Robert Bushey

Robert R. "Mac Bushey of Vermontville, NY, died at AMC-Uihlein Mercy Center in Lake Placid at the age of 82.

Born January 6, 1927 in Saranac Lake, Mr. Bushey was raised by Elijah and Betsy Maxfield.

He was a life-long resident of the area and had been employed at Mayerson Gravel Pit as a heavy equipment operator from 1948 until 1965. He owned and operated Mac's Backhoe and Excavating, which he operated for many years until 1965. He also owned and operated Mac's Service Station in Vermontville, with his wife Ellen, from 1952 until 1978. Mr. Bushey was active in his community serving on the Town of Franklin Town Board, the Saranac Lake Central School Board from 1964 until 1977 and the BOCES Board from 1974 until 2000. He was a member of the NRA, AARP, the Moose Club and the Township 19 Hunting Club. He enjoyed working on cars and at one time was the owner and mechanic of his own a stock car.

Mr. Bushey married the former Ellen Simpson on September 26, 1952 in the Anglican Church in Huntingdon, Quebec. She predeceased him on November 6, 1978.

Survivors include his long-time friend, Cora Cray of Vermontville, a daughter: Marla Louise Jones of Saranac Lake, a grandson Braylin Patrick Jones of Saranac Lake, a sister: Lynn Casaleggio and her husband Giles of Ringwood, NJ, a nephew Christopher Casaleggio of Ringwood, NJ and several nieces and nephews in Canada and several cousins in Saranac Lake.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Thursday July 2, 2009 at the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM on Friday morning at the funeral home with Rev. Maggie McCary officiating. Interment will follow in Union Cemetery, Vermontville.

Friends wishing to remember Mr. Bushey may make contributions to the Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guestbook at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.