Robert Bob Ruggles

The family of Bob is deeply saddened by his quiet passing from cancer on January 20th in Victoria, BC. Some of his most joyous moments were spent with his family, of whom he was immensely proud. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Mary Rose, and their three daughters: Lindsay (Cesar), Shelley (James) and Kristen (Kyle). His six grandchildren, Gabriel, Elena, Jakob, Isaak, Everly and Bodi, are forever blessed to have spent so many playful moments with Grampa. Dad is predeceased by his parents, Edgar and Jean Ruggles, parents-in-law, Angelo and Rina De Sordi, and is remembered by his brothers, Don (Beverly) and Al; sister- and brothers-in-law Anna, Sandro (Lucy), Remo (Trudy); nieces and nephews; and many cousins and extended family members. Dad was born on May 14th 1948 in Montreal, but spent his childhood and youth on the shores of Lake Ontario in Cobourg, Ontario. Shortly after completing his undergraduate degree, he moved to White River, Ontario, where he met Mom. They married in 1972 and have been an example of how the greatest marriages are built on teamwork. They thought together, showing respect, admiration and grace, and they dreamt together, creating a loving family home and later in life, exploring the world. Dad's love of the natural world steered his passions and his career. His fond memories of spending summers as a teen in the Kawartha Lakes in southern Ontario were shared with us in the form of campfire songs sung as lullabies. He obtained a BSc Fish and Wildlife Biology from the University of Guelph and continued his postgraduate studies at the University of Alberta, obtaining a MSc Engineering. His career spanned several provinces and territories having worked for Ontario Natural Resources; Fisheries and Oceans and Environment Canada; Ontario Hydro; and Saskatchewan Environment and Energy and Resources where he retired in 2011 as Associate Deputy Minister. Shortly after retirement, Mom and Dad moved from Regina to Victoria, BC. His dedication to service was a guiding thread throughout his life. From being a scout leader to a 25-year commitment as a charter member of Regina's Rotary South Club as well as participating on numerous committees and boards in his professional career and greater community. In retirement, his enthusiasm for road cycling took priority in his weekly calendar and he held dear the friendships created within his cycling group. But it was in a canoe that Dad was his true self: pensive and silent, interrupted only by the sound of the water swirling off his paddle while connected to nature around him. Dad was always our quiet cheerleader, ready to support us from the sidelines and guide us with his rational appreciation of the world. Our lives fuelled his constant learning, and he became an expert on everything from dance recitals to music, Latin American history and design. Dad's calm and discerning character will forever leave an imprint on our family as well as the knowledge that we are truly blessed to have received such immeasurable love. Donations in Dad's memory can be made to the BC Maritime Museum where Dad was a volunteer (mmbc.kindful.com, then click on Bob Ruggles Memorial Fund campaign), the Canadian Cancer Society (www.cancer.ca/en/donate) or BC Cancer Foundation (https://bccancerfoundation.com/ways-donate).