Timothy Alvin Bush

To the great joy of his parents, Timothy A. Bush entered into this world on September 15th, in the year 1985, “fearfully and wonderfully made”. Two sisters soon followed, and this branch of the Bush family was complete. Tim’s early childhood was much like any other young child.

Timothy was diagnosed as having Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at 4 years of age, which is a very debilitating disease. As a result of this Timothy was confined to a wheelchair starting in his elementary years. It must be stated that even though Muscular Dystrophy would be a constant identifier for him throughout the rest of his life, it wouldn’t be completely accurate to say that it comprehensively defined him, for he went on to achieve quite a number of things regardless of his handicap.

One major defining involvement in high school was Tim’s participation in a youth choir at his church called Genesis. Interested high school students would learn and perform a musical at different churches taking it on tour at the beginning of the summer. Not only was Tim able to go and do things not possible in any other setting, but he brought new learning and understanding to those around him, be it adult or classmate. This is the point at which his personal faith began to grow and flourish.

It would be remiss not to mention some of Tim’s achievements: Upon high school graduation from Sandy High School in 2004, Tim wanted to go to college like most other 18-year-old students. His determination allowed him to complete 3 years of study in the area of graphic design. Difficulty in math forced him to finish an Associate’s degree in general studies at Mt. Hood Community College in 2010. Tim was the founder and chairman of a non-profit ministry, Enlightenment Ministries, which was aimed at bringing a greater awareness of the handicapped to the society around him. Tim wanted people to see him, and others like him, as viable and full-fledged members of society. As if those accomplishments weren’t enough, Tim also co-authored and self-published nine books, one an autobiography, and was working on many more when he was called out of this world.

Tim drew much joy out of life! He loved his family, his friends, his pursuits, his passions. Above all, Tim would tell you his greatest love was for the One True Living God who saved him through His Son Jesus Christ. Christianity was important to Tim, and you find it intimately interwoven through much of his writing. The Bible tells us that, for believers, “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” As we feel deeply Tim’s absence in our lives, we draw great comfort from that wonderful promise from on high!

Tim leaves many loved ones behind him in this world of ours: his parents Ron and Diane, his sisters Shelley and Laura, niece Vanessa, nephew Jackson, grandmothers Berta Bush and Dona Williams, grandfather Lew Williams, 9 aunts and uncles, many cousins, adopted family, caregivers, and friends. One such adopted “Big Sis” had this to say on Tim’s passing. She couldn’t have said it better:

‘Heaven gained an angel yesterday. An angel with the brightest wings, the longest legs and strongest arms. I am sure he will run in circles for weeks, or that is, until someone asks him to stop.

Tim Bush, son of Ron and Diane Bush, brother of Laura and Shelley passed away peacefully yesterday. Tim had his limitations here on Earth but his spirit and heart did not understand what exactly a ‘limitation’ was. For Tim, every day was filled with new possibilities. If you knew Tim, you knew he loved God. The bible says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there…’.” Tim had faith that was the size of a mountain, not a mustard seed. Regardless of his hardships, regardless of what the world threw at him, Tim never saw a reason to stop loving God. With his mountain-sized faith and an innate ability to dream, regardless of his limitations, Tim set out to make his mark here on earth. If you were family or a friend to Tim, you knew you were unconditionally loved, that no matter what, he loved with every ounce of his being and then some. If you knew of Tim, you knew he was an artist, an author, and a non-profit business owner, and he strived to inspire others through his experiences and life.’

Tim's memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Good Shepherd Community Church, 28986 SE Haley Road in Boring, Oregon. The family would love to see guests wear superhero, Star Wars, or Avengers T-shirts, as Tim loved these!

In lieu of flowers, Tim's family would be grateful for donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Tim wrote this poem when his grandfather passed away unexpectedly in 2007, and it has special meaning for his family:

An Effect of Shock

By Tim Bush

My grandfather is with the Heavenly Father now

Has met the savior of man for the first time

He left this world in shock but has left his legacy

By doing what he loved to do

My heart beats sorrow, with tears running down my face

Feels emptiness, but know he is standing in the clouds

The gates of heaven open for him, and heavenly lights glows

Why fear this? The Heavenly Father states this,

Never fear these things my children, live it for him my children

My soul cries, wishing I had done more things

Such as being more involved, and more time to visit

The life’s calling is to keep living it in their name

Why should I smile? He is standing next to Jesus!

Never give up my brother, you’re loved ones will see you again my brother

My mind wonders, what I did to experience this

With the senses of living on, and keeping those memories

For they will save your sanity, having faith in God he states this,

Never put your head down my children, you have my kingdom waiting for you

My eyes stare to the heavens, with a sense of calmness

Knowing he is up there, watching the sun set on the earth

He is free from suffering and living immortal life with the father

Welcome my son, for you are in my safe haven and given my mercy

My understanding is unfretted, with content and trust in God

Knowing we are all saved by grace, it is reassuring to understand God

Why lose faith, God hears our calls and knows our hearts

My children never lose your faith and believe in me no matter what

My tears leave the inspiration, dripping the words of hope

Why the name of God shining through those words

Why shouldn’t I give up? Because he would want us to keep going!

Don’t worry about me. I am with God now, live in his name

That’s an effect of shock

Showing all we don’t live forever

And we must take what happens and live on

So live in his name, and trust God

The shock will become good