Captain (Rt’d) Douglas Albert Cushman, RCAF
Nov 28 1946 – Oct 31 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Douglas Albert Cushman. In 1966 Doug began his career in the RCAF and served 21 years attaining the rank of Captain as a Fighter Pilot where he flew CF101 Voodoo Interceptors plus various fixed wing aircraft and helicopters throughout Canada. Because of his vast flying experience and formidable skills he was selected to fly at the Bristol Aerospace factory in Winnipeg where he served as the Chief Maintenance Test Pilot where he managed to fly every Canadian Voodoo in service during that time. He taught on staff at the Instrument Check Pilot School and later joined Transport Canada HQ in Ottawa where he flew Cessna Citations biz jets as a Standards Check Pilot. He finally capped his flying career with a seven year stint at the Civil Aviation Authority in the Cayman Islands. Doug was a master story teller and stand up comedian who was able to entertain and captivate his audience with his unending repertoire of stories and anecdotes. It brings to us a sense of peace knowing that now and forever he will be with his one true love, Kathy, who left us far too soon in 2017. He is survived by his 3 children Gillian, Susan and Peter and his sisters Ruthie and Peggy. Arrangements have been made to have Douglas interred in Ottawa.
“Cush you were indeed a fine steely eyed fighter pilot!”
Digital Guestbook
Stanley Conley
Carolyn Laird (Schaus)
Barb and Dave let us know that Doug had died and we want to send our condolences to everyone. I remember he visited Jamie and I in London after our first son John was born and told us he had just “enlisted” to flying school in the Air Force and was so excited! He was a lucky man to have fulfilled a dream, have a wonderful wife and family and enjoy life along the way. What more can one ask.
Peter krayer
In 1967 - 68 while Doug was in Portage la Prairie flying Expeditors, I was a student at the Air Navigation School in Winnipeg. Doug regularly attended our Saturday night dances and would regale the crowd with his sound effects of an Expeditor doing a loop when the band took a break. The band was The Guess Who, but I remember Doug far better than them! Have a good final flight Doug; kick the tires, light the fires,. call the tower, full power, first one airborne is the leader, and we'll brief on Guard.
Bruce "Bez" Beswick
It is time to stand down Brother.
Your watch is over.
Others will take it from here.
May you be safe in God's Arms.
May His Angels look after your family.
RIP
Kip & Sylvia Kippel
Doug and I joined the same year. While I was never posted to the same unit our paths crossed many times during our careers. Eventually he became our next door neighbour in Winnipeg while I was at AirCom HQ and he was at Bristol. We fondly remember the kids playing in our pool and the cocktail parties and socials we had together . Out condolences to the children. May he rest in peace.
Tove Brown
I have such wonderful memories of Doug and Kathy in the Cayman Islands and it does not seem the same anymore. Doug was always full of life and endless tales. He will live on in our hearts.
Mike and Ana Wilcox
RIP Doug. You and Kathy enriched our lives in Cayman.
Randy and Sue
We are so sorry for your loss Ruth. We know how close you and your brother were. He will be sadly missed but remembered lovingly
David and Brenda Merritt
Condolences to the family. We enjoyed their company on the base in Moose Jaw. Sounds like Doug and Kathy went on to have a very fulfilling and happy life.
While I did not know Doug (or Kathy) for that long, there are so many memories. We connected through trains and models of trains, CN steam, St. Mary's, Pies, sharing meals and hearing many many tales of times and places, and many laughs. Glad they were part of my life and will miss them both.