In Memory of

Christopher

McIlvain

Bausher

Obituary for Christopher McIlvain Bausher

If we could talk again...

“You’re out early,” I notice.

Two chairs at the end of a dock fifty yards into a crystal-clear lake. Pine needles whispering in the morning breeze. Distant mountains backlit by the rising sun.

“Wanted to see the sunrise,” you reply. “Join me, the chairs are perfect for the view. Enjoy it for a few quiet minutes.”

Water lapping against our dock.

“It has been quite a journey,” you offer.

“It has...not sure I am ready for it to be over,” I manage. “How are you feeling?”

“Free,” your confident response. “I wish I could thank everyone. I don’t know how they do it every day.”

So many, I think to myself. What a gift they are to this experience.

After a long pause, “I’ve got questions."

“Of course you do. But you already have the answers,” lands with your typical wisdom.

“How is everybody?” I ask.

“Well...you remember Thanksgiving at the Farm. It’s been that. A beautiful dinner and all night catching up. I’m going to be busy.”

“Will I see you again?”

The sun has arrived. Warm on bare feet.

“I’m always here when you need me,” you say with a smile.

Christopher McI. Bausher, born January 23, 1963, to Jordan Lee and Elizabeth McIlvain Bausher in Hartford, Connecticut. A graduate of Exeter Township Senior Highschool 1980 and Widener College 1984. Early work experience at The Seafood Shanty inspired a career in hospitality, including internships at The Greenbriar, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, and The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan. Later at Mill Acres, and with his brother Jake for 35 years at The Butler’s Pantry, and Canal Street Pub and Restaurant.

Christopher is also a graduate of Sotheby’s Institute of Art. His interest in early American folk art and furniture a lifelong passion.

An avid skier, and past National Ski Patrol member, Chris with equally dedicated friends visited resorts throughout the United States, Canada, and France. Lake Tahoe, his favorite, always called him back.

Chris, Christopher, CB, or Uncle Bob were the best ways to get his attention. He is survived by his brother Jacob Bausher and his son Jace, sister Abigail Smith and her sons Brandon, Garrett, and Dillon, sister Rebecca Pearson and her husband Charles, their son Elijah, and daughter Scarlett.

A celebration is planned for Tuesday, August 9 at 11:00 am at Holy Cross United Methodist Church, 329 N 5th St, Reading, PA 19601.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the SMYMCA Reach Out for Youth scholarship. https://www.smymca.org/make-a-difference/

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading, PA 19611 is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be recorded at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.