Richard Cutshaw

Son of Albert and Mildred (Mileham) Cutshaw and lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1952 and began his firefighting career with Kalamazoo Township in May of 1956. After serving as assistant chief, he became deputy chief in 1992. He retired from the township in 1995. Started his career with the Kalamazoo fire department in October of 1964. Promoted to assistant chief of the fire division of Public Safety in May of 1983, continued with police academy August of 1983 to January of 1984. In August of 1985 he was promoted to Sergeant of Fire Training division of public safety and retired in 1992. After retirement from Kalamazoo police station and township, moved to Vicksburg and became involved with South County Firefighting Authority for his last stint of service. He was a member of many fire service organizations, certified institutes for the Michigan Firefighters Training Council. He married Sally (Brink) Cutshaw on October 5th, 1991. In Duke's spare time he enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and reading history books. He is also the unofficial memory world champion! Duke can recall very specific details about any given occasion right down to the date, time and weather on that given day! He also could recall where he left his tool that he used back in 1950!! Duke is survived by his wife, Sally; Children, Catherine (Steve) Lafferty, Jeffrey (Annalisa) Cutshaw; stepsons Michael (Cara) Brink, Scott Brink (Beth); Jeffrey Brink; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sister, Kay Vermeulen and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents and one granddaughter, Jenna Brink. Friends are welcome to join the family for a memorial gathering from 10AM to 11:30AM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 3926 South 9th Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009. Service will be held after visitation, and everyone is welcome to stay for lunch at the same location. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Pretty Lake Camp, 9123 W Q Avenue, Mattawan, Michigan 49071. To view Duke's Personalized guestbook, please visit

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