Barry H. Arkush

Barry H. Arkush, age 68, of Portage, MI 

Our rock left us suddenly, September 26, 2024. Born to Fred and Barbara Arkush (Mutchnick) April 26, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois. 

Barry moved to Kalamazoo in 1975 and worked for two decades in the wholesale clothing industry, eventually establishing his own import/export business. In 1997, he purchased Uncle Ben’s Uniforms in downtown Kalamazoo and soon became the go-to-guy on the block. Known for his friendliness, generosity, and kindness, he was the trusted keeper of keys among his business neighbors. He and Annette married in 1998 and together they raised their family in Portage. He was a proud member of Temple B’Nai Israel and wore many hats during the early years of their move to the Grand Prairie location: Board Member, Building Manager and religious schoolteacher. 

Barry is survived by his devoted wife Annette; children: Nate (Karina) Arkush, Drew Reese and Jaime (Nick) Scott; grandchildren: Chase, Carter and Conrad Arkush and Warren Scott; sister, Carolyn (Brad) Kennedy; brothers-in-law Barry Schaff and Rod Young; sister-in-law Peggy Bigelow; nieces: Brooklynn Lowell, Mara Bernard, Rayna (Felix) Shoihat and Rachel (Sam) Karp; nephews: Blake (Angela) Bernard, Stuart (Lauren) Schaff and Brian (Jamie) Zider; friends that became family: Connie Shoemaker, Sheila and John O’Meara, and Steve and Kathy Baum. 

Barry was predeceased by his parents; sister, Michele Schaff; parents-in-law Bill and Jean Young and his best friend Gary Shoemaker. 

A celebration of life service for Barry will be held Monday, October 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Temple B’Nai Israel, located at 4409 Grand Prairie Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49006. Following the service, the family welcomes all to stay for the Shiva and a reception directly following the service until 7:00 PM. 

Those wishing to honor his life and memory may consider making donations in his name to the Kalamazoo Dream Center, 1122 Portage St, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, or Make-A-Wish America, 1702 E Highland Ave, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016.