Robert Alan Cushen

1929 - 2016

Robert Alan Cushen

Dr. Robert Alan Cushen, DDS, died peacefully in Palm Desert, CA on April 11, 2016, from complications of a stroke. He was 86.

Bob was born in Yakima, Washington on November 26, 1929 to Park and Doris Cushen. They later moved to the Laurelhurst neighborhood in Seattle when Bob was a teenager. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1947. Bob attended the University of Washington and was a member of the Sigma Phi fraternity. He went on to Dental School also at the U of W, and graduated in 1955. Bob will forever be a proud and avid Husky fan.

Bob married his bride of 60 years, Sheila Steiber, on September 10, 1955, and shortly thereafter began his successful and fulfilling dental practice in the Ballard community for 40 years. At the same time, Bob joined the Air Force Reserves and after 29 years, retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his family at their cabin on Henry Island in the San Juan's. Bob loved to salmon fish and took his family on numerous boating trips to various destinations around Vancouver Island. Bob was an accomplished skier and passed along that passion to his three children. After he retired from dentistry, Bob and Sheila moved to Useless Bay on Whidbey Island. Bob continued to fish and crab and became more serious about the game of golf. He and Sheila bought a home in Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert so they could spend their winters in the warm sunshine and Bob could perfect his golf game and later his bridge game. Bob was also an avid reader, fly fisherman, and was always up for a couple games of cribbage with his family.

Bob's main priority in life was providing for his family. We will always be grateful to him for exposing us to the natural treasures of the Pacific Northwest, ranging from skiing in the Cascade Mountains to spending summers in the San Juan Islands and on Whidbey Island.

Bob is survived by his wife, Shelia Cushen, and their three children, John Cushen (Mary) of Golden Valley, MN, Chris Cushen and Ann Martin (Tom) both of Seattle. He will be missed deeply by his five grandchildren, Evan & Hannah Cushen, Erin Cushen, and Matthew and Michael Martin.

We want to thank the medical staff at Eisenhower Medical Center and the many friends and family who provided support and prayers during Bob's illness. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice. Private burial on Whidbey Island to be determined at a later date.