Robert "Bob" Anthony Cusack

Oct 12, 1944 -

Apr 5, 2024

Robert "Bob" Anthony Cusack, Alaska Master Guide, 55 year Lodge Owner and Outfitter, bush pilot, incomparable husband, father, and grandfather, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Apr. 5, 2024. Amidst the sorrow of this enormous loss, sharing memories of him and recalling his wild stories kept friends and family smiling, just as he did in life.

Bob was born on Oct. 12, 1944, in Peoria, IL. The 9th of 11 children to Dr. Patrick Cusack and Vera (Leary) Cusack, he kept his family on their toes. Even at a young age, he loved the outdoors and dreamed of adventure. He attended Loyola University Chicago and studied abroad in Rome, Italy where he established his lifelong appreciation for pasta, inexpensive red wine, and great tenors.

After graduating college, he served in the Army National Guard and was stationed in Alaska. In Alaska, he found the best place to channel his energy, interests, and talents. He began teaching school in the village of Aniak while guiding hunts and learning to fly.

In 1972, Bob met the love of his life and future partner in everything: Lula (Meek). A complementary pair, his quick humor never failed to keep her laughing. Even when he tested her patience, his charm saved him: she always thought he was so cute and funny.

Together, they started a fishing and hunting business out of a converted fishing barge on the Alagnak River and pioneered the King Salmon fishing in that area. His passion for flying, exploring, and taking risks, matched with his grit, resourcefulness, and visionary spirit paid off. The business took off and expanded. Bob and Lula built Cusack's Alaska Lodge on Lake Iliamna and operated for the next 40 years.

One of the first hunting guides to be licensed as a Master Guide in the State of Alaska, Bob garnered a strong track record and reputation over the years, becoming a world-renowned brown bear guide and outfitter.

But of all of his skills and talents, his first love was flying. He was an incredible, instinctive bush pilot with a phenomenal safety record. He was still guiding bear hunts and flying his SuperCub at 79 years old when he passed. He always said that he was going to guide and fly until he died, and he did.

He never thought twice about risking his own life to help others. In 1991, he was awarded The State of Alaska Medal for Heroism and a Presidential Commendation for rescuing four passengers from a plane crash submerged in Lake Iliamna.

He maintained a daily boxing regimen, always had a pot of something delicious cooking on the stove, was exceptional at keeping in touch (ie: on the phone a lot), played Dean Martin and the crooners on repeat, was an avid non-fiction reader, and, in recent years, enjoyed "friendly" competition at the local shooting range.

He was talented at so many things, but, above all else, Bob was an exceptional father to his daughters, Nicole and Marisa. He was boisterously proud of his daughters, their families, and their accomplishments. In later years, he was known for endearingly disseminating mass texts sharing their every achievement.

The rambunctious kid in him was brought out by his three adoring grandkids, who brought him tremendous joy. They loved his stories, his dependable ice cream and rootbeer float stash, his garden planted just for them, and all the love, warmth, and fun he brought to life. From his grandkids to the guys in hunting camp, he was always making the simple things exciting, always entertaining.

After 54 years together, Bob loved and appreciated his wife, Lula, more than ever. He often declared how proud he was of her and the life and family they built together.

He is survived by his wife, Lula (Meek) Cusack; and by their two daughters and three grandchildren, Nicole (Dr. Jonathan) Cusack-McNeil (Lachlan) and Marisa (Dr. Joel) Weber (Lennon and Esme). His siblings, Dolores Murphy (Cusack), Dr. James (Maureen) Cusack, Dr. Thomas (Dr. Sara) Cusack, Jack (Kathleen) Cusack, and Daniel Cusack survive. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Patrick and Vera Cusack; siblings Patrick Cusack, Gerald Cusack, and Dr. Michael Cusack. Siblings, Dr. William Cusack and Suzanne Nelson-Helms (nee Cusack) preceded him in death in 2024. He also leaves behind many beloved nephews and nieces, extended family members, and dear friends.

A Funeral Mass to celebrate his life will be held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle, Wash., on Apr. 4, 2025, at 12:10 p.m. PST. A link to a livestream of his funeral mass will be shared on his memorial website: https://everloved.com/life-of/robert-cusack/