George Alexander Cruickshank Jr.

George Alexander Cruickshank Jr. of Westerly R.I., passed peacefully on July 27, 2024, at the age of 90. He is survived by Elizabeth (Betty) Cruickshank, his wife of 67 years, older sister Clarece Thornton, son Steve Cruickshank and his wife Debi Cruickshank, his grandchildren Nick Cruickshank along with his wife Daniella Thorsdottir, Sean Cruickshank, and Dana Cruickshank, and many nieces and nephews. George is now re-joined with his oldest son Chris Cruickshank, who passed away in 1988 and was married to Laurie (Cruickshank) Scales at the time.

George was born in Westerly, RI to George and Clara Cruickshank, grew up in the neighborhoods surrounding Wilcox Park, and graduated from Westerly High School in 1952. A veteran, George surprisingly enlisted in the US Marine Corp at age 16, an outlier the Corps quickly corrected. He later joined the Army as am infantryman and spent his enlisted time in Germany.

George and Betty then met, going roller skating as their first date. Once married in 1956, they first settled in Shady Harbor and later moved to Dunns Corners to raise their family. During this time, George started his career as a pattern maker at Cottrells and eventually switched to Electric Boat in Groton, where he had a long career in inventory controls. Throughout his life, George and Betty had residences throughout the east coast (SC, NH, FL, and finally NC) but maintained a consistent presence in Westerly.

During his life George was active in multiple civic and community organizations including the Masonic Lodge #20 F&AM where he rose to the level of Master Mason, the South Kingston Lodge #1899 of the B.P.O. Elks, and the Dunns Corners Presbyterian Church.

George loved his wife and his family dearly. Upon retirement in 1990, he enjoyed traveling, running a small business in jewelry and coins, playing golf, watching live entertainment (Connecticut Suns basketball games and concerts), and taking Betty for scenic drives around Watch Hill to check on the construction projects. He was always happy to talk shop, share his expertise (often unsolicited) on any number of topics, tell jokes, and provide words of encouragement and wisdom.

A celebration of life will be held later this year in Westerly, RI. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, George’s preferred charities are the Chris W Cruickshank Scholarship Fund (30 Rockridge Road, Westerly, RI 02891) or the Friends of Westerly Animal Shelter (33 Larry Hirsch Lane, Westerly, RI 02891).

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