Surrounded by the unwavering love and comfort that his family always brought him, it is with great sadness that we share the peaceful passing of Edward “Duane” Cridland, on the evening of January 25, 2024. We have only immense gratitude for the life of Duane.
Through the years of living with prostate cancer, Duane had the privilege of participating in many clinical trials. It is hoped that his journey has contributed to cancer research and will help others. Duane had the greatest attitude and fought his illness with strength and determination. Never letting the disease stop him from doing the things he loved, he lived his life to the fullest. Even in the last days he found a way to smile, laugh, share his hopes and dreams, tell stories from throughout his life and of course cheer on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Duane loved the incredible health teams who managed his care. He took the time to talk to every one of them (usually about the Leafs or fishing) and found a way into their hearts. We are extremely grateful for the doctors, nurses and astounding health care professionals who navigated the landscape of his illness.
Duane was born in Toronto on March 2, 1959, moving to Thunder Bay and then to Fort Frances at the age of five. He attended St. Mary’s School and Fort Frances High School (where he graduated without English and math!) It was clear that conformity might not have been one of Duane’s greatest strengths… he lived a rambunctious and adventurous life, creating many lifelong friendships along the way. His relationships with his high school buddies continued throughout his entire life…the laughs, adventures and stories never ended.
His early jobs included a paper route, working as a dishwasher at a fly-in fishing resort and at Safeway in Fort Frances and then in Toronto. He returned to Fort Frances in 1983, and joined his dad, Herb, at Gillons’ Insurance. Duane excelled in the insurance industry, expanding Gillons’ to nine locations, with over ninety employees. He was dedicated and worked hard; however, the true measure of his success was the respect and relationships he formed with his clients, his colleagues, and his employees. Duane was an entrepreneur and never shied away from new opportunities. In 2005, along with his family, he purchased Manitou Weather Station and has grown this into a three-location tourist resort. When he retired from Gillons’, Duane, along with his daughters, opened a restaurant, the Flint House. He has been a partner in Cantilever Distillery, as well as a participant in a condo project in Fort Frances and Toronto…he wasn’t finished yet…he still had tricks up his sleeve.
According to Duane, Northwestern Ontario was the best place on earth to live. He dedicated himself to his community as a volunteer working on a long list of community projects. His community participation was wide ranging with involvement in many charitable organizations. He never seemed to sit down. He loved what he did and kept our family involved in his adventures.
More than anything else, Duane’s deepest and greatest love was reserved for his family. Duane and Grace were married in June of 1990 and spent the next 33 years making the most incredible memories. Together, they built a life of love, supporting one another and embracing the moments that made life worthwhile. Fatherhood was Duane’s proudest role. He came alive in the presence of his girls and then it couldn’t get any better when he became Papa to six grandchildren. They brought newfound joy to a life that he already thought of as perfect. It was all about family and friends, working hard, volunteering, cooking and entertaining, the lake, traveling, reunions, celebrations, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and meeting incredible people along the way. With Grace, he gained a huge group of extended family in the Esselinks and Wielingas.
Duane had a passion for many things in his life, passions that took him on many different adventures and to many different places. He loved sports, especially baseball and hockey. He played his last game of hockey against Carter last year. If you knew him, you knew he was a die-hard Toronto Maple Leafs fan. He loved fishing from the time he was young and passed on this love to his children and grandchildren. He loved the water, especially Bear Pass and Rainy Lake. He loved the cabin, a good scotch, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, sailing and a good debate. Just sitting on the dock turned into a fun time with family, friends, and of course food! He had an amazing memory and told entertaining stories, sometimes with a hint of exaggeration. Duane leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, generosity, and integrity that will continue to inspire those who knew him.
These words cannot sum up the life of such a beautiful person, but it is a glimpse into knowing him. Duane will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife, Grace, his daughters, Chez-Lyse, Christine (Tristen Badiuk), Stacey (Kyle Knapp), and his most precious grandchildren Carter, Brody, Mya, Jasper, Briar and Grayson. He is also survived by his mother-in-law Linda Esselink, brother Doug, sisters Donna (Joan), Diane (Blair), Verna and Laura, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Liz (Ralph), Jack (Wilma), Gary (Betty), John and Irene (Kryn), his 27 nephews and nieces and 34 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Herb and Shirley Cridland, his father-in-law, John Esselink and his brother-in-law Derek Horton.
We had so many great days…just not enough.
Join us for a Celebration of Life February 1, 2024 from 2-4pm at the Fort Frances Memorial Sports Centre Auditorium.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Riverside Foundation for Health Care, 110 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, ON P9A 2B7. www.riversidefoundation.ca
