AJ Busch

On the early morning of August 8, 2021, AJ Busch (44) departed on his final hunting trip. If there is such a thing as a "Happy Hunting Ground" we all hope that was his destination. Although his time with his children was cut short, they will both have loving memories to share with one another as they grow up.

AJ was born in Carson City, NV. As a young boy he enjoyed riding his pony Vicky, playing with his little brother Pete, chasing the ducks and their babies, and sitting in the garden eating strawberries (mostly dirt!) AJ also loved riding on the tractor with his dad on the farm in Iowa. AJ liked to play church ball with his LDS friends while growing up but was asked not to come back to church after attending a Sunday worship. He was told he was "asking too many questions.” He played football for West High School alongside his best friend Jason and played college football at Arizona State University. AJ earned "just two" bachelor's degrees from the University of Utah in Economics and Family Consumer Studies.

AJ took his "big brother" role quite seriously; he used his interest in sports to guide brother Pete to find his own sense of self. Pete grew in confidence while using sports' competitive nature to learn to excel as his own person. Though the boys were different in their approach to most things, each found a connection through that brotherly competition.

AJ was an avid hunter and outdoorsman; and loved spending time at his cabin above Heber City. He loved fishing and golfing with his brother Pete and their good friend Luis. He was trying to pass on his love of the outdoors to his two young children. We would often hear him say to the kids, “let's go, kids, let's go to the mountains!" AJ was well known for his exceptional cooking and when AJ was cooking friends and family were always excited and appreciative.

At base camp he leaves behind his dear mother, Terri Busch, his brother, Peter Busch, and his most precious children, AJ,4 (Karin Skidmore) and Skylee Dawn, 3 (Amber Critchfield) whom he loved above all else, Gram and Pop, Grandmother Arlene Amodei, and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins in Wyoming, California and Iowa who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by father Leo Dean Busch, Grandpa Alvin Amodei, son, Easton and his beloved pup Romi Bear.

A viewing will be held at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 6-8pm. Please wear a mask and help maintain social distancing.

We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers or gifts you consider making a contribution of any amount to the educational funds for AJ’s kids. Contributions can be made online with a checking account (you will need routing and account number information available) or you may also print out a contribution slip to mail a check. Please use the links below to make a contribution or obtain a mailing slip.

To contribute to AJ Busch-Skidmore’s educational fund please go to: https://gift.my529.org/M9TQB4

To contribute to Skylee Busch’s educational fund please go to: https://gift.my529.org/JIFNB2