Spencer Bushnell, a lifetime resident of Helena, died unexpectedly of heart failure in the early morning of Sunday, August 5 at the young age of 55.
Spencer was born on October 12, 1956 in Helena. He graduated from Helena High School where he was an active part of the gymnastic team and rodeo club. He later discovered his true passion was either a ride down the open road on his Harley, or strumming on a guitar with his wife and friends. He built and refurbished many electric guitars and couldn’t wait to make them play beautiful music.
On December 20, 1991 he married his true love, Kathy Giles (Kat). Spencer loved Kat with all his heart and enjoyed writing songs and playing his music with her. In 1995 they officially became the parents of their adopted daughter Sarah. Spencer’s life was truly fulfilled when she came into his life. His world revolved around Sarah and he often told his family and friends how proud he was of her. You could see the twinkle in his eye when he talked about his daughter. For a short time Spencer and Kat cared for their nephew Corey, who brought great joy to their family.
Spencer had a rare gift of creating beautiful things with his hands. For over 30 years he finished concrete in driveways, curbs, sidewalks, slabs, and foundations in the area. Very few people can finish concrete like Spencer and many of the structures and buildings around town are adorned with his concrete handiwork. He also built gorgeous wood fixtures, beautiful electric guitars, and in 1986 he carved unique live sized ice sculptures from the snow in his front yard. The entire town got to enjoy the sculptures as they were displayed on the front page of the local newspaper.
Spencer is survived by his wife Kat of 21 years and his daughter Sarah. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents Henry (Purington) Bushnell and Deloris Bushnell Kershaw, and brother Daniel. Blessed with a large family, Spencer is survived by 8 siblings; Wayne (Debbie) Bushnell, Chris (Larry) Koehler, Ken (Nancy) Hanna, Brent (Tamara) Bushnell, Jim (Stena) Bushnell, Mark (Irene) Bushnell, Shanna (Bill) Semmens and Matt (Theresa) Bushnell, and many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He leaves behind many friends including his closest friend Tim Ortloff.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, August 9 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home; 3750 N. Montana Ave. An Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens immediately following the memorial service. Spencer was a Doctor Doolittle of our time. He would be pleased to have memorial donations sent to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, 2112 E. Custer Avenue, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or share a memory of Spencer.
Bonnie Isaak says
Brent,
I was sorry to hear about your brother. Please give my condolence to his family
Bonnie
Connie Sands Jerome says
To the Bushnell Family… I am so sorry to hear of Spencers passing… I knew Spencer in High School, he and I were in a debate class together… He was such a riot in there I still smile thinking of the fun times we had. He had such a warm heart and smile you just could not help but be happy when around him. I will miss his smile. My condolences to the entire family… I was blessed to know him. You are all in my prayers. Connie Sands Jerome
Dave Tolan says
Spencer I am just one more of those who is going to miss you. To all my Bushnell cousins and to Kathy and Sarah I am sorry for your loss. Love you all, Dave Tolan
Della Dobbins says
I remember Spencer form sunday school at the church of the Nazarene. May God be with your family during this time.
Diane Powers says
To Family and Friends of Spencer,
Spencer was such a great spirit of a man and that spirit will live with us all in 1 way or another. I never will forget when he called me DI, cuz growing up that’s what everyone called me. Spence just had a way of making you feel special whether he knew it or not. He loved just helping out and his family. Miss you alot and you are blessed who knew him.
Diane
Don Clark (Chad) says
Kathy, I am so sorry about your loss of a good man. It has been a long time since talking with you, we go back to the days of the sun tan days. Steve Kaiser told me about this and also my brother n Law passed away the same day. It would be nice to talk to you again and catch up. God Bless you…Don
Dr. Jay says
Spencer was one of the main players in a cool crowd. Nobody could pull you out of the funk like him. Sweet and kind, always, and a true friend. Ever kind to children….. Spencer, you have done very well. You didn’t collect a lot of dust or enemies. Your friends and family adore you. Your talents are too many to number and you shared them generously with style and charm.
I am sure that there are guitars, motorcycles and garages to party in in Heaven. We all get together again, but, until then…. It will not be the same here. Thanks man…..
Gino Dunfee says
Shanna: So sorry for your loss. Your brother and I shared the same birthday. May he rest in peace.
Lucy and Donna Corbett says
Bushnell Family,
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of Spencer. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Pam and Jim Gosink says
To Brent and Tamara and your family – we are so saddened to hear about your brother’s death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and throughout your journey to heal.
Pam, Jim, Lee and Colt Gosink
Paul and Jo Bryson says
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family. May the wonderful memories of Spence live in your hearts forever. God bless you and give you comfort and strength. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Rhonda Strainer says
Dear Bushnell Family,
I was saddened to hear of Spencer’s passing. I too am a longtime Helena resident and knew Spencer in high school, mostly watching him compete in gymnastics. He had a contagious smile and always gave a friendly hello in passing. I hope all the wonderful memories you hold so close to your heart will sustain and comfort you during this most difficult time and in the days ahead. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace.
Rhonda Strainer Score
Sandy Wielkens (Lewis) says
Spencer was a good friend for many years. We were on the gymnastics team together. He spent time at our home with me and my brother Mike for years. He was a great person with a good heart. We have alot of good memories of Spencer. I am sorry for the families loss. God has a new best friend now, he is one in a million. Good bye my friend you will be missed.
Steve Kaiser says
I just wanted to let you know my thoughts and my prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time.
Kathy – I have been thinking about you a lot lately and I want you to know how sincerely sorry I am. I can’t begin to understand your loss. Please let me know if there is anything, absolutely anything, I can do.
Teresa Hooper says
Spencer Bushnell was one of the most kindest person that I may ever know. I never heard he speak unkind about anybody. He would rather talk about what he had acomplished since I saw him last. He was so proud of his house and he would show us what was new. He would brag about the kids, and talk about making instruments and jamming togeth with friends. Always a song in his heart. He had a tolerance I envied and I am so glad I gave im a big hug last time I saw him. Your forever high now Spencer, it is us that remain that have the hardships now. Peace and Love Bro
Elaine Tuffli and family says
Was so saddened when I heard about Spence. He was a great guy and those eyes. I had not seen him for many years but I see that he still had them great smiling eyes. Rest well our friend. Was glad we could at least attend the funeral. Was very glad about all he had done and that he found true happiness with Kathy. Take care Spences family, hug and cherish each other during this time.