Mr. Richard Cushman
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Mr. Richard Cushman

  • February 14, 1929 - November 9, 2011
  • Auburn, California
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Memories & Candles

“I'll miss you Grandpa. I still have your letters that you and Grandma have sent me. You always sent me the most fascinating articles from magazines...Read More » ”
1 of 9 | Posted by: Codie Banczak - Tucson, AZ

“Dick was my first mentor at PlacerArts, lending his name and creative juices to a member outreach program. Dick's immense pride in Pam's art...Read More » ”
2 of 9 | Posted by: Karen Killebrew - Auburn, CA

“Dick was the heart and soul of PALS. I'll always remember the warm welcome I received when I joined the Literacy Support Council. His infectious...Read More » ”
3 of 9 | Posted by: Marianne Hendrickse - MD - friend

“I will always have fond memories of Dick and Pam attending various art functions that I was involved with. My conversations with Dick were engaging...Read More » ”
4 of 9 | Posted by: Victoria Brooks - Loomis, CA

“My husband Frank, who passed on June 22, 2010 always said Dick was the best boss he ever had. Dick was a kind & helpful friend to Frank during their...Read More » ”
5 of 9 | Posted by: Carole Durk - Hayden, ID

“How appropriate that Dick Cushman was born on Valentine’s Day. Dick had the biggest heart of anyone I know. He was always greeting folks with a...Read More » ”
6 of 9 | Posted by: Joyce Beeman - Auburn, CA

“I'll remember always the smiles, the advice, the encouragement....but especially the smiles! Aloha, dear friend! ”
7 of 9 | Posted by: Miriam - Eden Valley, CA

“Richard, I remember when Melissa introduced us, we talked about how I wanted to be a writer and next thing I knew, you were giving me your Writer's...Read More » ”
8 of 9 | Posted by: Kim Steere Bowman - Phoenix, AZ

“I'm gonna miss you my friend ”
9 of 9 | Posted by: Mark Banczak - Tucson, AZ


  • Richard and Pam on their first date - a blind date! Aug 13, 1952
  • PALS Coordinator Paula Westeren speaks of Dick's dedication and commitment to adult literacy. September 2010
  • Navigating in BC
  • Dad and I at Old Alabama Town where I worked as a Tour Guide. This photo was probably taken around 2003.

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Richard David Cushman was born February 14, 1929 in Norwich, New York. He graduated from Wilbur G. Lynch High School in 1946 and went on to earn a B.A in Liberal Arts from Columbia College of New York in 1950 and an M.B.A. in Accounting from City College of New York in 1960.

Drafted into the Army, he served from December 1952 - June 1954, receiving an honorable discharge as a First Lieutenant in the Finance Corps. He remained on Reserve Duty with the Army till 1964.

In 1957, he began a 28 year career with Diamond International Corporation, eventually retiring as Vice President and General Manager of Western Retail Division.

In 1988, he began a second career as a volunteer with the Tax Aid Program, helping seniors fill out their tax forms. After a year, he became the program coordinator. That same year, his love of reading led him to the Literacy Support Council. He not only worked as a tutor, but used his business skills to help the program achieve non-profit status, acquire grants, and set up a budget. Through the years, he served on the board in various positions. For his work with the Literacy Support Council, Richard was named the 962nd Point of Light by President George Bush in 1992.

Richard passed away quietly, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, November 9, 2011. He was 82 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Pamela Joanne Cushman, his daughters Cynthia Louise Hickman and Melissa Cushman Banczak, his sisters Sara Bouchonville and Cynthia Whited, and his grandchildren Danielle, Brandy, Codie, Richard and Kenneth.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Literacy Support Council, P.O. Box 5291, Auburn, Ca 95604 - 5291.