Dr. J. Max Busard

Dr. J. Max Busard, age 93, died Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Harbor Hospice-Poppen House. He was born in Muskegon, MI on August 2, 1918 to Dr. Robert Ira & Florence (Morrill) Busard. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School, Muskegon Junior College, the University of Michigan with a BA Degree, the University of Michigan Medical School with a MD Degree, and later the University of Minnesota with a Masters Degree in Surgery. He interned at Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, followed by a residency in pathology at the same hospital. He was then accepted for a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, which was interrupted by his service as a medical officer in the United States Navy. After the war, he returned to the Mayo Clinic to complete his fellowship in surgery, and then stayed on for a year as a member of the teaching staff of the Mayo Clinic. In 1949 he married Dr. Mary Ellen Hennessy, after setting up his practice in Muskegon, where he was the second board certified general surgeon to practice. A member of both Mercy and Hackley hospital staffs, he served as Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at Hackley Hospital. He served on the Boards of United Appeal, and Hackley (Comerica) Bank. He founded Muskegon Surgical Associates with several Board eligible surgeons. After 40 years of surgical practice, he retired from surgery to become the Medical Director of Hospice of Muskegon and Oceana Counties. He was an avid skier, golfer and pianist. He played piano professionally with several bands starting when he was in tenth grade. As a long time member of Muskegon Rotary Club, he played piano at their weekly meetings. He was a life long member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Muskegon, and a long time member of the Muskegon Country Club and the History Club. In 1994 he married Elizabeth McBride in Petoskey. Along with family, his greatest love was for medicine and music. SURVIVORS Max is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth; children, Andrew Dean (Nancy) Busard of Muskegon and Kurt Randal Busard of Midland; grandchildren, Kurt Busard Jr., and Erika Busard; brother, Thomas R. (Dolores) Busard, MD of Brandenton, FL; step children, Martha Bowling of Flint, Robert (Elizabeth) McBride of Grand Ledge, David (Joy) McBride of Petosky; step grandchildren, Ashley Carter (Jason) Hepworth, Benjamin (Jessica) Carter, Adam Carter, Cara McBride and Will McBride; several great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older brother Morrill, his first wife Mary Ellen, and his loving stepson, James McBride of New Era. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Tuesday, January 17, 2012, 11:00 AM at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. James Bidle and Rev. Timothy D. Vander Haar officiating. VISITATION Monday, 4:00-7:00 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: First Congregation Church UCC or Harbor Hospice or the Charity of Your Choice.