Dr. Dwain Cummings

Cummings, Dr. Dwain Aka the Buffalo Doctor, Bill, or Doc was reared during the depression in South Dakota in extreme poverty, which affected his entire life. After his education, which got underway because of his WWII Naval service and the GI Bill for educating veterans, he eagerly entered his chosen profession of surgery. Dwain enjoyed treating all patients, whether they could pay him or whether they had medical insurance. He never worked for money. He wanted to help people improve their health. His patients were grateful and his wife admired him greatly for this. Dwain always dreamed of accomplishing great things for people, for improving the lives of everyday humans. He practiced medicine in Muskegon and Stanwood for 28 years and also taught Anatomy and Physiology at Muskegon Community College, both of which he found immensely rewarding. Along the way Dwain bought some farmland and installed a small buffalo herd there. That decision led him and his family down many interesting paths. He took pleasure in the books his wife wrote chronicling his buffalo adventures. His experience with buffalo and the books introduced the family to many new people and ways of life. In 1972 he became a "pseudo parent" to "Little Joe the Buffalo" his buffalo joy. He lived a rich life, full of dreams and he worked hard to see his dreams fulfilled. Some dreams were, some weren't. These dreams, along with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends, made his life a pleasure to him into his final years. Dr. Dwain W. Cummings, 88 passed away on August 15, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean in 2006, and a daughter, Kerry Ellen in 1958. He is survived by son, Dr. Bruce Cummings (Dr. Gracia Goade), their children, Madison and MacKenzie of Pacific Palisades, CA, and Morgan (fiance Sam) of West Los Angeles; two daughters, Dr. Bethany Cummings of Winchester, VA and Brenda Cummings Schrandt (Kurt Schrandt) of Fruitport, MI; two sisters, Jen Fielding of Cedar Falls, IA and Sylvia Brooks of Waterloo, IA and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers a contribution to Hospice of Michigan or the charity of your choice is suggested.