Donald Cushing

Don was born in Englewood on March 18, 1934. His parents were Colbert and Mabel Cushing. At age three, his family moved to 3791 S. Sherman, which would become their home for the next 55 years.

Don attended Lowell Elementary School at Hampden and Sherman Streets. The summers were full with swimming in the lake at Washington Park, and watching Old Timers Baseball.

Next came Junior High, which was on the first floor of the old Flood Middle School building. Don played trumpet in the band, was in Junior Honor Society, and elected Head Boy during his 9th grade. He became involved in competitive swimming while spending most of his time at the Lions Club outdoor pool.

At Englewood High School, he participated in band, football, and track. Despite living just two blocks from school, he got his first car during his senior year - a 1937 Chevrolet coupe. Summers were filled with competitive swimming, life guarding, and fishing trips with Dad, and his older brother Bert.

College took Don to Colorado A&M for the first year and then to the University of Denver. Don worked for tuition as manager of the football team. This became more fun than work, and developed many lasting friendships. He graduated in 1956 with a B.A. in Education, and followed that up with a Masters in 1962. During the summers, he life guarded and coached some 80 youngsters on the Englewood Swim Club team.

In the fall of 1956, Don accepted a teaching position with Bent County Schools in Las Animas for $3,300 a year plus $600 for coaching three sports. That year included: shucking corn, branding and castrating calves, living through a 54-hour dust storm that blocked out the sun, and thoroughly enjoying small town life.

The next year, Don signed a contract with Englewood Public Schools. For the next 32 years he would teach Physical Education, General Science, serve as Assistant Principal at Flood Middle School, and High School Athletic Director. During the first 11 years, Don coached cross country running and track. During this time, he started dating a student teacher at Sinclair Middle School. It didn't take Don long to realize that Peggy Jones was the girl for him. They were married on December 26, 1964.

From that marriage were born sons, Joe (1967) and Jon (1970). Joe is now teaching 8th grade American history in Jefferson County, and lives in Denver with his girlfriend, Abbey. Jon is teaching art in Highlands Ranch, where he also coaches basketball. Jon and his wife, Stacy, have blessed the family with two grandchildren - Nathan and Kaitlyn.

In 1998, Peg and Don sold their home of 31 years in Littleton and moved into a townhouse in Highlands Ranch.

Don's interests have included: building and enjoying their cabin near Kenosha Pass, vacation trips with Peg and the family, involvement with Colorado Special Olympics, Friday ROMEO breakfasts, poker & golf with friends, and the eternal search for that special trout.

Don was approaching his 82nd birthday when he passed.

Don is also survived by his brother Bert Cushing and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service, Sunday, February 28, 2016, 2:00pm, Horan & McConaty, 5303 East County Line Road in Centennial.

Memorial Donations suggested to Special Olympics Colorado, 384 Inverness Pkwy #100, Englewood, CO 80112 or Colorado Trout Unlimited, 1536 Wynkoop St. Denver, CO 80202