David Forbes Cruickshank

David Forbes Cruickshank passed away August 16th, 2021, at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family, following an acute cardiac incident.

Born April 26, 1951, in Terrace Bay, ON to Forbes and Elizabeth (Betty), he is survived by his wife of 46 years Nancy (Lapenskie); his sons, Derek (Amy Armstrong) and Luke; his brother Jack (Dianne Little); mother-in-law Georgette; sisters-in-law Carol, Diane (Reg), Lynn (Dan), brothers-in-law Ron (Janice), Dave (Margaret), and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his brother Pat, father-in-law Bennett, sister-in-law Donna, and brothers-in-law Bryan and Alex.

After completing his training at Confederation College he became a helicopter pilot and mechanic. His career took him to many destinations across Canada, from Newfoundland to Northwestern Ontario to the Arctic Circle. After his career as an aviator he moved his young family to Terrace Bay and purchased the local Home Hardware. He owned and operated his own business for over twenty years servicing the local community and surrounding areas, until his retirement.

Dave was a true jack of all trades whose mechanical mind never met a building or renovation project that couldn’t be solved. He was a master builder and possessed a wealth of knowledge that was utilized in numerous construction projects over the years including the building of camps and houses, home renovation projects, and even a short stint building his own airplane. He was always generous with his expertise, and thoroughly enjoyed giving free consultations to friends and family. There was no place he felt more at home than with a toolbelt around his waist on a construction site.

He was a true Northerner and tremendously enjoyed his time outdoors, especially at the family camp at Ault Lake. Whether on his snowmachine in the winter, or his quad in the summer he appreciated the solitude of the bush. Dave also enjoyed family time vacationing with the trailer, camping at Neys, Christmas dinners and any get togethers where he could laugh and joke with others.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Angels Church in Schreiber, ON (Masks and social distancing required). Interment of ashes will follow the service at Terrace Bay Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather for luncheon following the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choosing. Well wishes and cards can be sent to Blake’s Funeral Home in Thunder Bay, ON.