When the elementary school in the historically African-American community of Parole in Annapolis was at risk of being closed, Rhonda Pindell Charles knew just who to push to save the school: Michael Erin Busch.
Pindell Charles wrote Busch, her state delegate, nearly daily in a quest to keep open the last historically black school operating in Anne Arundel County.
"Our community was disrespected and appalled at the possible closing of our beloved school," she said.
Nearly two years later, with Busch's help, Mills-Parole Elementary School not only was saved, but got a $3 million renovation. That solidified Busch's relationship with the neighborhood, said Pindell Charles, now a member of the Annapolis City Council.
"He was us," she said.
"Whether student, player, teacher, coach, mentor, delegate, husband, father, brother, parishioner, speaker, consensus builder, counselor or friend, Mike was a great believer in social justice and why we must even the playing field. Without a doubt, this is what Michael Erin Busch has meant to all of our communities," Pindell Charles told an overflow crowd that gathered Tuesday at St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Annapolis for Busch's funeral.
Pindell Charles was among those who recalled the late House of Delegates speaker as a warm friend, a dedicated public servant and a loving father. Busch, 72, died April 7 after being hospitalized with pneumonia.
Mourners, including a who's-who of Maryland politics, listened to Scriptures reminding them of the seasons of life — "a time to mourn and a time to dance" — and the Christian belief that those who believe in God will be rewarded in heaven.
A reception at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium followed the funeral. His family planned a private burial ceremony.
Busch had served in the House since 1987 and was elected speaker in 2003, guiding the 141-member body. He championed funding for schools, access to health care and improving the health of the Chesapeake Bay. All the while, he mentored new politicians and diversified the House's leadership.
Busch had "an enduring interest that ordinary citizens had a shot," said D. Bruce Poole, who was elected as a delegate the same year as Busch and became a longtime friend.
When Busch was chairman of the Economic Matters Committee, which handles business regulations, he tried to help the wheels of commerce turn without rolling over the people, Poole said.