Our long-time club member and Rotarian of 58 years, Michael Cruise, suddenly passed away at age 95 at Waterford Delta, in Tsawwassen, where he had recently moved. He had contracted the COVID-19 virus and was in isolation, but was not suffering serious effects as some have done. Michael was a Past District 5040 Governor (1995-96) and a Paul Harris Fellow, who made many contributions to Rotary over the years here in this community, this province and overseas. Michael’s wife Beryl died in 2018.
Michael was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he attended school during his formative years. Later he rounded out his education at McGill University in Commerce and Science. His early work experience was with the Gulf Oil Company. In 1962, he decided to put his commerce training into practice and opened a General Motors Dealership in Campbell River, B.C. He retired in 1972. Soon he began looking for new challenges. He did some land development and opened a travel agency in Victoria.
While in Campbell River, Michael served on the Municipal Council and was Chairman of the Salmon Festival. His first exposure to Rotary was in 1962 and he has been an active Rotarian ever since. He was Chairman of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program in District 5020 for 12 years. He was president of the Rotary Club of Campbell River in 1972. He moved to District 5040 in 1984.
He served on many district committees. He has served as Chair of District 5040 World Community Service and as a member of the Foundation Dinner and District Conference committees. He was the Chair of the Rotary Friendship Exchange and World Fellowship Committee,
He led several Rotary Foundation projects in Cebu, Philippines.
Michael was a major donor to The Rotary Foundation and a Bequest Society Member. He is a recipient of the Rotary International 'Service Above Self Award'.