Harold A. Rush

We lost a great man, husband, father, grandfather and friend when Hal Rush passed away on September 19, 2013. Harold Andrew Rush, called “Pops” by his kids and “Papa” by his grandkids, was born on May 25, 1948 to the late Francis and Sally Rush. He was currently of Holt, MI.

A Monroe High School and Michigan State University graduate, Hal married Debbie Brokenshire of Holt on November 16, 1975 and they returned to his hometown of Monroe, where he started working with his father at Mister R Men’s Wear.  As the years went on, Hal became an integral leader in the downtown Monroe business community and took great pride in Mister R being a fixture on Front Street. He enjoyed working with and for the people of Monroe and mentored several young employees who would go on to own businesses of their own.

He was saddened to close the family business in 1994, but it allowed him a fresh start doing what he loved – selling fine men’s wear at Van Boven in downtown Ann Arbor. For the next 17 years, he had the opportunity to work with people around the country who ventured to town – selling suits, suggesting ties and socks, talking a husband into the shirt his wife would prefer – all in an easy-going manner that would lead people to tell him their stories. He’d often call his kids at night and lead with, “You’ll never guess who I met today…”

Hal was an active father in his kids’ lives – riding roller coasters with Jennifer, playing Jeopardy with Nicholas, and driving Jonathan to school while listening to Dick Purtan on the radio.

After retiring in 2012, Hal loved spending time with Debbie, his kids, and his grandchildren. The proud couple saw football games, dance practices, soccer games and even made a family trip all the way to Copper Harbor to see their youngest son get married.

Hal is survived by his loving wife of nearly 38 years, Debbie, his children Jennifer (Nick) Fata, Nicholas (Dede) Rush, and Jonathan (Sarah) Rush, his five grandchildren Andrew, Bella, Gavin, Nico and Bode, and his brother Barrie (Paula) Rush.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 23, 2013, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the service time. Interment will follow in Maple Ridge Cemetery in Holt. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation.

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18 Messages to “Harold A. Rush

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Elizabeth and Brian Hoffbauer
September 19, 2013 at 9:35 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Sara Bennett
September 20, 2013 at 9:53 am

Hal sounds like he was a great guy and an even better dad & grandpa. I’m so sorry for your loss.

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Sue Mayhew
September 20, 2013 at 10:19 am

Praying for you and your family during this time – having lost my mom about 9 months ago, I understand how hard this time can be. Your father sounds like he was a wonderful Dad and friend.
Sue

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Diane and Steve Brattain
September 20, 2013 at 2:56 pm

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you are in my prayers.

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Bill Welch and Karen Crawford
September 20, 2013 at 4:01 pm

We always looked forward to spending time with Hal when we shopped at Van Boven. We could count on him to come up with the perfect shirt and tie combination. We appreciated his soft spoken manner, gentle humor and the twinkle in his eye, especially when he bragged about his children. Our thoughts are with Hal’s family and friends at this very sad time.

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Julie Evers
September 20, 2013 at 4:02 pm

Hal sounds like a wonderful man. I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

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Amiee/Mary Gresko
September 20, 2013 at 5:04 pm

We are so very sorry for your loss. We have alot of great memories of Hal. He always had an infectious smile & laugh. You all are in our thoughts & prayers.

Love Always,

Amiee & Mary

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Jesse Sabin
September 20, 2013 at 6:37 pm

I am very sorry to hear of your loss, Nick. I’m sure that your father is a huge contributor to how you have become such a smart, honest and genuine person. We are all saddened to hear this news.

I hope you can share and enjoy the good times and memories with your family to help you through this difficult time.

Sincerely,
The Sabins

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Tom Treece
September 21, 2013 at 6:45 am

So sorry to read of Hal’s passing; what a kind and gentle soul he was. Sending love and prayers for the peace that only God can give to Debbie, his children and grandchildren, and to all who knew and loved him.

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Kim Hooper
September 21, 2013 at 12:06 pm

I always like shopping at Mr. R’s mainly due to Hal. He knew your name and also remembered what you purchased in the past. Many of the plain clothes police officers shopped at Mister R’s

He was not only a good salesman, he was a good person.

If there is a clothing store in Heaven, Hal will be there to welcome us.

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Steve and Chris McCollum
September 22, 2013 at 8:11 am

Dear Debbie and family…We are so sorry to hear about Hal…You are in our thoughts and prayers.

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Mike and Bonnie Cheney
September 22, 2013 at 5:14 pm

We are so sorry to hear about Hal’s death. It doesn’t seem possible that you have been out of Monroe so long! Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

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Chip Wright
September 23, 2013 at 7:51 am

Debbie,
I am very saddened to learn of Hal’s passing. I can’t thank you or your family enough for the great start in life they gave me. They taught me many things that have provided me the ability to excel in life but most of all they taught me a great work ethic. Please know that I for one will never forget anything they taught me and will always have the deepest admiration and respect for you and your family.

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Kathy Opfermann
September 23, 2013 at 10:24 am

Deb:
Oh dear Deb – was so sorry to see this in our Monroe Paper.
I remember all our fun times at MMS before things got a little stressful. You are in my thoughts and prayers – I know this will be so very difficult and may your faith help you through this.

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Lynn McCloskey Harter
September 23, 2013 at 10:35 am

Debbie and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Hal’s death. I know it was a long time ago, but I fondly remember those days at Hollywood Elementary with our kids.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Fran and Jack Rayce
September 23, 2013 at 7:57 pm

Dear Debbie and family,

I was so sorry to read of Hal’s passing. Jack joins me in sending our sympathy for your loss.

I always enjoyed his visits to school; he had a pleasant, friendly, manner and his love and pride in his family, and especially his kids, was always so apparent.

May memories sustain you and time bring you peace.

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Richard and Carrie Levin
September 23, 2013 at 8:44 pm

Debbie and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Hal’s passing. Hal was always a Mench, a fine upstanding gentleman. He was an honest businessman who always took the side of the customer and was a great family man as well.

We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you and all of your family. We will miss him.

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Debbie Bert
September 24, 2013 at 2:31 pm

Dear Debbie and Family,
I was so sorry to read of Hal’s death in the Monroe Paper. I remember when your family was very young that he was a wonderful father. My deepest sympathy to you and your children and grandchildren.
Debbie Bert (from LLL), Monroe

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