Tribute to the Bushes  

Presented by the Maine Funeral Directors Association and Collette Monuments

6/11/19

(L-R)  Richard Bibber - MFDA Past President, Edward Bibber - MFDA Past President, Luc Collette - Collette Monuments, Jim Lynch - MFDA Treasurerr, Julie Ann Johnson - MFDA President, Reverand Peter Cheney - St. Ann's Parish 

On June 11, The Maine Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) hosted a tribute to honor President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush for their significant impact to our beautiful state of Maine and the community of Kennebunkport. The ceremony included the unveiling of a Memorial Bench which was placed at the White Columns Museum in Kennebunkport. 

Despite the rain, Maine Funeral Directors, guests, and Kennebunkport locals turned out to show their support. Richard Bibber of Bibber Memorial Chapel and Past President of the MFDA welcomed everyone and shared some ‘local’ Bush history. 

Kirsten Camp, Executive Director of the Kennebunkport Historical Society shared details of the lineage of the Bushes and how they came to be part of the Kennebunkport community. Julie Ann Johnson of A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home and President of the MFDA unveiled the bench designed by Collette Monuments and MFDA members.  Reverend Peter Cheney, of St Ann’s Parish in Kennebunkport, blessed the bench and shared some fond memories of the Bushes. George Pulkkinen played the bagpipes and all participated in singing “God Bless America.” 

Guests were invited to tour the “The Bush Family: A Legacy of Giving” exhibit at the White Columns following the event.

Thank you to Kirsten Camp of the Kennebunkport Historical Society for working with the Maine Funeral Directors Association in allowing this monument to be placed on their beautiful grounds. Thus, allowing others to feel the appreciation and honor that we have for President George H.W. and Mrs. Barbara Bush.

Thank you to Collette Monuments for working with the MFDA in creating a beautiful dedication for all to share.