Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Garth Cushman Obituary
PEORIA - Garth D. Cushman, 61, of Peoria, Ill., passed away Saturday, March 3, 2012, at his residence, with his family by his side.
Garth was born in Caribou, Maine, to Dana and Ruth Cushman. He married Rachel Sanborn in 1972.
Surviving are his wife, Rachel; daughters, Robin (Ben) Bryant and Jenny (Dave) Trout; son, Randy (Cecilia) Cushman, all of Peoria, Ill.; four grandchildren; seven brothers; and one sister.
Garth was the director of the Barnabas Center for the Peoria Rescue Ministries.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
A private graveside service will be held. Funeral service will be at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6, at Richwoods Christian Church.
Memorials may be made to Barnabas Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Garth Cushman
Peter Cyr
April 3, 2012
My sympathy to the family. I knew Garth from school in Caribou. I will miss him.
March 29, 2012
Dear Rachel and family, just found out about your loss, Iam so so sorry, our church has been praying for him, I wrote you a note but it must have been the wrong address, I know how you must be feeling but we do have the Blessed hope of seeing him again.I would like your adress, and your girls email so I can keep in touch, Iheard you dont do computers. my prayers are with you and even though we are miles apart I love you. My deepest sympathy, love Gail Jordan, PO Box 123 East Baldwin me
March 12, 2012
Rachel and family, I am still trying to realize what has happened. Garth was a person who showed up in my life and I could never tell if he was there for me or I for him. Just a great relationship that meant a lot spiritually. I'm thankful for our friendship which I'll always remember.
Dick Sheldon
March 10, 2012
Rachel,Robin,Jenny,and Randy, I was so sorry to hear of Garths passing.I remember fondly Garth, and yourself along with your three wonderful Children. I was sorry to see you leave, but knew God had a reason for calling you to your new home. My sympathy to all
March 9, 2012
Dear Rachel and kids,
We wanted to let you know how said we were when we heard the news about Garth. We knew you guys from the days when we went to First Baptist Church in Pekin. But last year my and I went to Garth for marriage counseling and by the grace of God, Garth helped us save our marriage and family. We are so thankful the you all let Garth share is time to help others and we are so blessed that we got to know your husband and father and what he did for us.
Are thoughts and prayers are with you. May God continue to bless your family and give you the strenght and peace knowing that Garth is in the most beautiful place he could be with Jesus.
Jeff and Shari Muehlich
Beverly Adkins
March 9, 2012
Dear Rachel and family, The last time I saw Garth, he was conducting the memorial service for Harley McMeen. We shared a few memories and a hug together. The word for me that describes Garth is "Real". Garth always spoke honest, genuine, biblical truth and he lived what he believed. It is just so hard to think that he has left us so soon. I know Harley is happy to see him again, just as we all will be together someday - maybe soon!
Rachel Hartnett
March 8, 2012
Garth was such an amazing and faithful man of God who I know is reaping his rewards in Heaven. I wish I would have known him better here on earth, but I know I will get to see him again some day. I pray that a peace only Christ can provide will accompany Garth's family and friends until they go home to be with him, and our Savior Jesus Christ. Thank God for Heaven!
March 7, 2012
...called home early I'm certain the good Lord needed him now for something big.... Rest in blessed peace Garth ! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones ~
May wonderful memories comfort you folks and be with you always ~
Our deepest sympathies ~
The Millers * Caribou Maine and * Atlanta Georgia
Nicole Carriere-Sweeney
March 7, 2012
My heart goes out to Rachel and the Garth's kids. I worked with Garth for a short time at Barnabas Center in 2000. He was a man of great dedication to the Lord and the people who came to him for help and counseling. His sense of humor was also a part of what made him a special person. I will keep Rachel and the family in my prayers. May they know the peace and goodness of the Lord in ways that they could never have expected during this time. God bless you all.
Bob and Connie Keon
March 7, 2012
Bob and I met Garth at Wildcat Mountain when the men were ski patrollers. When he invited some of the patrollers to Easter service and they actually attended, we knew that he had a special service in his heart. Bob and I also had the opportunity to kayak with him and Cliff on the Illinois River four years ago. What an adventure he took us on! He even rousted out a redheaded woodpecker from an old tree by hitting his paddle at the base! Rachel, you have lots of support and prayers as your comfort. We think of you often and are members of that support group.
Clarice Spangler
March 7, 2012
Dear Rachael and kids,
My prayers have been with you since I heard the diagnosis and especially during and since Garth's surgery. He was such a significant part of my mental and spiritual health for several years...I was very blessed to call him a good friend and counselor. I still have some encouraging notes from him and I still frequently pray for God to "reveal the truth" to me, just as Garth practiced and challenged me to pray. He will be so very much missed! My prayers continue for you all as you grieve for your loss, celebrate his life and as you sort through and share your memories. May God richly bless you in proportion to the ministry we received from Garth.
March 6, 2012
My memories of Garth are nestled in the family farm in Caribou where we grew up together under the .watchful eyes of his parents! My prayers to his family and to Garth: "Good night, sweet prince, good night. May flights of angels attend thee to thy rest." David Smith, Austin Texas
Brian Sendelbach
March 6, 2012
Garth helped me through a very difficult time in my life as he counseled me at the Barnabas Center. I am grateful for his life and ministry.
Tom Caughey
March 6, 2012
I met Garth when we were working as ski patrolman at Wildcat Mountain 40 years ago. He was the most enthusiastic, generous and helpful man you could ever meet. I often think of him his smile and appreciate the time we shared on the mountain. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
March 6, 2012
Rachel, Robin, Jenny, Randy, and familes. My prayers go out to you all. On another note can't you see Garth, Grampie, Dana, Bob Michuad and Dad all setting around talking about the days back on at CUBC. Garth was a special man and because of him alot of peole came to know the wonderful joy of living in Christ. Love Marilee Williams
Kirsten Albair
March 6, 2012
Phil and I were classmates of Garth at Caribou High School, and I knew the Cushman family from attending United Baptist Cchurch throughout my youth. We are sorry for the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. Although he accomplished much personally and professionally in his life, he is gone too soon from those he loved and who loved him. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Phil and Kirsten Bell Albair
Tom Hale
March 6, 2012
Hello Cushman family,
My name is Tom Hale a neighbor and childhood friend of Garth's. I would probably say that he was one of my favorite friends! Garth was two years older than me thus I looked up to him as an elder statesman. I remember when I was driving my car by the "Sag" when Garth was walking his favorite dog. The dog darted in front of me and I ran over and killed that dog. To this day I remember the awful feeling I had when I ran over that beautiful dog. Garth was so kind to me and showed grace that could have only come from his personal relationship with Christ.
Garth was my camp councilor at Camp Go Tell in 1965 when I gave my heart to Christ. Just one week later I almost drowned at the swimming hole near Myron Hale's on the Madawaska stream.If I had died that day I would have had my home in heaven due do in no small part to Garth Cushman. He was my childhood hero and I am sure you folks will miss him as I did when he moved away. We have the blessed assurance of someday soon being reunited at our heavenly home. With my best regards,
Tom Hale
Jared & Ruth (Thomas) Tozier
March 6, 2012
Dear Rachel and family. Growing up in Caribou I knew the Cushman family well. Garth and I were classmates and we grew up in the same church. Our prayers are with you and may God give you comfort.
Steve and Heidi Clark and family
March 6, 2012
Our prayers continue to be with you at this time. Steve and I were thinking about how much we learned from Garth as we were starting out...many great memories.
Ben Rediger
March 6, 2012
To the Cushman family: You are all in my thoughts and prayers...Garth showed us as boys through the way he lived his life how to be a great husband and Father.
Yolanda Wallace
March 5, 2012
What a remarkable man God gave us! I pray that his family be in peace as he is now at peace. I also pray that God's loving mercy and strength keep the family of Garth Cushman as I believe he walked the walk that he talked in counseling so many people and he prayed so diligently to help others. Thank God for lending him to us and his family!
Yolanda Wallace
March 5, 2012
May God's love which Garth shared during his ministry in Counseling comfort his family now as he is at peace. He is one of the most God fearing praying brothers in the Lord that I have met whom I believe walked the walk that he talked!
I thank God and his family for shareing him!
Jon/Bev Burnham
March 5, 2012
Dear Rachel and Family,
Bev and I have been praying for you and your family since hearing of Garth's illness. I did get a chance to talk with Garth on the phone some time ago to express our concern for him and his health. We prayed that God would heal him and in this way, He did. We are happy for Garth but sad for you and your loss. Garth will be missed by those he helped through Biblical counseling. God bless you and your family. We will continue to pray for you during this difficult time.
Love in Christ,
Jon and Bev
P.S. Bev has been limited getting out because she was just recently diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. This is a whole new ball game for us right now so we regret to say that we will not be at the funeral service, but will be with you in our prayers!
March 5, 2012
My thoughts and prayers to all of the Cushman Family. There are lots of memories with my Grandfather Miles Brown and the Cushmans.
Sincerely,
Ralph Williams Jr
Buxton,Me
Honoring Those Who Served-Ministry
Chaplain Richard Reuer
March 5, 2012
I wish to extend to you and to members of your family my deepest sympathy on your loss. May the Lord's loving promises comfort you and give you strength as you walk this difficult time.
"HONORING THOSE WHO SERVED-MINISTRY"
Chaplain Richard Reuer
1206 6th St. SW
Minot, ND 58701
Lorraine Crandall
March 5, 2012
Prayers are being lifted up for all of you. I have lots of great memories of our time spent together in Caribou. My Bible Fellowship Group in Texas has been praying for Garth and now they are lifting all of you up to the Father in love.
Angela Carson
March 5, 2012
Prayers going up for Garth's family! We know Tim and Sue Cushman and their boys, and will be praying for the whole family. Sounds like he was a remarkable man.
March 5, 2012
Our prayer's go out to your family at this time. Carolyn and Donnie Kelley
March 5, 2012
Dear Rachel, Robin, Jenny and Randy,
Sadness and joy felt at the same time reveals the hope we have in our humanity on earth and security in heaven. I have such precious memories of the Cushman farm and all those joyous events in the snow and in the fields. Garth and Rachel were such a model for my classmates and I to watch and follow as we developed into God honoring adults.
Garth - Well done on your journey here on earth! We cherish the thougtht of sitting at His feet along side you. We will be strong as we strive to continue our paths. Pamela Westin
Fred Fletcher
March 5, 2012
To Rachel and family my condolences. Garth was a great Caribou High School classmate, an all around great guy. He was always friendly and pleasant, usually smiling. We have been out of touch for many years, but I am glad to know of his children and grandchildren. To them I write, " Garth has left you a great legacy, a Godly heritage. Carry on in Christ." We will meet on the other side.
Penny (Hall) Gore
March 5, 2012
Lots of good times growing up on Grimes Road with the "Grimes Bears". He was always one of the first to groom the skiing hill at the farm and everyone got to enjoy his handywork ... with help from everyone. He'll be missed by a lot of folks. My sympathy to the family.
March 5, 2012
Our prayers go out to Garth's family. God's peace be upon you. John and Leslee
Earl Cecil
March 5, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of Garth's death. I knew him briefly in visiting Great Oaks Church a few years ago. May the peace and comfort of Christ sustain you during this time.
Joyce Pitman
March 5, 2012
While I didn't know Garth very well, my son was very close to him. He took the pictures at his wedding and anytime he needed advice he would go to Garth. I'm so sorry for the loss that everyone who knew Garth will feel.
Thank God for heaven!
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in Garth Cushman's name
Memorial Events
for Garth Cushman
Funeral services provided by:
Schmidt-Haller Burial and Cremation Service1625 W Candletree Drive Suite D, Peoria, IL 61614
How to support Garth's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Garth Cushman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
