Cruickshank
1950 - 2022
It is with very heavy heart that family announce the passing of Norman Alvin “Al” Cruickshank. Al passed on Thursday, July 21, 2022, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 72 years. His memory will forever be treasured in the hearts of his wife, Judy; children, Curtis (Cindy), Daniel (Jen), Mathew (Tiffany) and Karli (Derek); his adoring grandchildren, Cilo, Lauryn, Ivy, Ben, Thea and Hannah; brothers, John (Kathryn), Hugh (Carolyn) and Raymond (Donna) as well as many other family members who loved him dearly.
Al was a very special man. Soft spoken with a heart of gold and a testament to what it is to be a loving husband, nurturing father and dedicated friend. He was born in Paris, Ontario on February 4, 1950, to Glenn and Barbara Cruickshank and raised on their dairy farm with his three brothers. Al’s parents raised a fine boy who was studious and worked hard on the farm. He eventually left for the University of Guelph where he earned an associated diploma in Agriculture. Soon after that, in 1973, he spread his wings and decided to bless Western Canada with his presence, moving to Dawson Creek, BC. The first summer in Dawson Creek, Al’s adventurous spirit took him and a friend on a 4000 km bicycle trip. They went out to the BC coast, down the coastline, through the interior and eventually ended up at his Aunt and Uncle’s in Taber. Soon after getting himself back to Dawson Creek, Al’s life’s adventures continued when he met the love of his life, Judy. They got married in his new wife’s neck of the woods, Hanna, Alberta, in 1975. He was welcomed and loved by Judy’s side of the family (the Nelsons and Hoovers) and by 1978 the kids started to roll in.
Al was dedicated to his career as a property and land assessor which took him from Calgary to Peace River to Medicine Hat and winding up his long career working for the County of 40 Mile. Over his many years working for the County, he commuted to Foremost everyday from Medicine Hat just so his family wouldn’t have to move and uproot their life in Medicine Hat. Al also spent 37 years as a member of Westminster United Church and volunteered countless hours to the church and other charitable organizations as well as many more as a parent-volunteer supporting his kids many activities as he and Judy raised them.
Al loved spending time outdoors, hitting the open road on his Honda Goldwing, camping, hiking and traveling with Judy. Their travels took them across North America, to Europe, Hawaii and Mexico. But more than anything, Al cherished trips back home to the (still operating) family farm just outside of Princeton, Ontario. He was also a fan of motocross, F1 Racing and a lifelong fan of the Hamilton Tiger Cats.
Al was adventurous, thoughtful, kind and above all lived his life with a grace and positivity that not many do. He touched many and served as an example of how to navigate life’s many challenges with love, tolerance and faith as a guide.
The family had previously held a small graveside service putting Al to rest. Anyone who knew him is invited to a Celebration of Al’s Life at Westminster United Church, 101 - 6 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday August 27, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Al’s name can be made to the Salvation Army Family Support Centre, 737 - 8 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 1M6 or the Mustard Seed, 503A Allowance Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 3E4.
August 27th, 2022
Jackie and Rick Hammel:
Jul 24, 2022 at 05:59 PM
Dear Judy and Family,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. A life well lived leaves wonderful memories.
Take care.
Sincerely,
Jackie and Rick
Marg & Ron Schneider:
Jul 24, 2022 at 10:50 PM
To Judy and Family; So sorry to hear of Al's passing. Our deepest condolences to Judy and family. God Bless from Marg and Ron.
Marion & Dennis Radke:
Jul 25, 2022 at 02:57 PM
To Judy and Family: We were so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. He was a great fellow with a wonderful sense of humour. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Randy & Carol Bray:
Jul 25, 2022 at 07:53 PM
Dear Judy and Family; We are so sorry to read of the passing of Al. Sending our deepest sympathies to you and Family. May all your cherished memories bring you comfort in the coming weeks and months.
Raven:
Jul 26, 2022 at 09:12 AM
Hi Judy and Carlie; sorry to hear of your loss.
Dale and Lenora Stein:
Jul 26, 2022 at 11:16 AM
We were saddened to read of Al's passing, he was such a nice guy! Sorry for your loss!
Patricia Stonehouse:
Jul 26, 2022 at 02:23 PM
Dear Judy,
My sincere thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Pat
Dan and Doreen Hatch:
Jul 26, 2022 at 02:37 PM
Judy and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Alvin's passing. He really was a great and humble man. It was a pleasure working with him all those years ago. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Charlene Andreas:
Jul 27, 2022 at 08:10 AM
Judy and family,
So very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
James Farrell:
Jul 27, 2022 at 10:03 AM
Judy, I was saddened to hear of Al's passing. I so very much appreciated Al. I can't think of Al without thinking of his kindness, gentleness, subtle sense of humour and his seemingly unflappable nature. Perhaps most of all, though, I was always taken with the way he looked at you. The sincerity of his complete love for you was evident in his every glance. He truly will be remembered as a rare gem! So much more could be said but I hope these few words are a comfort and a small testimony to how others embraced Al and both of you as a couple. Just remembering Al, brings a warm smile!
Brenda Joyce Fischer:
Jul 27, 2022 at 12:10 PM
Dear Judy and family;
Have wonderful memories of Al from the church.
Jim so appreciated working with Al and respected him so much.
The loss of a parent and grandfather is difficult.
Please take care and be gentle on yourself for 'widowhood" is a challenging journey.
With heartfelt sympathy
Brenda
Mike and Joan Jantzie:
Jul 27, 2022 at 06:05 PM
Our sincere condolences at the passing of AL.
Terra Weber:
Jul 28, 2022 at 07:04 PM
To Judy and family,
I am sorry to hear about Al. I didn't know Al for a long time but I really enjoyed spending time with him. He always made me laugh, and he never turn me down to dance to Jan Joplin.
Terra from Masterpiece.
Karen Kope Spiers:
Jul 28, 2022 at 09:41 PM
Dear Judy and Family,
I was very saddened to hear of Al's passing. May you be touched by the healing power of prayer and may your loving memories of him help to bring you comfort and peace.
Karen Kope Spiers
Dean, Delaine and Evan May:
Jul 31, 2022 at 07:40 PM
Dear Judy and family,
How sorry we were to learn of your husband's passing via the M.H. News. I remember first hearing of Al's health decline when I met you and your sister in Canadian Tire one day. My heart sure goes out to you and all your family. They will be a tremendous support to you in the coming days. May you be comforted by our God and the hope we have in Him.
cooksl_admin:
Aug 02, 2022 at 11:11 AM
I was heartbroken when I heard the bad news. Al was always so happy and full of life, he will be missed dearly. My love to the whole family.
Dave Cruickshank
Sharon Burgess-Brown:
Aug 02, 2022 at 01:42 PM
Judy & Family,
I was so sad to hear that Alvin had passed. He was a wonderful man to work with & share rides with from Medicine Hat to Foremost.
He often talked of his family, & loved them unconditionally.
I hope all your wonderful memories help you through this most difficult time.
Sharon Burgess-Brown
Evelyn Aschenbrenner:
Aug 25, 2022 at 10:59 PM
To Judy and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Al was such a kind hearted person.
Garth Cutler:
Aug 27, 2022 at 09:51 AM
Judy and family,
I was so sorry to hear of Al's passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. May all the good memories of your time together help you through the difficult times now and in the future.
Garth Cutler