A caring professional
Obituary
Squadron Leader
Denise Cruickshank
1954 – 2002

Squadron Leader Denise Cruickshank 1954 – 2002

Squadron Leader Denise Cruickshank achieved a long-held ambition when she joined the Air Force in 1996 after a successful career in nursing and as an academic at Griffith University.

The Nursing Officer’s first posting was to No. 3 Hospital in a clinical position.

During her time at 3HOSP, she served on Operation Ples Drie (drought relief in Irian Jaya) and Operation Vista (evacuation of Cambodia).

SQNLDR Cruickshank was selected as OIC of the Alcohol Rehabilitation and Education Program (AREP) in January 1999 and then went to San Diego to do the US Navy Drug and Alcohol Counsellor Course.

In her customary professional and caring manner, she served in this position for three years and also did tertiary studies in drug and alcohol issues.

In January this year she joined Headquarters Australian Theatre as a member of the Health Planning team and made a significant contribution in a short time while also enjoying her love of theatre and good food.

SQNLDR Cruickshank was highly respected by her colleagues and her death is a significant loss to her family and friends, the Air Force and the ADF.

She died peacefully on December 8 at Sacred Heart Hospice in Darlinghurst, Sydney, after a short battle with cancer. Her funeral was held at Northern Suburbs Crematorium on December 11.

The rose grows beyond the wall.

• By SQNLDR Jennifer Dowling

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