TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-respected Cockermouth businessman who was also an instrumental figure in the Cumbrian rugby union scene.
John Cusack died peacefully on Sunday, October 5. As a mark of respect to the club stalwart Cockermouth RUFC will hold a minute’s silence before kick-off this Saturday – with all players, members, and supporters invited to join in honouring his memory.
The 84-year-old, who was a beloved husband to Elaine and father to Paul and Sean, was a well-known figure in Cockermouth and the wider west Cumbria.
John with wife Elaine.(Image: Supplied)
Following Mr Cusack’s death his family said: “We’re heartbroken to have lost John, but so touched by all the love and support we’ve received from so many people.
“It’s brought us real comfort to share and remember all the wonderful times we had together.”
Founding Cockermouth Travel in 1980, John grew the business to become one of the largest and most well-respected independent travel agents in the UK, and was nominated for the National Travel Agents Achievement Awards numerous times.
John also bought and developed the Old Kings Arms Lane in Cockermouth, home to a range of shops and a café, as well as the Cockermouth History Wall, which John was particularly proud of – it was re-opened by Lord Bragg of Wigton in 2011.
Joe Murray, co-chair of Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade, said: “We are so sad to hear the news about John and send our condolences to the Cusack family. John has been a key part of the town’s business community for decades.
“From opening Cockermouth Travel and Kings Arms Lane and supporting his sons and their families in their own business endeavours, he’s played a big role.
“We know he was hugely proud of the history wall he created in King’s Arms Lane too – especially when it won a national civic trust award and was opened by Lord Bragg of Wigton. It’s a lovely legacy of his commitment to Cockermouth.”
Melvyn and Cate Bragg and John and Elaine Cusack when the Cockermouth History Wall was unveiled.(Image: Archive)
John had been a great servant to the Cockermouth rugby union club, filling several roles from captain to chairman and president.
But perhaps his greatest legacy was the team of veterans he started in 1976 – the Rams.
It was a way of keeping in touch with his old mates from all over the county.
They had a no-kicking policy and there was a huge emphasis on playing champagne running rugby – followed by lots of socialising and singing.
In fact, it was generally well known that John always selected “a couple of good singers” in his teams.
Over the years the Rams have raised over £50,000 for various charities.
John Cusack outside of the Old Kings Arms Lane in Cockermouth is celebrating its 25th anniversary(Image: Tom Kay)
Following news of his passing, a Rams spokesman said: “All Rams players would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends and the wider rugby community.
“John’s passion for the game and his commitment to keeping older players involved in rugby through the Rams initiative has left a lasting legacy.
“We will continue to honour his vision by ensuring the Rams remain a place where older players can keep playing the sport they love while raising funds for charity just as John intended.
“His influence, energy and kindness will be greatly missed but never forgotten.”
John’s uncle Jim Brough was from Silloth and was one of, if not the finest rugby player to come out of Cumberland. He played for England after helping Cumberland win the County Championship and after turning pro with Leeds rugby league club went on to captain Great Britain.
John Cusack, centre, with sons Paul and Sean, who played together for Cockermouth in the Cumbria Cup Final(Image: Supplied)
It was hardly surprising then that John’s two sons Paul and Sean both had successful careers in rugby union.
The family name continues in the sport, too, with grandson Shane recently moving from Cockermouth to play at Aspatria.
John always said that his greatest achievement was playing in the 1988 County Cup final for Cockermouth at the age of 47, alongside his sons – Paul 25 and Sean 23.
He had started at Wigton, finished at Cockermouth and in between played briefly for Carlisle and Coventry.
A number of clubs from across the county have paid tribute to Mr Cusack following his death, including Silloth, Aspatria and Wigton.
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