Junction shooting update: Family photo of Steve Bushaw

The family of 26-year-old Steven Bushaw, the man shot and killed in The Junction on Sunday night, has now decided to go ahead and release a recent photo of him. His sister Tanya Bushaw says that’s Steve with niece Ava, photographed last summer. As we reported last night, a fundraising event is scheduled at Talarico’s this Sunday, and a fund has been set up at US Bank in Steve’s name. Some asked us what the money would be used for, so we asked Tanya, and she replied: “People should know that my family had nothing to do with organizing any of these memorial events or accounts. Friends of Steve set up the event with Talarico’s and another friend of our family who works with US Bank insisted on setting up this fund. Yes the funds will be used for funeral expenses other expenses associated with closing his estate if you will.” The family plans a private memorial service in West Seattle this Saturday. So far, still no word from police of arrests, and no further information on the suspects beyond the vague descriptions originally made public Sunday night — two black males, possibly with dreadlocks, who got away, heading southbound, in a white sedan.

1:02 PM UPDATE: The Sunday event at Talarico’s is being organized by another family member, Steve’s cousin Stacey Bushaw, who just told us the time has been changed to 1-5 pm. She also elaborates on the purpose of the event:

This fundraiser (is) to help cover all medical bills as well as all funeral and burial costs. In addition, this fundraiser will help with possibly setting up reward money to find the assailants and it will also help cover any other unforeseeable bills that may continue to creep up.

No one ever expects something tragic like this to happen to them or their family so we are being proactive and assuring that his parents and sister do not have to face any more obstacles while they continue to mourn over our loss. This is our chance to play a role in helping take away as much of the financial burden from them as we possibly can.

More importantly we are celebrating Stevie’s life. There will be music, food, drinks, and just a time to share in Stevie’s amazing memory with people that love him dearly. I can’t articulate the pain our family is feeling but we truly appreciate all the love and support we have received from family, friends, and the community at large.

Stevie will live on forever through us and our circle of love will never be broken!

Jeremy February 4, 2009 (12:50 pm)

This picture emulates the love and kindness he had with his family and with children. He was so nice to my son (age 10). He was loved by this family very much and a great memory is of him always talking about his niece (in the picture) and how proud he was to be her uncle. If only everyone had so much love for others as did Stevie.

AW February 4, 2009 (12:59 pm)

****UPDATE***
THE FUNDRASING EVENT AT TALARICO’S WILL NOW BE HELD AT 1PM ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON (FEB. 8TH). ADMISSION WILL BE $10. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD THAT THE TIME HAS CHANGED FROM 8PM TO 1PM.

****RE-POST***
As a West Seattle resident, employee of Talarico’s and fellow human being on this planet, I must say that I can speak for my fellow co-workers, patrons of the Junction, and the entire community in saying that our hearts poor out for the family and friends of Mr. Bushaw. This is not only a tragedy for W. Seattle, but for the many lives that Stevie has touched in his 26 years. Talking with his close friends while the memorial was being set up just showed how highly regarded in the community he was. Having been at the scene I must commend everyone present at this tragic shooting for the calmness and cooperation from the patrons, the professionalism of the staff, and the quick response of the SPD. He came into Talarico’s looking for help & everyone present was active in doing as much as posssible. If anything positive can arise from a horrible incident like this, is that we, as a community are not scared into our houses and weary of eachother, but come together and let these criminals know that we are strong. I am proud to be apart of the West Seattle community and urge all of us to come together and be apart of a solution to senseless violence like this. Again, my deepest condolences to all of Mr. Bushaw’s friends and family. Peace and Love. Aaron

WSB February 4, 2009 (1:06 pm)

We have just received word from Stacey of the time change and have updated the story; we will also change yesterday’s story, and will note the time via Facebook and Twitter – TR

Erin February 4, 2009 (1:36 pm)

I’m glad that Steven’t cousin, Stacey, has brought up the words “Reward Money.” Having been present the night of this tragedy, I have had a difficult time accepting the fact that we have yet to catch the suspects. With the economy the way it is, I know it is a lot to ask of people, but it may just be enough of an incentive for someone who DOES know the suspects to come forward with much needed information! Of course the first priority needs to be taking care of Steven’s personal expenses – but if we, as a community, can also keep in mind how effective a reward may be, we may be able to have an ending to this horrific tragedy! Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday; celebrating all that Steven brought to this world and supporting Talarico’s!

ellenater February 4, 2009 (1:41 pm)

RIP Steve. I’m glad there is a pic. I agree that it helps to focus on the victim and to pay our proper respects. My prayers go out to Steve’s family and friends….

Kelly February 4, 2009 (4:42 pm)

What a touching picture. It looks like Steve was a great uncle. Family and friends of Steve, I am so very sorry for your loss.

Traci Lobdell-Hooks February 4, 2009 (8:24 pm)

Wow!!!!! I cant stop thinking about the family and how very sorry I am. It has been a long time since I have seen him but what I can remember is what a nice kid he truly was and what his family meant to him. If you only had the plessure to meet him and this family you would all know this shouldnt of happened. Stevie and his family only brings laughter and lots of fun… I love you all and again I am so sorry.. WE WILL MISS YOU STEVIE!!!

needinganswersfromspd! February 4, 2009 (9:41 pm)

“Jesus himself noted there was no sense in tragedy, that God sent rain on the righteous and sinners alike. He offered no answers, only compassion and love, and so that is all we have when death, seemingly senseless, falls on someone we love in the bloom of youth.”

Jamie February 5, 2009 (9:24 am)

I can’t believe this has happened and I am deeply upset that we will no longer have Steve in our lives. Steve was so full of life and always a bright light. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bushaw family.

Patti February 5, 2009 (9:43 pm)

Meg, Ron Tanya and the rest of Steve’s family, I am so sorry to hear what has happened. I live in Eastern Washington now and it has been ever so long since I’ve seen you all. I so remember Stevie and Tanya as little kids growing up and Stevie reminds me so much of his dad in looks. I’m sending huge {{hugs}} and praying you can find comfort knowing Steve is safe in heaven now. Remembering you all with love and prayers for comfort. Patti Berry

shannon warden February 6, 2009 (12:14 am)

steve was a man i will never forget! he was a dedicated uncle, brother, friend, and most important a loved son. a man with a huge heart, soal, and a spirit that will be left with all of us. goodbye my friend i cant wait to see you again and finnish this story we started! LONGSHORE!!!

Maya February 6, 2009 (1:18 pm)

I am a friend of Steven Bushaw. He was a great man. He cared about his friends and family a lot. His whole world revolved around his niece Ava. He is not the kind of person who would get into an argument unless someone was going to or is being hurt in some way. We started at the water front working at the same time and we would sit and talk for hours waiting to see if there was work. We got the chance to be on the same job, working side by side and he was always making sure I had everything I needed and a smile on my face. I will feel weird going into work and not seeing his face coming through the door. I will miss him with all my heart and soul. He was truly an angel on earth. We were very luck to have him as long as we did.

I hope the guys who did this to him are found soon so family and friends can get some kind of answers. I know I will not be sleeping well until then. My heart goes out to his family. Ava you had a great uncle who is now watching you from above. Steven will be remembered for all his hard work and the smiles that just brightened everyone’s day. I Miss You Forever!!!

Maya

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