An RV for Billy "Green" Bush, Woolsey Fire victim

 -Billy's two story house 45 mins after catching fire---

A Lifetime in Five Minutes -

    On Nov. 7th Billy “Green” Bush turned a hardy 83 years old. On Nov. 9th his entire home of 37 years and life’s possessions were completely destroyed within minutes by the raging Woolsey Fire as he narrowly escaped with his trusty German Shepherd, Precious.  Even his vehicle they were evacuating in caught fire while they drove down Mulholland Hwy out of the firestorm, forcing the two to abandon the vehicle to continue the escape on foot. Miraculously, upon exited the blinding smoke they encountered a neighbor in his truck, whom thankfully delivered them both to safety.

     A retired veteran character actor, Billy retreated from the hustle of the city to live a simpler life surrounded by the beauty of nature and taking pleasure in helping those around him. Being the last of 3 siblings and single, he lived alone, surrounded by many treasured family heirlooms and irreplaceable industry memorabilia from his film and television career; Billy had toiled to bring his unique characters to vibrant life on screen but now finds himself facing the toughest role he has ever taken on, only this role leaves no choice.

      Unfortunately, Billy had no fire insurance or vehicle comprehensive insurance, so he has little, if any, immediate financial relief available to him. Thankfully, the one thing to survive the firestorm was his 1957 Dodge Town Panel willed to him by his long time friend, which has a small fold out bed. Stubbornly, Billy has been sleeping in this old but worn down familiar classic truck because he does not want to “impose” on family and friends. But this truck has mechanical issues compromising its safe operation. It was not designed to live out of for more than a campout night, nor does it have bathroom or kitchen facilities. The cool old truck desperately needs the brakes and steering fixed, but nearly impossible while being used in such a way. Parts are difficult as it is to locate.

      Our loving family and friends are reaching out for any support to help purchase and SURPRISE a good man in a very tough situation with a warm, clean and mechanically safe small/medium mobile RV(under 20’ for now) with clothing and supplies so he and his dog can have a good place to lay their heads, relax and plan out his newest role and needed energy for the actions to pick up the pieces and move forward. This will be a surprise gift to him and we will keep everyone up to date on the gifting and Billy’s progress through the rebirth. **For those that may know or run into Billy, please do not inform him of our efforts to surprise him.

     Although incredibly tragic, we are so grateful that the injuries and loss of life in such a massive fast moving disastrous fire were respectfully minimal. Our hearts and prayers go out to our neighbors and friends who were unimaginably impacted by the Woolsey Fire and Camp Fire.


With gratitude from the Bush Family and Friends-

Blessings.

   


Billy's burnt out Camaro that he and his dog had to abandon while escaping the firestorm. This photo was taken approximately 45 mins after it caught fire.
The Camaro being reclaimed by Mother Nature after the recent rains. Notice the devastation of the surrounding hills.


The survived 1957 Dodge Town Panel and his property in the background after the firestorm.


Aerial view of what used to be Billy's two story home of 27 years, then just a pile of white ash.
--Google Earth 12-17--
Then a couple weeks after the fire.

After driving through the front line of the fire I arrived to my father's house, not knowing where he was or his condition. ***Please excuse the bad language***




Rough Christmas season. He may get angry with me for posting this photo.



Billy at the October memorial of his longest and last life long friend.
Dad and I presenting a long time family friend Larry with a wonderful portrait painting my mother did in the 1970s. This was in front of his home over 4 years ago.