Longtime WEAC-NEA Activist Larry Busching Dies

Longtime WEAC-NEA member from Coulee Region United Educators, Larry Busching, died Thursday (August 12, 2004). Busching was diagnosed 1½ years ago with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

The family has asked that memorials be given to the ALS Foundation. Condolences may be sent to Larry's wife, Mary, and family at: 15000 Cty. Hwy B, Sparta, WI 54656, or by e-mail through the funeral home's Web site at www.torkelsonfuneralhomes.com/condolences.htm.

Last October, Busching was presented the Great Schools Hero Award at the WEAC Convention's Awards and Recognition Banquet. Below is the statement WEAC President Stan Johnson read in presenting the award, and Busching's response:

Statement by WEAC President Stan Johnson in presenting the 2003 Great Schools Hero Award to Larry Busching:

In some years, we recognize a very special person with a "Great Schools Hero" award. This is a discretionary award… and we give it only in special circumstances. We are recognizing one of our Great Schools heroes tonight.

This person is a longtime WEAC activist. He has tirelessly served teachers and education support professionals through the years, making a lasting difference for members everywhere.

Service is a key word for him. He served his local, his UniServ, WEAC, the NEA, his students, and his family.

He was on the Coulee Region United Educators Board of Directors from 1985 through 1992, and again from 1996 through 2002, including a stint as vice president from 1996 through 2001.

He was the Employee Rights Committee chair from 1988 through 2002.

He served on countless committees at all levels of our organization, including WEAC's Instruction and Professional Development Committee from 1998 to 2002. He served on the WEAC Board from 1991 to 1997. He was a delegate to the NEA Representative for many years. He was a member of the NEA Committee on Employee Advocacy.

He was a junior high and high school band instructor for 33 years at Melrose-Mindoro schools… and taught in a couple other states before coming to Wisconsin.

He worked on several campaigns, and colleagues say he is always willing to help with whatever needed to be done.

He was always ready and willing to jump into any project and give it his all over the years. His contributions to public education and his colleagues will live forever.

One of his former colleagues says he was one of the strongest union advocates the district has ever seen.

"On a personal level, he helped many students," said a colleague. "He took time to talk to kids. He said teachers have an added advantage because we can reach the hearts of students." Our Great Schools hero was expert at reaching the hearts of students…and his co-workers… and everyone he met.

He reached kids through music... and influenced generations of people who have learned to appreciate music because of him.

He took his band… and the chorus on trips to other states. People remember that his marching band was always in the Oktoberfest parade in La Crosse - a major accomplishment for a band from a small town.

He made sure his students were able to keep up with music in the summer… using his recreational vehicle as a traveling music studio.

He would give music lessons to kids from his RV… so kids who lived far from town could learn music even in the summer.

And one of the best testaments to his life and work… students say they miss him.

He recently learned he has ALS, a disease that has changed his life dramatically. He is no longer teaching. His spirit and his dedication have not changed. He is a true hero to his family, his students, and his colleagues who are all rallying around him at this time.

We are honored to give this year's Great Schools Hero award to Larry Busching.

Statement by Larry Busching in accepting the 2003 Great Schools Hero Award:

"Thank you President Johnson. Thank you so much. It's been fun. But it's not fun now. But it's not fun for you guys either. You've got the chance to change the world. Do it now. I wanna see it. Go get 'em."

Editor's note: This surprise presentation was very emotional for President Johnson, Larry Busching, and everyone in attendance at the banquet. Larry received an extended standing ovation.

WEAC President Stan Johnson presents the 2003 Great Schools Hero Award to Larry Busching in October 2003.

Posted August 13, 2004