Life Story for
Gary B. Busch
Gary B. Busch, a long time resident of the Sun Valley area (since 1969) passed away September 12, 2016 at the age of 75. He died of a lingering illness related to age and ultimately heart failure.
Gary was born December 10, 1940 to Max and Leah Busch in Orange, CA. He was the oldest of four children (brother Steven and sisters Judy and Susan). Gary acquired his love of the outdoors early in life from his father who owned and operated a sporting goods store in Lone Pine, CA.
He graduated from Lone Pine Union High School in 1959 where he excelled in athletics being a four year Letterman in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was selected league MVP in football, basketball, and baseball.
Gary attended the University of Nevada - Reno graduating in 1964 with B.S. degree in Agricultural Economics. He played college football for the Wolf Pack and was selected to the All Far Western Conference first team in 1961 and 1962. He continued on at the University of Nevada Graduate School for two years as a Graduate Research Assistant.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK where he received his Commission as an Artillery Officer. He then served as a Forward Observer and Firing Battery Executive Officer in the forward combat zone of the Vietnam Central Highlands. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and two Air Medals for 28 Combat Assault missions with Chinook helicopters with his 105 howitzer battery (A-6/29 4th Infantry Division).
At the end of his tour in Vietnam in the fall of 1968, Gary returned to the Reno, NV area where he attended the Reno School of Real Estate. Upon graduation he passed his license exam and received his Nevada Real Estate Brokers license. He then practiced active real estate sales in Incline Village at Lake Tahoe, NV.
In the fall of 1969 he visited Sun Valley, fell in love with the area and attended the Pioneer Real Estate School in Boise and received his Idaho Real Estate Brokers license in 1971.
Gary married the love of his life, Mary, in 1974 on the Trail Creek Cabin bridge. They have shared their passions in the great Idaho outdoors skiing, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.
Gary is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, two sons Jason and Haden who all love sharing the great outdoors as a family. He is the proud grandfather to his beloved grand daughter Alexia. He is also survived by his two sisters Judy and Susan, his brother Steve, and his mother Leah.
Gary's parting words:
"Yeah, I'm going on up ahead...I will be waiting for you on the Salmon River in our favorite secret hole with fresh bait. Or maybe on top of that October ridge-line at the break of day watching for you to come up."
In lieu of flowers or contributions, please celebrate Gary's life by going for a hike or head out fishing.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, Monday, September 19, 2016 at the Ketchum American Legion , 20 Cottonwood Street, Ketchum, ID 83340