Ruth Helene Armstrong (nee Reid) passed away on February 19, 2020 at North Vancouver Hospice after a brief battle with cancer. Ruth was surrounded by her family in her last days, and was able to say a proper farewell, which left her at great peace.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband Robert in 2011, and by her brother, Bill Reid. She is survived by her children – Bill (Kristie), Jane, Sherri (Tim) and John (Annaleis), grandchildren Oliver, Mason, Frank, Anthony, Sophie, Olivia, Sienna, Aleda and Jorja, sister Dorrie, niece Danna, and numerous extended family and friends.
Ruth was born in Vancouver on December 12, 1937 to William and Eileen Reid (nee Pincott). Tragically her mother passed away when Ruth was only 4, but as a result she forged strong and special bonds with her father and sister. She attended Lord Byng High School in West Point Grey and later UBC and the University of Saskatchewan.
In 1958, while working in Banff for a summer she met and married the love of her life – Bob Armstrong. Ruth followed Bob to his home province of Saskatchewan to attend University, married Bob six months later, and lived in a number of places – Saskatoon, Melfort, Biggar, Beechy, Young and Frontier -while raising their 4 children. Ruth was a beloved teacher everywhere she taught, and had many friends and former students who kept in touch with her to the end of her life.
After retirement, Ruth and Bob moved to Nanaimo and had many travel adventures and precious family times. After Bob’s passing, Ruth continued to travel the world with her extensive network of friends and family. In 2015, she realized a lifelong dream by purchasing a house on Gabriola Island, where she had spent many happy summers as a child. Her home on Gabriola was very special to her, and while far too short, her four years there, entertaining friends and family, brought her great joy.
Ruth lived a full life every day and touched many hearts – her passing will be felt my many people – truly too many to name. She was kind, generous, gracious and helpful – everyone who knew her was better off for it.
Thank you to her medical team – Dr. Louise Corcoran, and the Palliative Staff at Lion’s Gate Hospital as well as at the North Vancouver Hospice. We are eternally grateful for your care and compassion in Ruth’s last days.
There will be a Celebration of Life in May or June in Nanaimo – further details to follow. Ruth would not want us to mourn, but to remember her happy life and share pictures and stories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of your choice.