Stephen Arnold Cusick

Stephen Cusick was born in Detroit to Ira and Velma Cusick. He was raised in Berkley, Michigan, with seven brothers and sisters in a home built by Ira. After high school, Steve spent time in northern Michigan, living independently and distant from the societal norms of his youth. He loved the woods. Many know of the year he lived in an authentic teepee. Steve eventually worked as a carpenter in Fife Lake. After many years searching for freedom and independence, it was there that he realized that true freedom came from his hope and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Feeling led to attend a bible college, he planned to return to the city. Steve spent his final three months in Fife Lake, active in the local church and living off the land next to a river where he would bathe and drink the stream water that flowed from the hillside.
In 1983, Steve moved to Southfield to begin school at William Tyndale Bible College, where he received a bachelor's in religious education. Prior to graduating, Steve began to experience health problems. In October of 1986, he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). On the same day, he met Angie and took her out for coffee. Steve soon proposed, and they were married 10 months later. Together, they raised two boys, Ben and David.
As the MS progressed, Steve's ability to continue in full-time work declined. He found new ways to encourage others and especially enjoyed his role as a volunteer chaplain for Livingston County Jail. Steve boldly shared his faith with anyone who would listen. He loved his sons and taught them to value creation through camping trips, mushroom hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and gardening. Together they raised chickens, ducks, turkeys, and pheasants. Steve's vision and love for the land drove him to exhaustion on many occasions.
He continued to value creation and the people around him until the final days of his life on earth. He loved regular visits from friends and family, meals on the porch while watching the birds and kids play, a variety of music, and sitting with his dog Wilson. He was blessed to see his daughter-in-law baptized. Steve continually encouraged the people around him through speaking truth about Jesus and singing. People rarely left the house without hearing him say, "I love you."
Steve married Angie on August 8, 1987. He is the loving father of Ben (Stephanie) and David. He is brother to Paul, Deborah, Ruth (Dan), Claudia, Dan (Maribel), Elizabeth (Harold), Joel (Jackie); he is brother-in-law to Dan (Jackie) and Sarah (Jeremy). Steve is survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Steve often quoted one of his favorite Bible verses: " absent from the body present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8).
A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Ore Creek Community Church, 3374 Fenton Rd, Hartland, MI.Gathering to begin at 10:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are encouraged, in Steve's name, to the Reach The Forgotten (Forgotten Man Ministries of Livingston County).