Gerald "Gerry" Bushrow
Our unforgettable husband, father, uncle, brother, parishioner and neighbor - Gerry Bushrow has flown west to glory. We will miss him so!
Heaven has a new angel who knows how to use those wings! Gerald “Gerry” Earl Bushrow, an accomplished aviator, loving husband, patient father, adoring grandfather, and faithful servant of God has “flown west” to glory after a brave fight with acute myeloid leukemia. He was at peace, supremely confident in what awaited him on the other side. He was 87 years old.
Gerry was born the fourth of six children to Leo and Martha Bushrow of Saginaw, Michigan. The son of a hard working railroad supervisor for the C&O Railroad, he grew up in a time of economic hardship and world war that shaped him into a man who knew the value of a dollar, the meaning of commitment and honor, and the true cost of freedom. He met the love of his life and his partner of 67 years, Patricia (Pat), in 1953 and together they lived a life that honored God and set a shining example of love, dedication, and mutual respect for their four children and 12 grandchildren. They chose Southern California to raise their family in 1966, moving to their current El Segundo home in 1971 which is where the “King of Hillcrest Street” died on June 5. He had a joyful laugh, was quick to offer a clever turn of phrase or nuanced observation, and had a face always lit up by the never-ending smile and demeanor of a man who lived for others and relished every minute in their company.
Gerry was a man of service. He followed his older brothers in service to his country as an Aviation Cadet in the newly formed US Air Force, earning his pilot’s wings at 19 and joining the emerging Jet Age to fly the KC-135 Stratotanker in operations around the world. He had a front row seat to the end of the Korean War, played a major role in the Cold War including operations during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and concluded his military service during the Vietnam War.
His love of flying was a centerpiece of his life. He transitioned from Air Force flying to airline flying as a Captain for American Airlines in 1966. His career there spanned 29 years with highlights flying the Boeing 747 and DC-10. When he wasn’t actually flying he loved to talk about flying, and after he retired he spent many hours sitting outside his home near LAX greeting neighbors and watching the jets come and go, often commenting on their timeliness and the apparent skills of the airmen at the controls. He could recognize the type of aircraft by the sound of its engines, and frequently offered information about flight numbers and destinations to whomever would listen as they roared overhead. He loved to share this passion with others, and was a founding sponsor of an Aviation Explorer post that offered free ground school and discounted flight training to young men and women in Scouting. Through this Post, Gerry was able to ignite the love of flying in countless young people, including his three sons who learned to fly there.
Gerry and Pat have been fixtures in the town of El Segundo, especially at the El Segundo United Methodist Church where their deep and selfless involvement has continued unabated for over 56 years. Gerry was a popular lectern assistant, usher, newsletter author, historian, and handyman. He was also an active member of the Optimist Club, and he continued to recite and abide by “The Optimist Creed” to the very end. The creed and the club’s commitment to service represented so much that Gerry held dear. In retirement the couple enjoyed numerous extended trips around the country in their motorhome, basking in the company of family and friends across every corner of North America.
But the joy of Gerry’s life was his family. He was an affectionate father who doted on his kids: Cheryl Barnes (Keith) of Northfield MN, Tim Bushrow (Sue) of Jasper TN, Paul Bushrow (Michelle) of Charlottesville VA, and Jay Bushrow of Gardnerville NV. He set high expectations, praised accomplishments, and provided supportive encouragement to keep going when they fell. He taught them to be self sufficient, and liked to say “Man made it, Man can fix it!” when faced with a particularly daunting technical challenge. He was no fan of a “free lunch,” and taught his family that “anything worth doing is worth doing well.” He took to the role of “Grandpa” with gusto, and particularly enjoyed sending unexpected gifts to his extended family and friends. He leaves behind his adoring grandchildren: Natalie, Nathan, Rachel, Sarah, Danielle, Christine, Charles, Ben, Brenna, Derek, Levi, and Dean, each of their lives indelibly shaped by and reflective of Gerry’s love and devotion.
Gerry was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Martha Bushrow, and his brothers, Norman Bushrow, Harvey Bushrow (Eileen), Raymond Bushrow (Beverly), and Albert Bushrow. He is survived by his sister, Brenda Gross and her husband Richard, Norman’s wife Geraldine Bushrow and Harvey’s wife Julia Bushrow.
The family is profoundly appreciative of the dedicated and professional care provided by Torrance Memorial Hospice during Gerry’s final days. They will never forget the kindness of hospice nurse Al and the other hospice nurses, as well as the loving care of Gerry’s niece Becky. They are especially appreciative of Gerry’s caregiver Duncan, who became part of the family for the final month, showing such love and compassion for “The Captain” as he prepared for his final departure.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on July 23rd in El Segundo at the United Methodist Church, with a luncheon to follow. Gerry wanted his passing to be an occasion for happiness and joy. The family invites you to share your memories at https://bit.ly/remember-gerry and asks that donations be made in Gerry’s name to the mission outreach of the El Segundo United Methodist Church, to the El Segundo Education Foundation, or to the charity of their choice.