1923-2019
Doug Cushway
Douglas (Doug) Cushway was born on March 22, 1923, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and later moved to Regina. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 when he was 18 years old and served as a Transport Driver with the Royal Canadian Dragoons. Mr. Cushway lost both of his legs below the knee when he stepped on a Schu-mine in northern Italy. He received his first pair of artificial legs on his 21st birthday.
When he returned home to Saskatchewan, Mr. Cushway had a career in agriculture, raised a family and inspired others by being active in sports such as skating, curling, golf and cross-country skiing.
He has devoted his lifetime of experience to The War Amps, especially the Saskatchewan Branch, serving as:
- National Director, Saskatchewan Branch (1983-1987 and 2004-2019)
- President, Treasurer and Secretary, Saskatchewan Branch
- Member, War Amps Civilian Liaison Program
Awards:
- Distinguished Service Membership, The War Amps
- Honorary CHAMP Membership
Mr. Cushway was a strong supporter of child amputees by attending CHAMP seminars in Saskatchewan and helping with PLAYSAFE parades in his community. He also gave talks to children at their schools about his wartime experience and was known for laying a remembrance wreath every year on behalf of The War Amps until he passed this duty along to child amputees involved in Operation Legacy.
“The CHAMP Program has done a lot since it started. It makes me feel very good that it’s still going strong today.”
He shared his experience and his passion for helping young amputees in a video, A Lifetime of Service: The Story of Doug Cushway.
Mr. Cushway is the recipient of the Honorary CHAMP Membership and the Distinguished Service Membership.
He passed away on December 22, 2019.
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Awards:
- Distinguished Service Membership, The War Amps
- Honorary CHAMP Membership