RUTH HARLAND

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RUTH HARLAND April 21, 1921 - March 6, 2009 Ruth Connors Harland (nee Jaques) died on Friday afternoon, March 6, 2009, in Kingston, Ontario. Ruth was born in Briercrest, Saskatchewan, one of five children of Mary and Clyde Jaques. During her grade 12 year, she met the love of her life, Gordon Harland, whom she later married. Ruth attended Normal School and taught briefly in rural Saskatchewan. The couple began their married life in Winnipeg where their three children, Grant, Cathy and Paul, were born. In 1955, the family moved to Madison, New Jersey, where Ruth tended the home while Gordon pursued graduate studies and taught at Drew University. Once Grant and Cathy had left home, and Paul was a teenager, Ruth began part-time university studies. Ruth and Gordon lived in New Jersey until 1968, when they returned to Winnipeg with son Paul. Here Ruth pursued her BA in English, graduating from the University of Winnipeg in 1976. After two years in Pennsylvania (1971-1973), Ruth and Gordon returned to Winnipeg where they lived a rich and full life together until Gordon's death in 2003. Ruth and Gordon also enjoyed one-year stints in Germany, North Carolina, England, and Alberta. In early 2005, Ruth moved to Briargate Retirement Living Centre near Kingston, Ontario, where she could be closer to Cathy and Grant. Ruth's children remember her not only as a kind and loving mother but also as a wise, playful and gentle spirit in their lives. She knew how to make the family home a warm and happy place, filled with good food and lively conversation. She was an engaging storyteller and enjoyed reciting poetry. She laughed easily, and fun was always close at hand. She was even known to hide in closets, leaping out to scare the wits out of her children. She encouraged Grant's science experiments, Cathy's drama and singing, and even Paul's practice of bringing home a variety of pets. Always curious, Ruth was a willing traveller and an avid reader. She appreciated the arts, and kept up on current events. When the children grew up, Ruth enjoyed visiting them in their own homes or welcoming them back to hers. In later life, she followed the achievements of her grandchildren, Kyle, Fraser, and Sarah, with great interest and pride. In her last years, Ruth often commented on how fortunate she had been in life, having experienced love, marriage, motherhood, travel, literature, friendship, and tremendous historical change. In all the significant relationships of her life -- daughter, sister, wife, mother, and friend -- she was exemplary. She was loving, and in turn, deeply loved. In addition to her children Grant, Cathy, and Paul, and their partners, she leaves to mourn her sister Berna, brother Byron (Gladys); grandchildren Kyle, Fraser, and Sarah; and numerous relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Gordon, her brother Dave Jaques, and sister Arlie Pieper. A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg at Fort Garry United Church in the spring. Those wishing to do so may make a donation to Fort Garry United Church, the Gordon and Ruth Harland Fellowship at the University of Manitoba, or the Canadian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. www.jamesreidfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2009