Christopher Matthew Cushman

Aug 21, 1957 -

Mar 22, 2020

Christopher M. Cushman, 62, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on March 22, 2020, from complications of the flu. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28, 2020, at Kincaid Park Outdoor Shelter in Anchorage.

Chris was born on Aug. 21, 1957, in Boise, Idaho, to Robert and Julia Cushman. The world was a blank canvas to Chris; he spent his life turning the things he loved into his career, whether it was teaching fencing at the Eagle River Fencing Club, photography, his art or blacksmithing. Chris was owner/operator of Penguin Arms Blacksmithing, his pride and joy, where he sculpted not only beautiful but incredibly functional works of art; he loved teaching and sharing his craft, knowledge and skills with others and was highly respected. He was active in the blacksmithing, fencing, Highland Scottish and Renaissance communities. The PBS Special "I am Blacksmith Indie Alaska" personified Chris to a T. He went to Dimond High School, graduated from Boise State University and attended the University of Alaska Anchorage.

He is survived by two brothers, Jay (Jennifer) Cushman and Craig Cushman; two sisters, Charry Cushman (Colin Cox) and Caroline (Micah) Marcotte; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Julia Ann Cushman and Robert Willis Cushman Jr.; and grandparents all from Idaho. Chris was a talented, amazing brother and man he will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a local cancer society.