Reflections on Jon Cushing

On Monday, July 4th, a fatal heart attack took the life of fellow Daybreak Rotarian Jon Cushing.  On vacation to visit his daughter in San Diego,  Jon was doing what he loved, an early morning run.  At age 56 we never know what God has in mind when he takes someone unexpectedly.  Life is but a whisper, a brief moment in time.  We mourn his loss and pray to God for comfort for his family.  Below is a tribute that was read by Ken Kolek on Friday, July 8th...

May we seek on this morning, to reflect on the impact Jon had on the lives of so many.  May we also seek understanding and acceptance of the loss that took one or our own; one of our respected and loved brothers.

May we also seek closure, not to forget Jon, but to take a piece of that which was the best of Jon, with each of us, for the rest of our days.  Jon had a subtle sense of humor that many enjoyed; unless you missed the subtlety.

He was gifted with a technical mind which he shared to help others, not only professionally, but with community, for the benefit of young lives.

He was open to so many, which included the Elmcrest manager.  Last night, upon just hearing the news of someone she testified the staff so enjoyed Jon and talked about her personal loss when she shared a time with both Jon and his wife Kim.

That same character was evident when Jon and Kim offered to share a table with complete strangers in Osaka, Japan not knowing that he was sitting with the next International President of Rotary.

Jon was a team player, cooperating in efforts for playgrounds, to bring the RI President to Cedar Rapids or the Duck Race.

Jon, you served your wife, your family, your profession and your community; and you did it well.  You served fellow Rotarians in this club, from being a greeter, to leadership as a director and president, to a critical puzzle piece in the most successful “fun” raiser.  You served your District and state leadership in your role as Assistant Governor.

You served the children of the world from Cofradia, Mexico to Polk School, and to unknown reaches in this community and this world.  You finished well, dear friend, last Friday, at this podium, sharing personal insights.

Coe won and Harvard lost.

Cedar Rapids’ win was Boston’s loss.

Daybreak Rotary’s gain in Jon was a win for each of us.

It is important, in a time such as this, that we respect the different beliefs in this room this morning.  So let us pray for Jon’s family… 

Regardless of our beliefs in you Holy God, we know your creation in each life was intended to be a life of love.  We thank you for Jon’s life and his living example of your love.  If we believe life is as simple as molecules, may we know that his life ripple will be sustained in the many lives he touched for a long time forward.  If we belief there is but only a Holy God, may we be mindful of the conduct of life you have asked of each of us and Jon; those being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  If we believe that in you is the provision of the resurrection and the life eternal; then we ask you hold Jon gently and trust in You the Lord.  Amen.

In closing, I propose a toast…  A salute to Jon’s life and memory.  Keep both alive.  Embrace one another in a time such as this, now and forever.

Jon Cushing, we salute you!  Let us depart and peace be with you.

And this my friends and fellow Rotarians is our news for this Friday, July 8, 2011.

###