Maj. Gen. Eugene G. Cushing
August 24, 1905 - August 26, 2004
Obituary
Major General, U.S. Army Reserve, Superior Court Judge, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away on August 26, 2004. Born in Portland, Oregon August 24, 1905, Gene had just turned 99.
He worked his way through the University of Washington playing the trombone with Seattle’s “Big Bands” and received his law degree in 1929. His professional career was extensive: five years of law practice and seven years as prosecuting attorney in Vancouver, Washington. During World War II he served five years as a Staff Judge Advocate, U.S Army. Returning to Vancouver in 1945, he was elected Superior Court Judge, Clark County serving 21 years on the bench. In 1966, he was appointed United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington, serving three and a half years in the position in Seattle. The next five years he became a Superior Court Judge, Protem, King County, then was elected for an additional four years to serve on the King County Superior Court.
Some honors received include, Legion of Merit Medal for Meritorious Service in WWII, Legion of Merit Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for services as Commanding General of the 104th Timberwolf Division, training for eight years in Vancouver Barracks. He was also a graduate of Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and served as Class President.
Gene held the following offices; first President of the Vancouver American Rose Society, Past President, Senior Reserve Commanders Association of United States Army Reserve, Past President Superior Court Judges Association, State of Washington and Past President of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association, State of Washington.
In 1965, on active duty training, Forth Lewis, Washington, General Cushing addressed his command of troops. “Today, as in the past, there are still many tasks to be accomplished by the members of this outstanding organization. Should continued sacrifices be called for, I am confident that the members of the ‘Timberwolf ‘ Division can and will live up to our present motto ‘Do it’…”
Gene continued to “Do It” his entire life. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Hightower Cushing, married 73 years; children, Kevin G. Cushing, Darryl E. Cushing, and Deberah Cushing Fox. He also left three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
What a joyful inspiration he was! On a sunny day, Judge Cushing would drive up in that bright red classic and hop out and greet everyone with wit and sunshine! Always, always upbeat and positive and spread that feeling to all whom he met.
Dad always looked up to his big brother, and I felt fortunate to be a member of the family. I never realized the full extent of his influence until the 1980’s when my supervisor in the San Francisco Bay Area told me he had studied General Cushing’s military career while in the Marine Corps.
I hope my children will follow in his footsteps to be model citizens for future generations.
Judge Cushing was one of the greatest/finest persons that I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was a great citizen,patriot,soldier,judge and man. God bless you Judge. I have never forgotten the kindnesses that you showed me.
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs.Cushinga fine lady,Kevin,Daryl,and Debbie.
I was privileged to have Judge Cushing swear me in a a new practicing attorney in 1960. I bnefited greatly from his professionalism and used him as a model when I was sworn in as a Superior Court Judge taking his courtfroom for my own. A few years later I was surprised when Judge Cusing appeared before me pleading a case in the same courtroom. Time cause our roles to reverse, and I had some anxiety in making rulings where he was the attorney. May his memory be eternal.
I remember bringing my youngest son on a “Dad’s weekend” trip to Seattle about 10 years ago and stopped for the afternoon to visit Uncle Bus and Aunt Ruth. My son was 12 years old and had never met them. We both were amazed by the stories they told, yes Ruth too, about millitary life and the prominent people they had met. My son Joe’s eyes grew wide at all the medals and awards. Then Bus talked Joe into going for a swim in the pool since Bus had worked so hard to clean it. What a great example of what life should be about.
Doug Cushing
General Cushing set a great pattern for me to follow, not only in years of service in the Army and 104th Division, but in quality of service to our country.
Wanda and I send our condolences to Ruth and Kevin, and to the entire family. The General will be missed.
Yours truly,
Major General Orville K. Fletcher Retired and Wanda H. Fletcher
The news of Genes death brought back so many memories of the 104th days. They are fond memories and I share them with you. My thoughts are with you. Rachel
Judge, you were and continue to be my inspiration in my career and in how I address life and humanity, in general. Thank you for your time, compassion, and counsel. I will fondly remember you always and expect that you will always be looking out for me!
With love,
Dana Reid
I was lucky enough to act as the Judge’s law clerk in King County in the early 70s. What an impact guy – truly professional in all respects and always in command! On the lighter side, he had a great sense of humor and injected an element of fun into a tough job.
My condolences to the family. I will remember the Judge.
I’m sorry to read about Judge Cushings passing. He was a good friend of my parents as well as my Commanding General in the 104th. Also, he performed my marriage to my first wife.
He was a wonderful man who gave a lifetime of service to his country.
Cush and Bill,
We love you and will talk to you soon.
Love,
Dick, Dessa, Jona and Ryan
I had the privilege of working from time to time with Judge Cushing in King County Superior Court. His professionalism, kindess and dignity will never be forgotten.
My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Thank you Judge Cushing;
You were and are my hero. God Bless You, Rest in Peace
Kenneth M Vereb
former parole & probation officer
Dear Ruth,
When I joined the 104th Division in January 1965, MG Cushing was our Division Commander. Kay and I were present in the summer of 1965 at Ft. Lewis when General Cushing addressed his command of troops. We have fond memories of his stewardship of the 104th. I retired in 1992 after spending 23 years in the 104th.
Please accept our condolences in the passing of a great patriot and leader.
Sincerely,
Colonel Henry P. Duvall Retired and Kay M. Duvall