Darren Bush, Rutabaga Paddlesports & Canoecopeia

[Rob Stevens]

Darren is following his calling,...

how do I tell the world what's in my heart?

Sometimes the hardest thing is the rightest thing.

canoelover.substack.com

 

[pklonowski]

Yeah. I'm still processing this...

 

[John Sand]

Great article, thanks.

 

[MGC]

I can't say that I was a regular customer, but I did find my way to Rutabaga with modest regularity. How could a canoeist not end up there? It is impossible with today's search engines.
The idea of following his faith is impressive and beyond anyone's judgement. It is correct to call his choice a calling.
What I am surprised to learn is that the business will not continue. Somewhere in the team he has assembled or in this world of canoeists there must be an opportunity for someone to carry on.
When my chainsaw guy retired, he had failed to sell his business because the business was built on his repair skills. He had not found anyone to replace his talent. The business had to close.
I don't see that kind of dependency here? Maybe I should. Maybe I'm too far away to appreciate what Rutabaga is to understand that, but from where I sit, this looks like an opportunity for someone with a love of canoes and decent business skills to do as Darren is and take a run at a new venture.....

 

[Dan Lindberg]

Agreed, when my brother died, his wife sold the business to 1 or more of his emplyees, just to get some cash out of it.

 

[Dave Osborn]

Darren is a good friend. I’ve taken care of his wooden canoes for several years. This career change is a surprise and also not a surprise, knowing Darren. My hope is that someone comes out of the weeds to meet Darren’s expectations to continue the legacy that he is leaving.

 

[JClearwater]

Unfortunately I have never been to Rutabaga or Canoecopia but it has always been on my "To Do" list. I have however sold a business. My partner and I had an Engineering and Land Surveying company. We both wanted to retire but we did not want to leave our employees unemployed and our clients without the services they needed. We decided to sell to our only employee who was licensed as an engineer (Professional Corporations need the principals to be licensed). To arrive at a selling price we came up with what we felt the company was worth, cut that number in half and then negotiated downward from there. We settled on a price and it was done. I hope Darren can find a buyer so Rutabaga can continue to provide the gear and services so many people have depended on. I also wish him well working with Hospice as a Chaplin. Hospice is a wonderful organization full of wonderful people. My father, at 100 years old, is at home with family and Hospice is helping us care for him. Being a Chaplin is a high calling indeed.

Peace, Jim

 

[pklonowski]

Darren says Canoecopia 2026 will happen...

 

[Todd F]

Rob, thanks for sharing. Just spent the day with an old friend who will be retiring from my old profession helping my Dad who may go to hospice in the near future. As we fixed fences, cleaned windows, and prepped the house for painting we discussed our pasts, our kids, and our individual futures.

As I went through retirement/transition a few years ago I also had the self reflection we all go through to find another purpose.

I do not know Darren. I do know several of you and can say that your passion and friendship is inspiring.

I shared Darren's post to my friend to help him find his way as he continues to move forward and make the world a better place.