Richard Cruickshank

Richard Lewis Cruickshank, 70, of Mansfield and West Brookfield, passed away at Good Samaritan Medical Center, Brockton, on July 24, 2022 with his wife and siblings by his side. He was the beloved husband of Donna G. Gay for nearly 37 years. They were married in Sturbridge on September 7, 1985. Born in Attleboro on September 23, 1951, Rick was one of nine children born to Vera (Nordberg) and  Edward Cruickshank. 

Growing up in Easton, Rick was involved in 4-H, the Grange, and Boy Scouts. He attended Sunday School at The Evangelical Congregational Church of Easton. As a teenager, he worked in his father’s construction business, Cruickshank & Sons, and graduated from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School where he excelled in his chosen trade of custom cabinetry. After his father’s passing, he continued working with his older brother in construction and pursued his woodworking craft. Rick’s skill and finesse with tools and materials produced many unique pieces treasured by family, friends, and customers. 

Rick’s interests included gardening, searching for flea market and yard sale “what’s its,” repairing cuckoo clocks, attending auto shows, kayaking, camping, and spending many hours enjoying nature. He appreciated vintage autos and, in earlier years, took pride in owning classic Dodge Super Bees.          

Rick enjoyed travelling with his wife throughout the US, maritime Canada, and Bermuda. Each summer, he always looked forward to enjoyable times spent with family and friends at “Eagle Camp” in South Hero on Grand Isle in Vermont. And, throughout the year, he took pleasure in spending time with his wife at their cottage on Lake Wickaboag.  

Family and friends will always remember Rick’s integrity, quiet generosity, sense of humor, and loyalty.  

In addition to his wife, Rick is survived by his brother, Charles Cruickshank of Easton; his sister and her husband, Deborah Cruickshank-Blye and Riche of Easton; brother-in-law, David Duarte in Maine; sisters-in-law, Susan Cruickshank in Maine, Karen Gaumond of Brimfield, and Martha Blodgett of Sturbridge; mother-in-law, Jacqueline Gay of Sturbridge as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was predeceased by his parents and six siblings: Edward, Jr., Waldo, Carol (Betzer), Dorothy “Dottie” (Duarte), Robert, and George. 

A private family celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations in Rick’s name may be made to Massachusetts Audubon Society https://tinyurl.com/2p9as6xn  or  American Heart Association https://tinyurl.com/mryttvdn

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