ANDREW RALPH CRUICKSHANK

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ANDREW RALPH CRUICKSHANK Andrew Ralph Cruickshank passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2003 at the Tri-Lake Health Centre, Killarney, MB. Ralph was predeceased by his loving wife Cordelia (Dil) Mildred Eileen Cruickshank (nee Graham) parents, Alexander and Millie (Porteous) Cruickshank. He is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Mike) Bellew, Killarney; Pat (Al) Dumont, Winnipeg; grandchildren, Leslie (Nick), Jolene, Jamey-Leigh, Andrea, Leah, David; great-grandsons, Kyran and Jade; sister Doris (David) Bain, Winnipeg; sister Bernice (John) Tyler, Vernon, BC; numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A special thank you to Dads breakfast buddy, Alvin Howarth for his kindness and friendship these past six years in Killarney. Ralph was born in the Inkerman District, February 19, 1919. He attended elementary school and began his farming career at a very young age. He attended MIT in Winnipeg and joined the RCAF, training as an airplane mechanic. It was during that time, at a wartime dance in Neepawa, that Ralph met the love of his life Cordelia (Dil) Cruickshank. They were married in Dils family home in Eden on October 12, 1946. Dad built Mom her very own home in the Union District where they raised their girls, tended farm and resided for over fifty years of marriage. Dad will always be remembered for his undying love and devotion to his wife Dil. Dad was moms primary caregiver for over 20 years while her health deteriorated with Parkinsons disease. Dad missed mom dearly over the last four years and never felt quite "whole" again. The family gives special thanks to Dr. J. Johnston, of Health Sciences Cancer Care for his care and devotion in helping Dad to fight his long, hard 20 year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma cancer. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Krueger, Dr. Peo and staff of Tri-Lake Health Centre, Killarney, MB for their kindness, care and compassion during dads frequent clinic/hospital stays these past six years. The funeral service was held on Saturday, November 8 at Whites Funeral Chapel, Neepawa, MB with Rev. Joe Ball officiating. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery. The pallbearers were Alvin Howarth, Ron Chatham, Don Cox, Will Cox, Graham Hunter and Murray Graham. In lieu of flowers, family and friends who so desire may make donations to the Cancer Care Foundation for Research. His granddaughter Andrea said "Grandpa will be happy again because now he is up with Grandma and they are both looking down at us with a twinkle in their eyes" and his great-grandson Kyran summed it all up by saying "He was a fine man." Arrangements were in care of Whites Funeral Home, Neepawa, MB.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 12, 2003