Ruth HARRISON

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HARRISON: Ruth Elaine Harrison (Ruth E). John lost his soul mate of 70 years and spouse of 65 years on March 8th, 2013 after a valiant, painful and uncomplaining battle with bone cancer. Ruthie who was in her 88th year was born in Wawota, Saskatchewan. She subsequently moved to Moosomin, Saskatchewan for a commercial course and then to Winnipeg, Manitoba to work for the Hudson Bay Company. John and Ruth were married on June 28, 1947 and spent 30 wonderful years in Brandon, Manitoba raising their three children and being involved in a manufacturing business. The last 35 years have been spent in Victoria, BC where they enjoyed an ecstatic retirement. Ruth is survived by her husband John; sons Pryce (Sidonia) and Peter (Kerri); son-in-law William Pugh; ten grandchildren - Liam, Graeme, Matthew, Noel, Alexander, Katey, Ben, Madey, Lindsay and Mitchell; brother Glen and sister June. Predeceased by daughter Shelley at age 42, father Matthew, mother Kay, brothers Elmer and Don, and sister Shirl. Born and raised on a farm in a large happy family, Ruth learned early about the things that really matter in life and she held onto these until the very end. She was considerate, with a great sense of humour, a killer smile, generous, non-complaining, giving of herself, brave and in addition to these traits, really enjoyed a social good time in the company of family and friends. She loved hosting and serving healthy food, dancing, Bridge, a daily Crossword Puzzle fix, reading good books and healthy exercise. Her homes and cottage at Clear Lake, Manitoba were always open with hospitality for family, friends or acquaintances. She was prepared to volunteer her time, be it a Church Circle, Girl Guide Teacher, Kinnetts, K60, Rotary Annes, Engineer’s Wifes, helping a friend in trouble or assisting families when help was required. Her brush with Royalty was to be named Queen with a court of Princesses for a war effort event during her days at Moosomin. The many years of marriage were so rewarding and pleasant, with the only real bump in the road being the loss of a daughter at such an early age which, as any parent knows that experiences it, you never fully recover from. Ruth and John were amazing together and personified what a happy marriage is all about. Ruthie slipped away in the company of son Peter and granddaughter Katey with her husband having the honour to hold her hand. While fighting the disease at home she so appreciated the daily visit of the community nursing staff who handled the changing of her dressings with care and compassion. Ruthie received dedicated loving care at the Victoria Hospice during her final six weeks and our experience certainly allows us to recommend support for this much needed facility in our community. A church service will be held at Cadboro Bay United (2625 Arbutus Rd.) at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013 which will be followed by a private Celebration of Ruthie’s Life with family and friends.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 15, 2013