Wesley RUDDICK

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RUDDICK: Wesley Joseph Ruddick, born on May 25, 1934, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2014 at the Elkwood Manor in Elkhorn. Taped music of his favorite orchestra, Swift Current Old Time Fiddlers, was softly playing, wife Margaret by his side. Wes was born in Elkhorn to parents Joseph and Alma Ruddick (Neilly). He grew up on the home farm in the Kirkella district. During this time he attended Kirkella School, played hockey in the open air rink (the team being the Kirkella Bruins). He enjoyed playing softball and later in life took up curling. In 1953 he took over the family farm from his parents. In 1956 he met Margaret Chandler, the “new” school teacher at Kirkella. Their first outing was to a dance in Elkhorn. On November 22, 1958 he and Margaret were married at Russell. Together they operated the farm and raised a family of three: Lawrence, Dawn and Joe. Wes was a quiet, honest individual who was willing to lend a helping hand whenever he could, always had his family and community at heart, and enjoyed a good story once in awhile. He was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge at Kirkella, Councilor in Ward 6 for five years; member of Hospital District #10 for 15 years, including the time he was chairperson. He also served as chairperson for the Kirkella Community Group and served on the Elkhorn Rink Board. In the late 60’s he took seriously to old time dancing. In 1981 he and Margaret taught their first dance class which was at Elkhorn. In 1987 they brought home a trophy that they won at a dance competition in Bismarck, N.D. He taught his last class at Reston in 2007. In November 1997 they moved to Elkhorn where Wes worked for a time at Bick’s Esso and later at the Co-op Farm Store. He also served as a Town Councilor for some time. In April 2008 the Elkhorn Lodge became his home. By this time he was enjoying the Museum where he liked visiting, while he helped work on old cars, etc. He also enjoyed life at the Leisure Centre where he spent time playing cards and visiting. For the last several months of his life he required professional care which he received at the South East Integrated Care Centre at Moosomin, the Willowview Care Home in Reston and lastly the Elkhorn Manor at Elkhorn. Wes is survived by his wife, Margaret, son Lawrence (Cyndi), Jamie (Scott) and baby Rae-Lynn; Lindsay (Tyler), Sara (Terrence), Angela (Scott); daughter Dawn (Phillip), Caedence; son Joe (Kendal), Gabriella, Rylie; sister Yvonne (Ken) Day; and numerous in-laws, nephews, nieces and many, many friends. A celebration of his life was held at the Elks Hall on Monday, June 30th. Due to weather conditions and flooding his interment took place on Saturday, July 12th at the Elkhorn Cemetery. Sincere appreciation goes out to Carscadden’s Funeral Home of Virden for their professionalism and many kindnesses. In lieu of individual thank-you cards, a donation has been made to the Elkwood Manor Health Auxiliary, Elkhorn Automobile Museum and the Elkhorn Leisure Centre in Wes’ Memory. He will be missed by his family and his many friends.

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 02, 2014