Miles W. Bussard

Miles Walter Bussard passed away on August 26, 2010 after lengthy illness.  He faced his fate with dignity, humor, and courage as he had lived his life.

Miles was born in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania to parents Mary Alice and Edward  Bussard.  His youth was spent across western PA moving from drilling site to drilling site with his family, part of the early “wildcat” society of gas and oil explorers.  Miles continued to be involved in this industry intermittently throughout his life and left us with many stories of characters and practices long lost.

Miles learned to fly at 17 and reveled in flying low enough for his fiancé’s mother to identify the color of his shirt from her backyard clothesline.  He joined the United States Navy with his lifelong friends, Charles Easley and Dave Steitler, in 1951.  He was a member of the American Legion, Post 113.

Upon his discharge, he married the lucky fiancé, Vallie LaVonne Rearick on January 29, 1954.  Their only child, Candi Linn, was born in 1956 and Miles began a career in heavy construction.  He was a member of the Greater Pittsburgh Regional Council of Carpenters, Local 2274 for 53 years.  Miles worked primarily for W.P. Dickerson & Son in capacities from carpenter to superintendent building numerous bridges throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland.  The work required a great deal of time away from his family and when he retired, Miles took advantage of a career change for Candi and bought a home with her in Bedford.  Here in Bedford, he and Val enjoyed travel and have made many dear friends.  Miles was someone to call upon in times of trouble.  His friends and neighbors could always count on him arriving with his tools at the ready.

Miles was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Peter Bonetti.  He is survived by two brothers and a sister:  Edward Earl Bussard, and wife Jean; Samuel Bussard and wife Donna; and Pauline Bussard Marsh and husband Wendell; along with two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law:  Marion Rearick Morrison and husband Darl; and Paulette Rearick Bonetti.  Miles was blessed with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.  He enjoyed watching all of them grow and succeed.

Miles leaves his devoted wife, Val and his adoring daughter, Candi along with the blessing of his late life, Clay (cairn terrier).  He also leaves his generous and caring aunt, Emma Jones and his cousin, Willard (Wick) Bussard.

Friends will be received on Sunday, September 5, 2010 from 2-6 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.