Patrick Cushman- rest in peace
This announces the death of a person we knew as a Maine road bike rider. Patrick "Pat" Cushman died cross country skiing on a Maine trail today. Pat’s death was just reported to me by Rocky Clark. Rocky, just this past Wednesday, cross country skied with Pat in the Portland Riverside area. Pat was in god shape on Wednesday and Rocky mentioned that he asked Pat to hold it back a little.
Pat was with us on various Monday and Thursday CCCP night rides. He prominently wore a PVC kit. Pat was of slight build and a proud rider. I know he had some bike races in his past.
Pat for the past three years, at least, rode the Loon Echo Century in the western and White Mountains of Maine. Pat was pressed for time during this year’s September Loon Echo ride, and I know he rode with the front riders, and at some point rode alone and ahead to finish.
During the 2006 Loon Echo ride Pat and I conspired/convinced a group of nine riders to turn back in the heavy rain at the Waterford stop. We turned, the nine of us, and stopped and shared coffee and food at a Bridgton café, leaving gallons of water on the floor of that café. I distinctly recall the fun I had with Pat on that wet ride back to the Shawnee Peak park lot. Finishing up with 45 plus miles, sopping wet, realizing that a wet ride was enough, we convinced each other that we didn’t need the 100 miles, in the rain. That we were smarter riders, and wasn’t that what is all about; riding smart.
My first ride with Pat was in 2005, again at Loon Echo. I did a break away at the start on Knight’s Hill road, he came up behind me, and told me I was riding well. He looked familiar, we exchanged names, and we rode on. On that 2005 Loon ride, I met and rode with Rocky, Kris Clark, Greg Fisher and Pat. Up until that Echo ride I was mostly a solo rider; had done very little group riding. The pacing was fun and I was convinced I knew Pat, but didn’t know how. At mile 85, going through the Fryeburg flats, my memory opened up. Pat and I had coached T Ball together ten or twelve years earlier, when both our sons were of T Ball age.
Rest, Pat, in peace.
7 comments:
I have just learned of my Uncle's death. I live in Colorado now, and just got the news. Many images and memories have been racing through my head, as I sit and try to write this as tears are streaming down my face. I have not seen or spoken to Pat in quite a few years, but I always remember him as the free spirit of all my dad's brothers. I am sadden by the news and guilt ridden that I did not stay in touch as often as I should have. May God be with him and his family now.
Hi Stacey,
We all thank you for your post. And thank you Russ for your comments.
Pat is my best friend. Wednesday, 12-5-07, we skied Riverside golf course on our lunch hour. I enjoy his smirk and his smile. We both enjoy mild trash talking and ribbing each other. Wednesday Pat said he had a brand new granddaughter, I said, gee Pat, you're making me feel old ........skiing with a grandfather.
This summer Pat called my house, my mother was driving through on her way to Boston, my mother had left her pocketbook at her home in Belfast......she was rifling through our house looking for money to get to Boston. My mother answered our phone and told Pat we were not home but she was looking for money. Pat said, you'll never find money in Clarky's house....I'll be right over. Pat loaned my mother enough money to get Mom to Boston.
Stacey, call me if you want more tales of biking and skiing with your Uncle,207-775-1140.
All our thoughts and prayers are with the Cushman Clan.
Rocky Clark
Man. What a shock. I had just gotten home Sunday night all smiles from the Pats victory when i returned Richard Hutchins call on my message machine. I just couldn't believe the news.
Though Pat was not a club member, I loved it when he would show up on our Monday or Thursday rides, sometimes with his son, cause there was just such a happy, positive energy about him. I'm not even sure what Pat looks like without a smile, because I don't think I ever saw him not wearing one. Yes, even during that miserable cold rain Loon Echo ride last year that Russ mentions.
He and I would talk about his turning over the reins of his construction company to his son and easing into retirement or we would complain together about being old while trying to keep up with the fast young riders.
Though he was definitely taken away from his family and friends too early I am at least happy that he was doing something he loved when it happened. I have often said that I hope I die while I am riding my bicycle. Far better that I miss a hairpin while descending Cadillac Mountain than not be able to recognize a bicycle in my 90's in a nursing home.
Pat, you touched more people than you even know. You will be sorely missed.
My condolences to all his family.
Kris Clark
Here's the link to Pat's obit if you haven't seen it yet:
http://www.legacy.com/mainetoday%2Dpressherald/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=99395016
~Dana
To know him, was to love him. Pat was my cousin, his Mom my aunt. He was like a brother. We shared many chilhood experiences, also adult ones. After seeing him ski, poetry in motion, I decided to learn. It didn't take long to realize I would never get beyond the novice level. He made it look so easy. A born athlete, a wonderful, intelligent, kind, loving man. That was our Pat. What a terrible loss to all of us. My heart goes out to Maryann, all of their children, and his Dad Guy, and his brothers Phil and Dave. Your love will live on in our hearts, and you will be forever missed.
Judy Mosher Fetzer
It has been three days since I learned of Pat's death and I am still in shock. I will miss his liberal compassion, his energy, his sense of humor, and most of all his smile. I will miss our coffee and lunches and and even the many winter site walks. So long Pat and don't forget that it is your turn to buy lunch the next time we meet.
Peter Howe
I have known Pat since I was 10 years old. He was my neighbor when I was growing up. I heard the shocking news from a friend. I still can't believe it. I will miss seeing him race by on his bike. He looked like a teenager in his gear. He was always quick to wave and smile.
He was the best neighbor. When my brother fell from my mom's roof a couple years ago he was the first to help. He talked to my brother and kept our family calm till the ambulance came. My brother had sustained a spinal chord injury from the fall. Pat was always asking how he was doing and offered us help.
I will miss him very much. My sympathy to Pat's family and friends. The world has lost a great person, heaven has gained an angel.
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