Funeral services for 67-year old Michael Cruickshank of Torrington, Wyo, a Chadron State College graduate and former athlete, are Sat, Feb 19, 2022 at 10:00 at the St Rose Catholic Church in Torrington with Father Ray Moss officiating
A Rosary will be recited prior to the service at 9:30 a.m.
Friends may send online condolences to the Cruickshank family at www.colyerfuneralhome.com.
Michael Cruickshank was born May 23, 1954, to James and Catherine Cruickshank.
On Monday morning, February 7th, 2022, Mike was victorious and took God’s hand and left his earthly body to join God in his heavenly kingdom. Mike’s pain and suffering had ended. He is standing tall and whole and walking the streets of gold in Heaven with our Father at his side.
He lived his life filled with character and strength. Mike had no fear of earthly things. He loved with all his heart and soul and was not afraid to express this to anyone that knew him.
Mike was compassionate and caring. Even as Mike fought through his struggles, he never lost sight of who he was; who and what were important to him, and his faith.
Mike developed a passion for sports and athleticism as a young boy. He trained his entire life and was successful in football, boxing, wrestling, weight lifting and track.
Mike competed in college football at Fort Hays State University and Chadron State College, then on semi-pro teams in Nebraska, California, the Quad Cities in Iowa and Canada. Mike also traveled to Europe, where two semi-pro teams toured and performed exhibition games to European spectators for 6 weeks.
Mike was a Golden Gloves champion. In his first match, he beat an undefeated contender. This was a very proud moment for Mike and his family that is still talked about today.
Mike was also a collegiate wrestler and continued to wrestle in tournaments once he graduated from Chadron State College. Mike never lost his passion to be the best that he could be – a star athlete.
After graduating college, Mike taught school in Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas. He mentored students and student athletes. He coached football, wrestling and track.
He always had a smile and encouraging words for his student athletes, nieces and nephews. If they sought advice, Mike was always there for them. Mike was a champion, a fighter, a mentor and a great person of whom many were very lucky to have been able to share time with.
Mike and Deb met 37 years ago and in 1988 they were married. Their marriage was filled with love, kindness, respect, NE Cornhusker football, South Dakota pheasant hunting trips, and the dog & cats that were adopted into their family.
After they were married, Mike and Deb moved and resided in Kansas for 4 years where Mike founded Cruickshank Construction. In 1992, they moved back to Wyoming and made their home in Torrington.
Mike was so many things to so many people, loving, caring husband; hard-working entrepreneur; athlete; artist; and tenacious brother.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, Deb; sister, Barb (Ken) Kern, Rapid City, SD; brother, Dave (Janet) Cruickshank, Colorado Springs, CO; sister, Jackie (Rick) Cohen, Brevard, NC; sister and brother-in-law, Deanna (John) Wilber, Woodbine, IA; brother-in-law, Ted Newell, Sioux Falls, SD; two aunts, one uncle and nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his father and mother; brother, Steve and great-nephew, Zach Tuma.
Mike, you are missed deeply – until we meet again our peace is knowing that unending grief is also endless love.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Colyer Funeral Home in Torrington.