Bernard Joseph O’Connell Cruickshank
Jun 17, 2011 12:00 am
REGION -- Bernard (Barney) Joseph O’Connell Cruickshank, 90, died peacefully on June 4, 2011 at Leisureworld Tullamore where he loved the food and felt at home.
Barney was born Jan. 17, 1921 in England. Barney fought courageously in North Africa as a member of the British army.
Barney then became a chef for the famous Dorchester hotel in London, England. Barney’s journey changed directions and he became a Ballroom, Latin American and later Disco dance instructor. He was the undefeated Kent Olde Time Champion three years in a row.
He waltzed into the heart of Pam who was a dance student of his and they married in 1955. Pam’s dance card was now full. They would go on to have six children. When Pam was in a car accident, Barney went into the burning car to rescue her. He was very courageous. Barney and Pam shared their love with others when they held dances to raise money for charitable organizations. Barney wrote several dance books including his most famous “How to Learn Social Dance in Ten Weeks.” Through his son-in-law, Mike, Barney learned how to do target shooting.. He became a member of IPSIC and later a range officer.
He enjoyed volunteering for IPSIC and was very touched when he recently received a lifetime membership and recognition award for his contribution to the organization. He loved to talk about the gun club. He was also proud of Mike and his granddaughter Sarah’s achievements in IPSIC.
Barney was predeceased by his wife, Pamela Ellen Cruickshank.
He is survived by his six children, Mary Cruickshank of England; Anne Marie Mahar of Rumford; Cathy Lao and her husband Mike, of Ontario, Canada; Barney Cruickshank and his wife, Stefanie, of Korschenbroich, Germany; Martin Cruickshank and his fiance, Charlotte Richmond of Ontario, Canada; Elizabeth Cruickshank of Ontario, Canada; and grandchildren, Amy Jane and Adam Mahar, Marissa Forgie (and husband Dale), Sarah Lao, Alexander, Benjamin and Andrew Cruickshank, Liam and Sammey Brambscome.
Barney is now dancing with the Heavenly stars and taking aim at the shooting stars.