Al Cruickshank

February 4, 1950 ~ July 21, 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. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility.

• Date : 2022-07-21
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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