RUBENA (RUBY) GRACE HARPER -

Condolences & Memories (5 entries)

• I met Mrs Harper when I was a baby, as I grew up on Bowhill Lane a few doors down from the Harper’s. As a lad, I remember visiting the Harper’s house many times, as my older sister Elaine was friends with Helen Harper, and my mother would get her hair done at Ruby’s along with the other ladies from the neighbourhood, like Mrs Thom, Mrs. Vosper and Mrs. Campbell. Bowhill Lane was a small community of homes, everyone knew everyone else, and as was common back then, kids played freely around the neighbourhood, and people didn’t need to lock their doors. Ruby Harper was one of the kindest people I ever knew. When my parents had their 25th wedding anniversary in 1964, she invited our whole family over for “dessert”. When we walked into the house, the whole neighbourhood yelled “SURPRISE” –it was all arranged by Ruby and my parents had no idea. She came to my wife’s bridal shower in 1980, and along with the other ladies from Bowhill, contributed some very tasty recipes to my wife’s recipe collection. We still have them all, carefully handwritten on recipe cards. When some of my immediate family passed away, she always made sure to call and express her condolences, and just to have a chat and make sure we were OK. She had many kind words when Elaine was tragically taken from us, and I am truly grateful for that. I was fortunate to see Ruby after she and Orton had moved from Bowhill Lane into retirement living. We had a nice visit, and reminisced about life in Charleswood in the 50’s and 60’s. I gave her a copy of a painting that my mom made in 1962 of the Charleswood steamer working on Bowhill Lane to clear the winter ice from the culverts. She said she would keep it in her room as a fond reminder of those days. I am sorry that she is gone, but I will always remember the story where the willow tree in the back yard at 21 Bowhill came from. May God bless her and keep her. - Posted by: Kenny Kowalsky (Neighbour) on: Mar 07, 2013

• Aunt Ruby was the most welcoming lady. She and Uncle Orton were a wonderful example of love and caring to our family. Her warm heart and kind words remain in my heart. My life is richer for having known you. With Love, Yolande, Shawn, Rachel and Avery - Posted by: Yolande Acheson (Aunt by Marriage) on: Mar 07, 2013

• When Orton and Ruby were at West Park I really enjoyed taking care of them in my unit. They were such a nice/caring couple. On her last few days while we were talking, she looked at me and held my hands and gave me a smile. I will miss you Ruby! - Posted by: Sharon (Unit nurse) on: Mar 06, 2013

• Growing up on Bowhill Lane meant the Harper's were a big part of your life. Mrs. Harper or "Harpy" as the kids on Bowhill would call her was always there to help her neighbours. I can remember her driving us to school on a particularly cold winter days. She would cheerfully load 7 or 8 kids in the Austin and drive the noisy bunch of us to school. Her kind heart and willingness to help meant that any of the neighbours who needed any assistance would be assured of receiving it in a quiet way without any desire for recognition. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Neil and Terry Campbell - Posted by: Neil and Terry Campbell (neighbor) on: Mar 06, 2013

• I will aways cherhish the memory of my Aunt Ruby. Uncle Orton and her were always so loving and shared in all the family activities. It meant so much to me when they travelled out to our 25th wedding anniverary, and would call if they were in the area to have lunch together. I will miss her letters at Christmas, they always made us feel so special. They both were a true inspiration of commitment and love for one another and their family. I will miss you Aunt Ruby. Always loved and remembered by Brenda - Posted by: Ike and Brenda Unger (Brenda's Great Aunt Ruby) on: Mar 06, 2013