Oct 27, 2023 2 min read

A farewell to Doug Bush

The greater Washington community lost an enormous presence when the City Mission’s Doug Bush left this world earlier this month. Doug’s absence has left a void in our world, but I think he would rather see us appreciate the precious time we had with him.

Like so many others throughout Washington, I had the pleasure of knowing Doug for many years and I knew him to be blessed with the rarest gifts of eternal optimism and a sunny disposition. That is not hyperbole. I never once in all the years I knew Doug ever encountered him without seeing a beaming smile on his face and calling me warmly by my name. He never forgot anyone.

Doug has now joined others who were radiant beams of light in our community, such as Paul Tripoli and Joyce Ellis, but their spirits live on.

Although it is human nature to grieve for that which we have lost, I think we should honor Doug’s deep sense of faith and take comfort believing that after a life well lived he has now entered the kingdom of heaven.

Joe Manning

Washington

Joe Manning is a former member of Washington City Council and a Democratic candidate for Washington County treasurer.