Following a lengthy battle with Lewy Body Dementia, Denis passed peacefully on June 20, 2018 at Cleo’s Care Home in Eureka.  

Denis was born December 1, 1935 in Georgetown, California to Ira Denham Cushman II (1911-1977) and Ruth Estella Davenport Cushman (1918-1993).  The family moved to Hoopa in early 1950.  At age 15, Denis worked at Risling Sawmill, up Hostler Creek, with his father, where he crushed his foot in a green-chain accident and spent an extensive time hospitalized and on crutches.  He started roller skating to avoid a lifetime of walking with a limp, however, the accident prevented him from joining the military.  Throughout his lifetime, Denis worked in various sawmills, as a ratchet setter, resaw operator, millwright and Plant Manager. He drove truck for Ernie Beeson and worked at the gas plant. At times, Denis worked two jobs, including McHugills Gas Station, an ambulance driver for Hoopa Ambulance, and with his father as a carpenter on the side. For many years, Denis and his father owned and operated Cushman Hardware and Building Supply.

On October 8, 1955, Denis married his wife of 62 years, Shirley Anne Keller, in Virginia City, Nevada. Together, they had four children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, who they were both very proud of.  Denis enjoyed working with kids, hence, he spent seven years as a Cub Scout Master, and simultaneously, six years coaching Minor League Baseball.  He loved hunting with his kids and fishing around the Valley.  He and Shirley moved to Eureka in 1987, where Denis purchased a fishing boat, allowing him to enjoy weekends fishing with his son Ted and his grandchildren on the Humboldt Bay and Pacific Ocean.   

Denis is survived by his wife and their four children; Denis Guy Cushman, August 27, 1956, Bellingham, WA (Toni Allen Cushman), one son; Scott Denis Cushman, with Teresa Carnohan, first marriage; Kenneth Ira Cushman, August 27, 1956, Naples, Italy (Isabella Morrone), two children; Nicole Maryann Cushman and Eduardo Simone Cushman; Ted Wayne Cushman, August 14, 1959, Eureka, CA, one son; Justin Lee Cushman, with Angela Jean Pulver, two grandchildren; Savannah Iva Lynn James and Justin Lee Cushman, Jr; Connie Lee Cushman Santana, August 15, 1964, Morgantown, WV, three children; Stephanie Ann Allen Klemp and Kyle Wayne Allen Klemp, with Marvin Kent Allen, first marriage, and Katie Jean Klemp, with Michael Scott Klemp, second marriage.  He had eleven siblings; Ira D Cushman III (deceased 1936), Shirley Blacksmith (deceased 2007), Estelle Zinda (Paul-deceased 2015), Cheryl Pole (Collin-deceased June 11, 2018), Charlotte Reckord (Frank-deceased 2005), Joan Williams (Wally), Ira D Cushman IV (Linda-deceased 2016), Adrienne Marie Thornton (Darrel-deceased 1984), Richard Cushman (deceased as infant 1955), Daryl Jay Cushman (Debbie), Berri Dee Pina (Mike), on Keller side, sister-in-law, Diane Vivian Keller Annand (Tom), and several Nieces and Nephews.

Denis wished to be cremated.  Memorial services will be held Saturday, July 21, 2018, 11:00 am, at the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Hoopa, with Virgil Pole officiating and will immediately be followed by a potluck. The Church is located at the very north end of the valley, toward Weitchpec.