Eric Albert Bushong 7/13/73 – 6/8/2023
July 13th 1973 our parent were blessed with the most beautiful baby boy. A true joy that blessed our family for the next 49, nearly 50 years.
Eric was passionate about many things in life. His walk with God and knowledge of scripture kept Eric faithful and is his many struggles throughout his life, he had an unwavering love of Christ no matter what unexpected life event he was given.
He never left a conversation or hand written letter without his expression of the true love he had for his family. He was loving and protective of his family and made sure we all knew just how much he loved us all.
As a small child Eric endured multiple surgeries to correct his eye from an accident that left him unable to see. He persevered and played multiple sports, fished, ice skated, rode bikes and even tap danced. A rhythmic talented dancer who loved to strut on any dance floor. He loved loud music, big hair bands and rock and roll.
Although he played all sports, his greatest joy was found in the rodeo arena. No matter how much our parents protested, he pursued his love of riding bucking horses. He loved the livestock and could tell you all the genetics and pedigrees of every horse or bull that bucked across this country. He lived for this sport working for famed contractors, Growney Rodeo Company and Western Rodeo Company. He had an amazing bond with John Growney and Dan Russel and they gave him a life that only some dream about. Later in life, he became very close with Gary & Lisa Hemstead and the Hemstead family. Eric was fortunate to raise livestock from bloodlines carefully selected from prime genetics through Hemstead Rodeo Company. From state to state and arena to arena, Eric lived life to the fullest and pursued his passions in life’s greatest arena.
Eric called mom and dad one night in 1991 and told them to be sure and watch Sports Machine. Sure enough there he was, history in the making. The perfect bull ride and the first ever 100 point bull ride. Front and center, Eric was present for this history making moment as he pulled the gate to witness this ride.
Eric attended Wharton Community College in Wharton Texas. He was a part of the traveling rodeo team. Once he finished he came home and inevitably met the woman that made him a father to the two most beautiful children. Jonas and Kolby were truly his life’s greatest joy. There was never a conversation had with Eric without him mentioning his kids. He loved them with all his heart.
As a rodeo coach he was able to put together back to back West Coast Regional team championships. His ability to recruit talented athletes was a gift and it came easy to him. One of his recruits, John, became his brother-in-law and the two of them would share a tight bond when it came to rough stock and rodeos.
Eric also had a love for all things hunting and fishing. He was an excellent shot and if you had a minute of time, he would share with you his collection of guns and pistols and could tell you the entire history on the make, model and what war or event that it was created for.
When Eric was younger he spent a lot of time with his grandpa Bushong. They would fish at all the various mountain lakes that surrounded the valley where he was raised.
Lassen County is where Eric was born and raised. He hunted and fished all lakes, ponds and hayfields. If there was a ranch with birds he and his best friend and big brother Anthony took advantage and would always limit.
Eric never stayed far from his best friend. Wherever Anthony was you could be sure Eric wasn’t to far behind. Anthony always made sure Eric was well cared for and included. If there was a tag to be filled they were out scouting, camping and sighting in guns. Eric loved the outdoors and would never pass on an opportunity to help his nieces and nephews fish or fill tags.
Eric is survived by his children, Jonas Matthew Bushong, daughter Kolby Lee Bean Brommer (Michael). Grandchildren; Henry and Josie Brommer. His parents Noel and Wanda Bushong. Big brother Anthony (Stephanie) Bushong and littler Sister Susan (John) Wright. Nieces; Taylor, Audrey and Kennedy Nephews; Charlie and Landon
He is preceded by both maternal and paternal grandparents who have welcomed him home in eternal paradise with our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for a contribution be made in his name to your local Lions Club organization for children’s eye care.
