John Hysik Bushilla

John Hysik Bushilla, 67, of Simms, was ushered into heaven on Friday, February 16, 2018 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls, Montana. John was born in Helena, Montana on March 31, 1950 to Frank and Eleanor Bushilla, the 3rd of 8 children. John attended junior high at St. Helena Catholic School and graduated from Helena High in 1969. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and was honorably discharged. John moved to Great Falls, Montana in 1975 where he briefly worked for a moving company and the US Postal Service. However, his true calling was carpentry, so he established John Bushilla Construction in 1977. He found great satisfaction in the beginning and end to any home project he undertook, large or small. John was a passionate perfectionist in his craft as a carpenter. He was a craftsman par excellence. He married Janis Burton in 1987 and became an instant father to Darla and Cheryl. His commitment to work was above all, but over time with the encouragement of his new family he gave into some relaxation. He enjoyed bike riding, camping with his grandkids, family get-togethers, watching his grandkids activities, gardening his potatoes and garlic, and especially his wife’s homemade apple pies. In 2002, John and Janis settled in Simms, MT in a home John built for them. John’s bigger than life smile, with his expressive golden-brown eyes, reflected the gentleness, kindness, and love that everyone saw in him. Through a sweet spirit, John’s persona also radiated humility and self-sacrifice. Everyone loved John. He was a quiet, thoughtful and easy going gentle man. He was truly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. John is survived by his wife, Janis; his two step-daughters Cheryl (Kyle) Woods of Fairfield, MT and Darla (Jerry) Wilkins of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren Tim, Levi, Shelby, Taylor, Morgan, and Emma; two great grandchildren Abigail and Audrey; brother-in-law Dan Burton; siblings Dan (Linda) Bushilla of Whitehall, Frank (Mary) Bushilla of Hamilton, Michael (Paula) Bushilla of Cottage Grove, MN, Phillip (Zoe Ann) Bushilla of Helena, Ellie (Bill) West of Toston, and Mary (Don) Dellos of Thornton, CO; a very special cousin Maureen (Phillip) Watt; as well as many nieces and nephews. John has been preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Eleanor Bushilla and sister, Susan Bishop. A Memorial Service is to be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at Simms Methodist Church in Simms, MT.