The June 4th issue of The Calendar contained the obituary of Ruth Whitson, a lady of considerable significance here in Okanagan Centre.
Ruth was born here 92 years ago when much of this area’s rich history was still being created. Her parents Ted and Winifred Nuyens arrived in 1924 and they and their children Ruth, Shirley and Ken, had a deep love for this small community.
Ruth’s own words about her early years best describe those days: “It was a carefree age for most of the children. We didn’t have many material things but were well cared for and loved… the most important ingredients for a happy childhood”.
Ruth’s obituary spoke to some of the organizations she supported but one other must be mentioned. After the creation of Lake Country’s museum in the mid-80’s it was only natural that she would become an active volunteer and Board Director. When she finally retired from that role, she was made a Life Member for her generous contributions.
Our own Jim Taylor, then President of the Museum Board, had high praise for Ruth’s contributions. He described her as unassuming but “quite firm in her convictions”. He recalled one meeting where she did not support a motion that seemed about to pass. He said: “She made her position known quite pointedly and with sufficient firmness that the motion failed”. No doubt there was a twinkle in Ruth’s eye.
She was a proud supporter of this community and we thank her for the role she has played in preserving our history.
Rich Gibbons
Director, Lake Country Museum
0 Comments