Mr. Lester L. Cruikshank, 61, of Utica, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2016 at his home with his loving family by his side. Lester was born in Hamilton, NY on April 1, 1955 the son of Lester and Edith (Collins) Cruikshank and received his education in Utica Schools. For 25 years, Lester was employed as a corrections officer with Marcy Correctional Facility until his retirement in 2011. Mr. Cruikshank is survived by his daughter, Samantha Cruikshank of Chadwicks; son, Justin Cruikshank of Rome; two sisters, Carol Cruikshank of Utica, who lovingly cared for her brother during his illness and Shari Lamanna of Manlius, NY; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Eugene and Deb Cruikshank of Hollowville, NY, John and Linda Cruikshank of Ilion and William Cruikshank of Utica; a niece Joy Carter and her children, Jalysa, Shalynn, Mekhia and Jazmin who help care for their uncle during his illness. Also surviving are 6 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Lester and Edith, and infant sister, Bertha Cruikshank and a brother, David Cruikshank. Mr. Cruikshank's funeral will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 1517 Whitesboro St., Utica. His interment will be in Poolville Rural Cemetery, in Poolville, NY. Calling hours for family and friends are Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., in Lester's memory.