William A. Cruikshank

     Mr. William A. “Bill” Cruikshank, 84, a resident of South Wilkes-Barre, passed into eternal life early Monday morning, November 22, 2021 while in the care of Allied Services Meade Street Skilled Nursing Center, Wilkes-Barre, following a recent illness.

     Born Saturday, July 24, 1937 in Wyoming, he was the last of five sons to the late Jay and Kay (Miller) Cruikshank.  Following the family's relocation to their South Wilkes-Barre neighborhood, Mr. Cruikshank was educated in the city schools, having attended the former E.L. Meyers Jr./Sr. High School, where he met his beloved wife.

     Following his formal education, Mr. Cruikshank served with the Pennsylvania National Guard, 109th Field Artillery, earning the rank of Sergeant upon his honorable discharge from military duties on January 23, 1961.

     Prior to his retirement in 2017, he had been employed in the maintenance department of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township for some thirty-two years.  Previously, he was employed by the former Pennsylvania Gas and Water Company and by the C.W. Shultz & Son Plumbing Company of Wilkes-Barre.

     Mr. Cruikshank held membership in the First Church of Christ, South Wilkes-Barre and is remembered best for his devotion to family.

     In his spare time, he enjoyed taking his family camping, going on outings and picnics; the many annual family reunions shared and especially traveling last minute with his beloved Carol.  He was a devoted loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather to his adoring children, whose presence will be greatly missed by all those he touched in this life.

      In addition to his wife, the former Carol (Daubert) Cruikshank, who passed on July 17, 2018, he was preceded by his brothers; Herb, Jay, Phil and Archie Cruikshank.  At the time of Mrs. Cruikshank's passing, the couple shared fifty-nine years of married life together.

     Left to cherish his memory are his daughters and their families, including Cheryl Murtha and her husband William; Lee Ann Martin and her husband Paul; Dawn Domanski and her husband John, all of Wilkes-Barre; Kim Kearney and her husband Jim of Mountain Top; Grandchildren; Sean (Sarah) Murtha; Brittany (Richard) Machey; Ryan Martin; Ian Martin and companion Maria Pisaneschi; Ashley (Dwight) Smith; Evan Domanski, Logan Domanski;  Christopher Bauman and Bailey Bauman;  Seven great-grandchildren including Connor and Emma Murtha; Taylor and Dylan Martin; Chase and Lucas Smith and Neala Machey; Sisters-in-law, Mrs. Bonnie Price and her husband George of Wilkes-Barre; Mrs. Ruth Bedard and her husband Richard of Sugar Run, PA;; Several nieces, nephews, dear friends and his beloved dog, Tucker.

     Per his previous request, funeral services for Mr. Cruikshank will be held privately and at the convenience of his family.  There will be no formal visitation.

     In lieu of floral tributes, Bill's family would be humbled if those wishing to make a donation in his memory, kindly give consideration to the S.P.C.A. of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702 or directly at www.spcaluzernecounty.org.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Home Inc. is honored to care for Mr. Cruikshank and his family at this time.  

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