Crescencio Cuevas

“Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant”
Born in Valencia, Spain, he was inspired to come to the West because of his love of the movies of cowboy Maynard and his “wonder horse” Tarzan. He served in the Spanish military in Northern Africa. He earned his medical degree, studying and training in Spain, England, New York and Canada. In the November 1965 Time magazine issue covering the “biggest blackout” he appeared in a photograph performing brain surgery with generator lighting.
When he moved his family to Bellingham in the 1960s, he became the first neurosurgeon in Whatcom County. He was an intensely dedicated and compassionate physician who cared deeply for his patients. He was never off-duty, attending to emergencies at all hours of the day and night.
A true renaissance man, he possessed a love of nature, biology, physics, music, history, architecture and art. He also appreciated the many small things that together create a beautiful life.
He had a vigorous intellect, a retentive memory and was disarmingly forthright, honest and lively. He embraced the idea that hard work, discipline and education kept the wrinkles out of the mind and spirit.
A prolific and talented artist of many mediums, he painted, created furniture to fill his home and built sail boats, often from unconventional materials. Before boarding his vessels he would announce, “ride at your own risk!” and he wasn’t kidding. When sailing, he could read the story of the wind across the water.
He deeply loved his adoring wife, Angeles, and they made yearly trips to Valencia, Spain to enjoy the Fallas festival.
Even during his last days, he chopped wood and kindling to fuel his famous roaring and explosive fires when the family gathered.
He leaves to cherish his memories the following: his loving wife of 51 years, Angeles Cuevas; his four daughters; Angela Cuevas, Ana Cuevas (Marc Pierson), Christina Cuevas Albert (John Albert) and Graciella Cuevas (Lee Taylor). He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren; Isabella, Alex, Sofia, Josefina, John, Lola and Raven. He is also survived by his brother Ramon Cuevas and sister Carmen Cuevas of Valencia, Spain.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you cherish your children, that you make their education your highest priority, that you tolerate someone difficult to tolerate; that you summon patience when there is no more to summon and that you turn to someone you love, right now, and tell them so.
The family wishes to acknowledge and express gratitude for the warmth and care he received from Whatcom Hospice.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no public ceremony or memorial.

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