Memories of the Past are sometimes all We have to guide us

People point us in directions they hope will sustain us

At our core reside perceptions and remembrances of Moments,

Moments forever solidified in our minds of what we hope life will bring us in the future,

Although,

at that time we are unaware of what that future will be.

Mr. Cruse was one of those people. A Man who helped create Moments and Memories.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Cruse

Marie - Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family in the loss of your loved one. 

Mary (Mrs. Ted) Graham

Dear Marie and Family,
I am Pat Gibson's friend of 33 years, and I spent a lot of time on Oriole; you may or may not know that Pat died in '08. Pete was wonderful to Tommy and helped him in so many ways.  Pat just thought the world of all of you, so in a sense I feel I'm writing for her.  I was so shocked and saddened when I read the paper today.  First thing I did was call Nancy Saitta. We said over and over that Oriole Dr. hasn't been the same since you moved.  I still direct the NC Boys Choir, and I was  mus. dir. at First Pres. here, but before you all, back in the 70's. My thoughts and prayers go out to each one of you in deepest sympathy.
Sincerely,
Bill Graham, Durham

Dear Marie,
Lennie and I were so sad to learn of Pete's death.  We have such fond memories of our wonderful times as neighbors on Oriole Drive.  May you, Julianna, Chuck and their families find comfort in knowing that we and others are thinking of you at this sad time and keeping you in our prayers.  Lennie and Gloria Barton

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers. May you draw close to God at this time.

Chuck's Dad is remembered by all the kids who met him as a super, loving, understanding Dad. My memories are that he was the kind of Dad I always wanted. Our thoughts and prayers go to Marie, Chuck and Juliana.

I first met Pete and Marie when I moved into their neighborhood while I was doing specialty training at Duke Medical Center with my young family.  Their kindness and welcoming attitude will never be forgotten.  Pete introduced me to the Carolina ritual of pig-pickin', and I still remember gathering around his backyard roasting pit, tending to the cooking pig, and sharing stories.  Pete and Marie's house was the social center of the neighborhood and provided a cohesive center for us all.  Despite Pete's role as a community business leader, he was unfailingly generous in his time given to his less accomplished neighbors and provided a role model for us all.  He had kind words for everyone, and they will not be forgotten.

Sharon and I mourn his passing and offer condolences to his family.  Pete was a positive light in this world, and continues to inspire us even after he has left it.

So sad to hear about Mr. Cruse who I remember with many fond memories living across the road from the Cruses for many year. I always admired his love and devotion for his family, his hard work and ability to make us all feel like he was there for us if we ever needed him. I still remember the pig pickins in the summer for the whole neighborhood that kept us all connected. Rest In Peace Mr. Cruse.

Marie,
I am so sorry to hear of Pete's passing.  He was such a sweet man.  My prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness.

Marie

Sorry to hear of Pete's passing.  I enjoyed working with him in Kiwanis.  Robin and I will be thinking and praying for you.

John and Robin Crabtree

Dear Marie & Family, 
Al and I were so sorry to hear of your loss, Pete was a wonderful friend & neighbor for many years.  I enjoyed meeting with him in the morning while walking my dog & then I would always go on home with something special from his garden.  He will truly be missed by his many neighbors and friends, we all enjoyed his smiling face and thoughtfulness to all.

May our heavenly father grant you the peace and comfort you need at this time of sadness.

I would like to extend my condolences to the family. Death is never something we get use to. But know during this time you are not alone. Our Creator promises better days ahead. He will give you the strength needed to get through this difficult time.

Marie and Family,

We are so very sorry to hear of Pete's death.  

We were so fortunate to have known Pete.  We always looked forward to seeing  you and Pete at the Duke and Carolina games and of course the many times at Gail and Charlie's house.

We know you will miss him terribly.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Charlotte Chapter
Duke Energy Retirees

Polly Leviner
Chaplain

Mrs. Cruse:

I was so sorry to hear about Mr. Cruse passing away.  I have the fondest memories of your family in Durham.  Your husband was always a kind and gentle person and a good friend to my Dad.  It's no surprise you were married to such a wonderful person for 64 years!
Many thoughts and prayers coming your way from Raleigh, NC.
Martha Patton Michaux

Dear Marie and family, Mike and I are so sorry for your loss.  We will always remember Pete when we first met and the time he spent working on your house in Hampton Leas.  He was a wonderfull man with a great sense of fun.

We are so sad to lose Uncle Pete. I will always remember his smiling face, sitting around Grandmother Brewer's dining table and joining in the stories and laughter that was shared there. Praying for all of you as you grieve.

We are so sorry for your loss.  May God wrap His loving arms around you and hold you close now and in the days to come.  Our love and prayers are with you all.

So sorry about Uncle Pete. He was a wonderful, kind man and will be missed  by so many. Prayers for the family..

OBITUARY

Charles "Pete" Leslie Cruse Sr.

December 4, 1928 – March 22, 2013

McEwen Funeral Service at Sharon Memorial Park

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