Colby Lynn Bush, vice president of operations for Grand Home Furnishings based in Roanoke, Va., died suddenly on Oct. 24. He was 64.
Bush spent 43 years with the retailer, rising through the ranks from store manager to member of the corporate staff. In addition to his operations responsibilities, he acted as buyer in a number of furniture categories, including bedding, and played an important role in how the retailer’s mattress floor was marketed and merchandised, and how retail sales associates were trained. He joined the retailer in 1970 as a sales associate and was named vice president of operations in 1989.
“Colby brought a wealth of experience to Grand’s bedding business,” said Steve Davis, Grand Home Furnishings vice president of advertising. “From selling bedding as a retail salesperson, to store management, to executive management, to becoming actively involved in buying bedding for Grand and expanding our bedding program, Colby had a skill set that was hard to match. That background enabled him to understand the consumers in our part of the country, what motivates them and how they expect to be treated. He also understood the manufacturer’s perspective and their competitive pressures. He contributed greatly to Grand’s success not only in bedding but in all aspects of our business.”
Bush also was a skilled hunter, fisherman, gardener and athlete.
Survivors include daughter Ashley Schlosser; son Shane; sisters Rebecca George, Tracie Baetz and Tana Alderman; one granddaughter; and three nieces and nephews.
The family suggests donations be made to the Staunton Augusta Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America, 242 Morningside Drive, Mount Sidney, VA 24467, or to Habitat for Humanity in the Roanoke Valley, 403 Salem Ave., Roanoke, VA 24016. Online condolences may be expressed at www.oakeys.com.
