Obituary of David Andrew Gordon Cruickshank
David Andrew Gordon (DAG) Cruickshank, devoted husband, father, grandfather passed away at the Kingston General Hospital on February 5, 2021, at the age of 83.
David grew up in Kingston, ON, where he credits Regiopolis High School for putting him on the straight and narrow. His time as a chorister with the St. George’s Choir was also an influential time for him. It instilled a life-long love of music that stayed with him to his final days. David continued his education at Bishop’s University, Queen’s University, and Worcester College, Oxford.
As a young adult, David was Lead Drummer at Fort Henry, Kingston, where he met the love of his life, Jean. They married and lived in England where David discovered his calling as an educator. His tenure at University College School, Hampstead, and later Westminster Abby Choir School, set the foundation for years of working with young people. It was during this time in England that David also discovered his life-long passion for Morgan cars.
David and Jean eventually moved back to Canada and bought a farm not far from Lennoxville, QC, where they raised their four children Andrew, Robin, Julie, and Kate. David continued in his role as educator at Bishop’s College School, Lennoxville, where he eventually became Headmaster. Over the years he was an Outward Bound Instructor at both Dartmouth, New Hampshire, and the Canadian Outward Bound Wilderness School at Black Sturgeon Lake. At B. C. S. he founded the Adventure Training program, was an educator, mentor, coach, and choir master, among other roles.
When not at B. C. S., David revelled in his life on Faraway Farm with his family, horses, dogs, and cats. He spent many hours cutting paths through the woods, chopping wood with his sons and friends, hosting cross-country ski moonlight parties, and enjoying time with his family at the pond.
For the past 20 years, David lived on Wolfe Island where he had the joy of watching his family grow. His favourite pastimes included building memories with his grandchildren. David was a devoted father, grandfather, and mentor to many over the years.
David is cherished father of Andrew Cruickshank, Robin Cruickshank, Julie Cruickshank, and the late Kate Cruickshank. Proud grandfather of Eliza, Sam, Cecilia Bradley; Owen Cruickshank; Quinn Cruickshank; Noah and Bram Cruickshank. David is also survived by his wife of 60 years, Jean Cruickshank (Millward).
In keeping with David’s wishes cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date once the COVID restrictions have been lifted.
For those who wish, donations in David’s memory may be made to Trinity Church, Wolfe Island, the Humane Society, or Breakfast Club of Canada.
