DENNIS RUTHIG

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DENNIS RUTHIG June 14, 1938 - October 10, 2008 It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dennis Ruthig announce his passing, peacefully at home Friday, October 10 at the age of 70. Dennis will be very sadly missed by his loving wife of 43 years, Audrey (nee Watt), his children, Kelly (Dave), David (Jen), Michael (Joelle), (Ken MacGarva), and his adoring grandchildren, Colton, Riley, Trenton, baby Madelyn and his little pup Koby. He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Irene Ruthig, brothers, Jerry, Allan, Jimmy, sister Janice (Wonsul) and beloved daughter Cindy in August of 2005. Dennis grew up in the Point Douglas area where he attended Argyle and Tec-Voc schools. It was throughout this time that he made many life long friendships which stood the test of time. They continued to hunt and fish well into their married lives. At age 19 Dennis began long distance trucking with his father and brother Jerry, beginning to build a trucking business until the tragic accident in 1962 in Garry, Indiana, that took both their lives. At this time Dennis made the tough decision to abandon the family trucking business and began what was to be a 31-year transport-driving career with Canada Safeway, where he remained until his retirement in 1996. On September 25, 1965 Dennis married his devoted wife Audrey and they began raising a family in the North Kildonan area. Every Saturday in the summer, after his scheduled run to Dryden and back, he would come home pack up the car, pick up his mother and her dog, then it was back on the same highway he had just driven to head to the cottage he loved at Long Pine Lake, Ingolf, Ontario. It was here that he gave his family lasting memories. From teaching all of us to swim, drive a boat, water ski, and eventually teaching two generations of children how to do what he especially loved FISH . His grandson Colton will always remember the big fishing trip to Gordon Lake, with his grandpa. Dennis made many fly in fishing trips to Sassaginigak Lake. He also began to take a passionate liking to flying. It wouldn't be until many years later that two of his children would also share this passion. Dennis was extremely proud to tell everyone that his daughter Kelly was a pilot and had her own airplane, and that David who knew every plane ever made would be following the same path. Dennis was truly a people person. He could command an audience in any room with his gift of gab. His stories and jokes would have us all in stitches. Lucky for us this legacy continues as his son Mike is a carbon copy of his personality. If anything needed to be fixed or built around the cabin or house, Dennis always had the know how to get it done. Here we are also fortunate as the apple did not fall far from the tree as we now have David that can do it all. Dad was also a huge sports enthusiast, going to every baseball and hockey game that his job, which took him away from home, would allow. In our family dad was the go to guy when it came to information and current event. When we were all into trivial pursuit, dad would never play but he would listen and blurt out all the answers. We were all amazed at how much he knew. Above all Dennis was a family man. Having all his family together at the new cabin that he and Audrey built made him the happiest. He loved to cook breakfast for all of us and those days we will all fondly remember. This Christmas will be especially difficult as this was Dad's favourite time of year. He loved to decorate the house and in earlier years shop with his wife and co-ordinate the annual holopchi making day. Dad things will never be the same without you here. You were a true family patriarch. Your quiet inner strength in the most difficult times will always be admired. We saw you getting tired although you rarely complained. We will continue to honour you in the beginning of new traditions. We love you Dad, you will always be in our thoughts. As per Dennis' wishes there will be no formal service, however the family would like to invite all of Dennis' family and friends to a celebration of his life on Sunday, December 7th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Copp residence. Please contact one of the family members for details.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2008