CWU Remembers Phillip DeBusschere

May 7, 2004

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- Phillip R. DeBusschere, Central Washington University distinguished civil servant, died at his Ellensburg home early Wednesday, May 5, following a prolonged illness.

DeBusschere, 67, was born in Vancouver, Wash., on Jan. 26, 1937. He graduated from Alamogordo High School, in New Mexico in 1954. He received his associate of arts degree from Clark College, Vancouver, in 1959; his bachelor of arts in education degree, in 1963, and master's degree in biology, with a specialization in plant ecology, in 1974, both from Central.

Hired in 1970, DeBusschere was a science instructional technician and instructor in the Central biology department, where he retired in 1991. He was known for his strong dedication to his job and the department. He also served as a teacher at Camas High School and Lewis Junior High School in Vancouver.

In his free time, DeBusschere, a past member of the Washington Native Plant Society and the Kittitas County Audubon Society, enjoyed photography and bird watching.

He is survived by his wife, Jean, who works in the University Store, to whom he was married for 47 years; two daughters, Suzanne DeBusschere and Diane Teske, both of Ellensburg; a son, Paul DeBusschere of Maple Valley; his mother, Inez DeBusschere of Vancouver; three brothers, Dan DeBusschere of Orinda, Calif., Gary DeBusschere of San Diego, Calif.; and Art DeBusschere of Olympia; a brother-in-law, Dick Lee of Vancouver; nine grandchildren, and eight nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Monday, May 10, at 2 p.m. at Steward and Williams in Ellensburg. Donations may be made to the Ellensburg Christian School where his grandchildren attend.