Walter Arthur Cruickshank

February 21 1926 - Saturday January 27 2018

Walter Arthur Cruickshank passed away peacefully at home in Ajax on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his wife Florence (2008) and was a loving father to his children Wanda (Dan), Paul (Beth) and Lori (David). Walter was predeceased by his 3 brothers Angus (May), Reginald (Esther) and David (Joan) and his sister Esther (Ken). His sister Gladys (Lorne) resides in B.C. He will be greatly missed by his 5 grandchildren Peter, Erin, Barbie, Andrew, Amanda, Nicole and Jonathan Beeby and by his 2 great-grandchildren Emily and Harley. Dad will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends he has made along his journey. Walter’s story begins in Eshowe, Zululand, where he was born. His parents James and Gladys (Holmes) Cruickshank owned a banana plantation around Durban, which subsequently burned down. The family decided to come to Canada, the land of opportunity where the streets were ‘paved with gold’ as they were told. They eventually settled in Toronto where Walter grew up and completed his education. With the escalation of WW2, Walter joined the RCAF and served at Coastal Command, Nova Scotia achieving the rank of Sergeant. After completing his studies at University of Toronto, Walter began his teaching career with the Toronto District School Board in 1950 at Duke of York PS. After 34 wonderful years in education, Walter retired in 1984. His last 15 years were spent as Principal at Wilkinson Road PS. Those years were some of the most memorable of his career; he thoroughly enjoyed the community, the children and the wonderful staff. Walter was proud to be honoured on his retirement by having the gymnatorium at Wilkinson Road PS named after him. In his retirement, Walter cultivated his interests as the country boy he was. His days included visiting his cottage and property around Huntsville, enjoying the solitude, fishing in the pond, building a small boat and gazebo for the family to enjoy. In his 80’s the travelling bug bit and Walter did some travelling to BC, Florida and Myrtle beach. He enjoyed many fishing adventures with his son Paul and explored the Haliburton and Muskoka areas with his daughter Wanda, staying at Inns and Lodges for several weeks every summer. Life started to slow down 2 years ago with the diagnosis of cancer and Walter moved to Ajax with his daughter Lori and his son-in-law David. With the love and care he received in their home along with his positive attitude, Walter continued to enjoy life. He looked forward to spending time with family and travelled great distances to share visits with Paul and Beth in Hanover and Wanda and Dan in Ennismore. Walter was a kind, caring and God-fearing man who had attended Toronto Bible College where he met Florence. He was Sunday School superintendent at Jarvis Street Baptist for several years. He was a long-time member of The People's Church in Toronto and recently enjoyed Sunday services at Global Kingdom Ministries in Scarborough. He met many wonderful fellow members at GKM and kept in touch with them as best he could. Dad loved his family but after his 2-year struggle to stay with us he lost the battle but has gained eternity in his heavenly home.

"Well done, good and faithful servant". (Mathew 25:23)

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the many PSW's, Volunteers and Nurses who provided such great support and who allowed our Dad to stay in a home environment. Visitation will be held at the Jerrett Funeral Home, 660 Kennedy Rd., Scarborough, on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. On Saturday, February 3, 2018, we will have visitation from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm followed by a Funeral Service in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. Interment at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, 2700 Kingston Rd., Scarborough. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant House Toronto, 20 Gerrard Street E., or www.covenanthousetoronto.ca. Online condolences may be made at www.jerrettfuneralhome.com