Kimberly Bush

died unexpectedly yet peacefully on November 4, 2011 in the embrace of his wife, Judy. Kim was 71 years old. He was born in New York City on September 9, 1940. He lived at Winslow CoHousing on Bainbridge Island for the last ten years of his life. Kim is survived by his wife Judy Friesem; daughter Megan Bush, and grandsons Henry Skeltis and Baby Kimmy Bush of Brooklyn, NY; sister and brother-in-law Susan and Kevin O'Brien of Bolton, MA; and nieces Heather O'Brien of Maynard, MA and Kate O'Brien of Los Angeles, CA. He also leaves behind a multitude of loving and admiring friends.Kim was a global citizen and an educator of the humanities for much of his life; he travelled widely. Kim worked in rural development in Tanzania with the Friends Service Committee in the 60's, taught at Cotopaxi International School in Ecuador in the 70's, and directed educational programs in refugee camps in Thailand for the U.N. High Commission for Refugees in the 80's. In the U.S. he taught at Midland School in Los Olivos, California; the Everett School District, and most recently at West Sound Academy (WSA) in Indianola. In June of 2008 his students honoured him by dedicating their yearbook to him. And in 2010 WSA students chose to give Kim and his wife, as a couple, the first ‘Character Award'. A dedicated advocate for human rights, Kim worked tirelessly against apartheid in the 60s and lived nine months in Guatemala in 2002-2003 as an accompanier protecting genocide survivors. He and Judy travelled for seven months in East and South Africa during 2006-2007 offering mediation trainings and connecting with peace builders. In 2007, the Kitsap County Council for Human Rights gave the Lifetime Achievement Award to Kim and Judy for their dedication to peace. Kim had an unending intellectual curiosity and was an avid reader, poet, musician, carpenter and stone sculptor. He spoke five languages.Many of Kim's connections to his friends were through their mutual love of nature and outdoor adventures of rowing, cycling, and hiking in the mountains or desert. At age 40 he built a wooden rowing peapod named the "Eileen R" after his mother and rowed it to Alaska. Kim remained an avid rower in the San Juan Islands and around Bainbridge, seen year ‘round pulling out of Eagle Harbor. Four years ago Kim survived a stroke that sliced through his life, bringing an abrupt end to his independence. He was left paralyzed and with compromised vision. Instead of living broadly he now grew roots, planting himself at home surrounded by his CoHousing community and friends of all ages who visited from near and far. Though the horizons of his life were diminished, he creatively stretched into what he could do rather than mourn his limitations, always pushing the limits and surpassing the common experience. The stroke summoned his indomitable spirit revealing his patience, kindness, generosity and considerable humor. He became his highest self and lived abundantly in connectedness with the natural and human world. Kim stayed actively involved in his community, serving the Bainbridge Library Board; sitting on the Diversion Board working with at-risk youth; visiting 3rd grade classrooms to foster awareness of disabilities; and continuing to mentor students. Perhaps most profound was his light-hearted presence of joy and play, and his graciousness towards others. He was grateful for being alive. While his friends were of many traditions, Kim found nourishment in a decades-long Buddhist meditation practice.Kim's passing is a deep loss to the many people who loved him. He lived passionately and boldly, valuing adventure over ease and friendships above all. May his inspiration to live fully and love deeply remain with us. Remembrances can be made to Amnesty International, the International Rescue Committee, and the Bainbridge Public Library.A celebration of Kim will be held on Saturday, November 26th at 1:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Bainbridge Island.