Tribute

Elizabeth Ruth Leach (McTavish), our extraordinary sister, friend, wife, mom, grandma, great grandma has peacefully moved on from this life on Jan 3, 2022. Her departure was unexpected.

Ruth was born on November 11, 1934, in Durham, Ont. to Alvia and Bill McTavish. She was her brother Bob McTavish’s 5th birthday present.
Ruth knew from the time she knew anything that she wanted to care for others, and she completed nursing school in Owen Sound, Ontario in 1956. Around that time, a handsome guy named Cliff started hanging around and would prove to be the love of her life. Ruth had a passion and endless desire to be around babies. She worked in Newmarket hospital until 1959 when she married Cliff and moved west. She then worked in Calgary General Hospital and the Yukon with her nursing skills, always specializing in infant care. Ruth was an active attendee and founding member of Varsity Acres Presbyterian Church in Calgary. In their 62 years of marriage, Ruth and Cliff managed to build a couple of businesses, operate an orchard, build a couple of homes, travel the world and create a lifetime of great memories. But Ruth would tell you her most important goal was to raise many children. That she did, not only her own, but many others that thought of her as Mom. Ruth would also say that she felt the most joy in her life surrounded by all her precious grandchildren, her great grandchild, her big family and vast array of friends that she and Cliff seemed to cultivate effortlessly.

Ruth (and Cliff’s) door was open to all, and if you came through that door, you better be hungry and able to take home a loaf of that famous homemade bread… or at least some fresh muffins, cookies or butter tarts. The only time Ruth sat down was to knit her highly sought-after personalized afghans. She never wanted to waste a moment of life. Ruth was generous in all ways. If she wasn’t working tirelessly around the family home, she was volunteering or spending time laughing with her dear friends. Ruth’s friends spanned the country and her desire and efforts to stay connected lasted throughout her life. Her positive presence will leave a void that will be missed by all.

Ruth is survived by her love Cliff, brother Bob, children Chris, Keith (Nadia), Bob, Jan (Norm), nieces Judy and Heather, nephews Roger, Paul, Ed, Andy, Noel, precious grandchildren, Tor (Riana), Reid (Meghan), Cole, Chase, Kayley, Jaden, Nathan, Levi and great grandson Rhodes who has brought so many smiles to Ruth over the last year. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, sisters in law Pearl, Diane and Pat, brothers in law George and Ed, niece Evelyn, and daughter-in-law, Cari, whom she was so very close to.

A celebration of Ruth’s well lived life will be held at a later date.

Ruth was a supporter of any charity in need, and a personal one to her was the
Canadian Blood Services. Rest In Peace Ruth, Mom, Grandma…. We know heaven just got richer with love, laughter and dinner parties ❤