RUFF Walter

A very special husband, father, grandfather and friend Walter Jacob Ruff, passed away peacefully at Edith Cavell Nursing Home on August 30, 2012 after a lengthyillness.
He is predeceased by his wife Florence, two brothers, Alfred and Edwin Ruff, three sisters, Martha Fredricks, Helen Schmidt and Leonora Myers, infant son Joseph and granddaughter
Kaitlan. He is the loving father of son Blair (Laurie) Ruff of Lethbridge; and daughters Denise Kaupp, Leslie (Joe) Gatner, Carroll Moore of Lethbridge; and Lenore (Morgan) Rockenbach of Wrentham.
He leaves to mourn his five children, nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother Sol Ruff of Medicine Hat, and sister Frieda Heck of Kindersley, Saskatchewan and numerous nieces and nephews.
Wally was born on November 11, 1928 and grew up on a farm in Burstall, Saskatchewan.
Wally graduated from U. of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education, and from Eugene, Oregon with a Masters of Education. He was a long standing member of the Knights of Columbus.
Wally enjoyed a long career as an administrator and educator until he retired in 1982. He taught school in Brooks, Ezikom, and completed his teaching career in Lethbridge. He taught at St. Francis Boys School (where he loved coaching basketball & football), Assumption School as vice-principal and lastly at St. Basil’s School as principal.
Wally became principal of St. Basil’s school in 1970, he spoke fondly of his time there, and was instrumental in the establishment of a math lab and of the intramural program.
He enjoyed his trips to Hawaii to visit his daughter, Carroll, with his wife Florence. The vacations and outings with the motor home and boat were highlights for his family.
During his retirement he enjoyed curling, golfing, playing bridge, helping his five children, and one of his favourite activities with his grandchildren was playing cribbage.
Relatives and Friends are invited to Prayer Services at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Thursday, Sep. 6, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, Sep. 7, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant. Cremation to follow the Mass.
If friends so desire, Memorial Tributes may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Southern Alberta, 1254-3 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0J9.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
care@cornerstonefh.ca