There is a suitable tribute to Coach Cruickshank in the 2002-2003 archives under the same subtitle "Always a Cowboy" so the accolades need not be repeated here. Nevertheless, it is appropriate that Jeff Cruickshank's departure from the Cowboys be noted it the historical timeline of the Cowboys.

Jeff was only the second coach of the Cowboys appear first with the team in their inaugral season. He quietly stepped aside for a year or two many seasons ago to graciously allow Stan Robertson to coach his son Donnie for a time, but was welcomed back when Don moved to Westbank, BC. He was with the team either behind the bench or in the stands for some 23 years and brought leadership, managerial support and accountbility to the players. It is difficult to find guys willing to commit so much to a recreational team in a coaching capacity, but I think Jeff appreciated what the Cowboys had and wanted to be a part of it.

As a player, there is something about having somebody behind the bench that really settles you and motivates you all at the same time. And it really takes the pressure off a team captain who otherwise is busy trying to play the game rather than organizing a bench. Continuing on without "Coach" would not be easy. A replacement for him would not be easy to find, and I think is safe to say he will never be replaced and will always be considered a Cowboy.