in his new eternal life. Phil is also now being able to join his wife and family's company again. He will always be a part of our memories that we will carry close. .

A celebration of his life will be held on February 7th at 1:00 pm at the American Legion Post 4 in Laporte, Colorado. The Legion is located at 2124 N. Highway 287.