Bad news! I lost my earthly future on the early morning of Saturday, August 17th in Victoria with my loving family at my side. It was the day following my 63rd birthday. I was hoping for a better party… I was blessed throughout my life by tremendous support from my awesome husband of 41 years, Dan; my loving daughter Stephanie (Brian) Kruger and my perfect little grandsons Xavier and Felix Kruger; as well as my loving son Jason. Also, my devoted brothers and sisters-in-law Eric (Elma) Sommerfeld of Surrey and Ralph (Tanis) Sommerfeld of Victoria. Extended family always sent love, encouragement and support – and a wide circle of friends, near and far, rallied to bring me peace and comfort. I would not have made it this far without each one of you. Thank you.
Born in Regina on August 16, 1956 to my proud parents Rein and Ella Sommerfeld (deceased), I attended Luther College, Balfour Technical School and University of Regina classes. The University Secretary’s Office at U of R and the Registration Department at SIAST in Moose Jaw employed me where I met some lifelong friends.
Following our marriage in Regina in 1978 and my move to Moose Jaw, the Canadian Armed Forces subsequently moved us to Cold Lake, Baden (West Germany), Ottawa, Toronto, back to Moose Jaw and finally to Winnipeg. We met many wonderful friends at every stop along the way. When Dan retired from the military, our family of four moved to Hong Kong. Four years later in 1997, we settled in Victoria and loved living in Super Natural British Columbia for the last 22 years.
My children and grandchildren have brought countless blessings into my life and I have tried to nurture them in every way I could. Dan and I have been so fortunate to visit many provinces and countries around the world and learned from all of them. Reading has been my favourite hobby throughout my life and I am proud to have volunteered at the annual Times Colonist Book Sale for 15 years straight. One year, it was two days after 29 rounds of radiation; another it was the day of chemo treatment number 18. It is amazing what willpower and the love of family and friends can do. Being home secretary, loving grandchildren, daily walks, sewing, proofreading, accounting, family ancestry, audio, video and photo archivist, canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, yard work and entertaining kept me very busy. And then there were those wonderful holidays to faraway places.
Eternal, sincere and heartfelt gratitude to everyone – my family, friends, wonderful neighbors and so many dedicated doctors who gave me the gift of life and hope against daunting odds – Drs. Richard Kennedy, Anthony Della Siega, Vanessa Bernstein, Alison Ross, Michael Perchinsky, Reg Smith, Jan Lim, David Shanks, Natasha Montroy (ND) and many others at the Royal Jubilee and Victoria General Hospitals. Thank you to all of the wonderful nurses and medical technicians at the BC Cancer Clinic and both hospitals for your compassion and support. I was so grateful for your dedication with every visit. We had a huge, strong team.
Special hugs to Gillian, Jan, Sheila, Lorraine, LaVerne, Sharon, Willa, Tilly, Judi, Sandy, Bev, Jane, Susan, Val, Cindy and The Gifters. Keep laughing. It is the best medicine of all…
I wanted one more day. Hopefully, one day, there will be more with every one of you. I’m headed to the big library in the sky comforted by wonderful memories of a blessed life. My love to you all; I shall be watching from above. And so it is written… Ruth
The Fallen Limb
A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep on hearing a voice that says “Grieve not for me.”
Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived while I was strong.
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.
Remember all, how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions, no matter how small.
Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls.
I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes we’re together again.
Author Unknown
A funeral service will be held for Ruth on Monday, September 30th at Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria (930 Burdett Ave) commencing at 1:30 PM. Following the service and interment at the Royal Oak Burial Park in Saanich, a reception will be held at the McCall Gardens Sequoia Centre next door commencing at 3:15 PM (4665 Falaise Drive). All are welcome to attend to celebrate Ruth’s life with our family. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ruth to the BC Cancer Clinic, Canadian Cancer Society or charity of your choice would be appreciate
A funeral service will be held on Monday, September 30th, 1:30 PM, at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Avenue. Following the service and interment at the Royal Oak Burial Park, a reception will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, commencing at 3:15 PM. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Ruth’s life with our family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Clinic or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ruth H Dempsey..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique