20/09/2026
Vale ~ John "Soulman" Bushell
I regret to inform that long standing and valued member of the Goodwood Baseball Club, John Bushell, passed away recently in Flinders Hospital after many years battling multiple illnesses.
"Soulman" as he was affectionately known by all at the GBC and around the league has been a consistent face at our "Family Ball Club" making valuable contributions over years across many areas of the Club.
Having joined the club when son James started playing in 1979 some of these contributions included; Grounds Controller 1987-88 Div 2 Manager 1987-88 Social Convenor 1988-89 (a year in which we had some very exciting and "major" functions) Vice Patron from 1998-99 up until 2016-17 making valuable contributions to the Patrons group wherever asked Facilities Director 2008-09 and 2009-10 Many years of selling Phil White's "lucky tickets" in his butcher shops raising much needed funds for the Club.
Ran the inaugural Seafood Night with Les Behrendt in 1989-90 season and contributed to this major function for many years after into the late 90's.
BBQ chef, barman or general hand around the club Soulman was always willing to help out wherever the club needed him and as a result was a recipient of many Certificates of Appreciation from the Club for these informal and consistent contributions.
Sponsor across numerous seasons and donated meat for fundraising and official events whenever asked.
Attended both the GBC Centenary Ball in 1989 and the 125 Year Celebratory Dinner in 2014.
Soulman was always in attendance at any game that James, Selena, Jessica or Jack played usually donning his quilted Goodwood jacket or other club gear from decades ago.
He was one of those members who was just always there, never afraid to share his opinion over a beer and when wife Helen and he moved in across the road to their Sturt Avenue home in 2012, he was at the club even more! The infamous "Soulshed" was never closed and many a club supporter dropped in before or after a game to catch up, sample some Mettwurst or homebrew and have a chat which he truly loved.
The passion Soulman had for the Club and the competition that baseball brought from our rivals was always a major factor that contributed to his love for our great game.
He even started playing for the club affiliated Apache's Winterball team in the early 1980's with other dads of the era to see what all the fuss was about.
If you haven't had a "Soul 5" you've missed out. His rheumatoid arthritis led to Soulman's own unique greeting or goodbye which he used as much as possible.
We are going to miss his post game chats, sage advice on the game of baseball & life and of course the offer of a cold beer.
Our sincere heartfelt thoughts are with Helen, James, Selena, Jessica and Jack and extended family in this difficult time.
Rest In Peace Soulman!
