George W. Bush, better known as Bud, was born on Aug. 12, 1951, to Archie and Rayma “Lusk” Bush in Chehalis, Washington. On Aug. 30, 2024, Bud passed peacefully in the early morning.
Bud was the youngest of five kids. Being 10 years younger than his closest sibling, he became the center of attention at a young age. He was an athlete, scoring 50 points in a basketball game (in the days where you only received two points per basket). On Sept. 26, 1970, Bud married the love of his life, Terri Mullinex. They had two children, Jennifer and Bill. Bud was the life of the party and a big kid himself; he played basketball and softball well into his 30s. He would show the kids how to shoot baskets every chance he got. In his later years, he enjoyed watching his grandkids sporting events. Family was important to him; his grandkids were his pride and joy.
After graduating from Pe Ell High School in 1969, Bud started the mechanics apprenticeship program at City Motors in Centralia. He then went on to the nightshift at Weyerhaeuser working on locomotives in the shop. From there, he transitioned into the rigging, setting chokers, chasing, running shovel, falling timber, running stroker and ending his 30 years with Weyerhaeuser running dozer on the construction crew.
Bud was also known as “Bud the Butcher.” In 1983, during the Weyco strike, Bud and Terri started cutting meat under the tutelage of Willy Baggenstos, eventually building their business, Rainbow Custom Meats. When the strike was done, he fell timber during the day and cut meat at night and ran the butcher truck on the weekends.
Bud loved hunting, fishing, digging clams, smelt dipping and everything else outdoors. He always enjoyed the camaraderie of a hunting party. Over the years, his role changed from the young buck who would do the packing to the camp cook. If he liked you, he would harass you and not call you by your name but rather a name he felt was a better match for you. He was known for his “love taps” that would knock you over or the wind out of you. He never understood his strength. If you were really special, you may have even gotten a nice bite on the nose. He would give the best hugs and loved to tell stories to whoever would listen. As the years went on, we knew most of his stories, but he would add a little extra every time he told them.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Rayma; mother-in-law and father-in-law Bill and Elaine Mullenix; brothers, Tim and David Bush; and sisters, Ann Elliott and Yvonne Quam. Bud leaves behind his wife, Terri “Mullenix” Bush; children, Jennifer, Bill and Nikki; grandchildren, Garrett, Wyatt, Ava and Lila; great-grandson, Ezra; his nephew, Chip Elliott (who was more like a brother); in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Bud will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Forest Lawn Cemetery with a celebration of life following at the VFW Hall in Pe Ell, Washington. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Pe Ell Ambulance, P.O. Box 308, Pe Ell, WA, 98572.
Dad always loved a good party and wanted to be remembered with a smile, a good story and a styrofoam cup. Help us celebrate him!
Cattermole Funeral Home is handling the funeral arrangements.
