Obituaries

RUTH VAN GESTEL

(NEE HAINES)

After a long and happy life, we regret to announce the passing of our Auntie Ruth, wife of the late Walter van Gestel, on June 5, 2020.

Ruth was born on March 3, 1930 in Winnipeg; she grew up and lived in Headingley. She joined the Air Force in her early twenties, and often reminisced about her travels out west, even hitch hiking with a friend across BC and Alberta. After the Air Force she went on to enjoy a long career at Great-West Life, from where she eventually retired in 1985.

Ruth and Walter were married September 28, 1957 and enjoyed life in their little house on their beautiful river property in Headingley. They loved watching the variety of birds that would land on the feeders and enjoyed tending their massive flower and vegetable gardens. Ruth continued the gardening after Walter’s passing in 1993. She was not the gardener he was, however, their yard always looked wonderful!

Ruth and Walter enjoyed road trips with her sister Gerda and Earl, bus trips with friends Joe and Irene, and travelling to Holland to visit Walter’s family. They also enjoyed hosting bonfire parties, Sunday morning coffee, and Boxing Day breakfast; traditions that Ruth was happy to continue after Walter’s passing.

After the passing of her sister Gerda Cowley in 2000, Ruth took on the role of surrogate mom to Gerda’s daughters, Karen, Leslie, Wendy and Lynn who were very dear to her heart. She was also very dear to their hearts and a special part of their family’s lives.

Ruth celebrated her 90th birthday on March 3rd at home where she was happy to stay up until a few weeks before her passing.

Ruth is survived by her sister Edith Penner, and several nieces and nephews including Karen Zimmer (Rolf, and children Allison (Connor) and Austin), Leslie Nichol (Bill), Lynn Cowley (Bob), Wendy’s children: Nicholas Cherney (Jasmyne, and daughter Eleanor) and Colin Cherney (Kim). She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and kept in touch with family in Norway and Sweden, as well as with Walter’s family in the Netherlands.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Walter van Gestel, parents Karen and Peter Haines, sister Gerda Cowley, brother Ralph Haines, and niece Wendy Cherney.

At Ruth’s request, cremation has taken place and there will not be a service.

In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation of your choice to support the nature and wildlife around you.