Norman Laing Cruickshank

CRUICKSHANK, Norman Laing

April 24, 1916 – July 14, 2013

Norman passed away peacefully in the early morning hours at Extendicare at the age of 97.  He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Violet (Shaw); their six sons, Brian (Kay), Clark, Robert (Betty), Ken (Jan), Chris (Carolyn), Phil (Wendy) and  daughter, Diane (Ron) Lehr.  Norm and Vi have 21 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.  Infant grandson, Sebastian Lehr; a very special daughter-in-law, Janice, wife of Clark, predeceased Norman.  Norman’s mother died when he was 19 days old and he was raised by his maternal grandparents John & Jessie Laing in Lethbridge, Alberta.  In 1941, Norman joined the Air Force and was a bombardier instructor until being posted to a new project whereby he trained pilots in bombing by photography; a position he held until 1945 when discharged.

Norman spent most of his working career in the shoe business in Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 1970 the family moved back to Red Deer where they remained until his passing.  In later years Norman sold real estate with Rollis Agency and Melton prior to purchasing L.A. Reality in Lacombe.

Norman retired at 72 years of age and pursued his passion for golf for the next 20+ years.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 1:30 p.m at Sunnybrook United Church, 12 Stanton Street, Red Deer, AB T4N O8O.  In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Sunnybrook United Church or the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5.