PICTOU/STELLARTON - It is with great sadness that we, the family of Albert Cruikshank, announce his passing on Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the Northumberland Veteran's Unit, Pictou.
Born in Sunny Brae in 1924, he was a son of the late James Peter and Emma (MacKenzie) Cruikshank.
He received his early schooling there and at Pictou Academy. He joined the RCAF and served his country proudly. Upon his return home he married Lillian Chisholm. He was a respected driver for Pictou County Bus Services and the remainder of his working life sold vehicles for Casey Mercury, V8 Motors and Highland Ford from where he retired after 35 years in the automotive business. People were very interesting to him and he liked nothing more then to sell them a Ford!
Albert loved his family and friends and took great joy in the accomplishments of each one.
A true gentleman and a friend, he had a great handshake and a smile for all.
He was a loyal member of Sharon St. John United Church, Stellarton, and had a kind, caring and generous spirit.
He loved to write poetry for every special occasion and had a wonderful sense of humour.
His last two years were enjoyed at the Northumberland Veterans Unit in Pictou with his extended family of comrades, caring staff and generous volunteers.
Surviving are daughters: Cheryl (Robert) (Red) MacKean, Caribou River; Judy (Ron) Carruthers, Caribou River; Janice Cruikshank, Caribou Island; a son Jim (Phyllis MacDonald), New Glasgow; grandchildren: Mike (Jackie) MacKean, Shauna (James) Fraser, Tanya (Mike) Stevenson, Tara Carruthers, Lisa (Rodger) Morash all of Stellarton; Whitney (Justin) Cruikshank, Halifax; great-grandchildren: Devin, James and Brynn Fraser; Rhys, Keely and Blayse Stevenson and Cooper Morash.
He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Long, Thorburn; and Louise Cruikshank, Ontario; nieces: Alma (Charles) Mutch; Laurel (Eric) MacDonald, Trudy (Bill) Moore, Tammy Cruikshank, Sharon (Armand) Lorge, Ardyth (Geordie) Palmer, Audrey (Tim) Goswell, nephews, Robert Long, Kevin Long, special friend, Beryl MacMillan, Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his loving wife, Lillian (Chisholm) in 1978, a brother, Fred Cruikshank, a sister, Margaret MacQuarrie, and a nephew, Kimberly Cruikshank.
His remains will rest in the H.C. MacQuarrie Funeral Home, Stellarton for visiting from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday from Sharon St. John United Church, Stellarton, with Rev. John Roy officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Burial to take place in Heatherdale Memorial Gardens.
Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Albert may be made to the Veterans Unit in Pictou or to Sharon St. John United Church.
Royal Canadian Legion will meet at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. Monday to conduct their service of remembrance.
Online condolences: angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca