Obituaries

Perry Anthony Cushman, age 84, of Pickford, Michigan, died on December 30, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center-Sault. He was born on January 7, 1939, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Ignatius Cushman and Jean D. (Taylor) (Cushman) Haslett.

Perry grew up in Sault Ste. Marie in his early childhood, and the family moved to California where he finished his high school years. After graduation he enlisted into the United States Air Force where he served four years. He worked at Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department for 24 years. He was cross deputized with the Sault Tribe Police Department. He was proud to become the very first deputy to be appointed as Sergeant at Chippewa County S.D. He developed the marine patrol and was later promoted to Detective Sergeant and then retired as the first Lieutenant in the history of the department. After he retired from Chippewa County, he worked security for the Soo Locks. He then joined the Mackinac County Sheriff’s department as a Tether Officer and Road Deputy for another 19 years, retiring at the age of 75, serving a total of 43 years. He was known by all as a fair understanding “cop,” and he was proud of that. He was beloved by the community and often approached by young adults who thanked him for the free ice cream cone coupon he gave them as a child.

He met Diann Garlinghouse in 1989, and they married on September 2, 1996, in St. Ignace, Michigan.

Perry was a member of the Elks Lodge, Christopher Columbus Hall, American Legion Post 3, and the Blue Nights Motorcycle Club.

Perry enjoyed traveling around in his jeep and riding his motorcycle. He loved spending time with his family and making memories at the cabin in Paradise. Perry enjoyed reading and doing yard work. He enjoyed his antique cars and was in a car club as well.

Perry is survived by his wife, Diann (Garlinghouse) Cushman; daughter, Debra Marie Cushman of Pickford, Michigan; sons, Perry (Onanong) Cushman Jr. of San Diego, California, and Shawn (Debbie) Cushman of Buckeye Arizonia; stepsons, Thomas “Charlie” (Connie) of Sault Ste. Marie and Floyd “Ernie” (Tammy) Bumstead of Sault Ste. Marie; grandchildren, Nathan (Sarah) Cushman, Nicholas (Kim) Cushman, Kaylee Cushman, Stephen Smith, Melissa Smith, Tylor Cushman, Savanna Pinkowski, Josh Pinkowski; great grandchildren, Ava Rye, Kayson Rye, and Emmett Cushman; Favorite Niece, Denise (Haslett) Kappele; Sister-in-Law, Betty Haslett; and Best Friend, Cal Burnside.

Perry is preceded in death by his first wife DonnaLee (Collins) Cushman. Parents, Ignatius and Irene Cushman, and Jean and Joe Haslett. Brother, Richard Haslett

No services will be held per Perry’s wishes.

Perry’s final resting place will be Fairview Cemetery of Pickford, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be given to Road to Recovery, 500 Osborn Blvd, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, or Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, or Chippewa County Animal Shelter, 3660 S. Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.