Obituary for the late William (Bill) Ruddiman
May 8, 1938 – January 18, 2013
Bill died peacefully at age 74 following a recent hospital admission for complications of longstanding heart and lung disease. He died at Hillcrest Hospital in the Kwa Zulu-Natal province of South Africa with his family at his side. Bill is predeceased by his parents George and Jane (nee Kelly), his older sister Jean, and his young brother George (Ruby). He is lovingly remembered by his wife of forty nine years – Margaret Lillian (nee Bell) and their four children: daughter Leanne Barron (Jason) of Hillcrest, Natal, South Africa; and sons, Dr. Alan Ruddiman (Christina) of Oliver, British Columbia; Grant (Nicky) of Brisbane, Australia; and David (Julie) also of Brisbane, Australia. Most significantly, he lives on in the lives of his grandchildren whom he always regarded as his gift and legacy to the world. He leaves behind these fine young people to boldly shape their own way and leave lasting impressions. His eight grandchildren are: Courtney & Olivia Ruddiman (Oliver, BC, Canada); Kym & Amy Ruddiman (Brisbane, Australia); Michael & Katherine Ruddiman (Brisbane, Australia); and Cameron & Robynne Barron (Natal, South Africa). Scotsman, merchant seaman, husband, lover, father, immigrant twice over (South Africa and Canada), technician, entrepreneur, woodworker extraordinaire, jack-of-all-trades, mentor to his children and grandchildren, a dreamer always… Born in Dundee, Scotland, Bill dreamed without limits from an early age. Aspirations would carry him and his young family across the world and in to the African continent. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic, the ability to question and challenge conventional thinking and most of all to aspire to great things. His working career was fulfilled on sea and land. Bill loved travel and he was not disappointed. The outdoors brought out his best. His strong and determined nature served him through to his “retirement” in 1994 in South Africa. Bill and Lillian moved to Canada to transition their aging lives. They made Oliver, British Columbia their home from 1998 to 2006. They joyously shared in the early years and growth of their grandchildren. Bill’s hobby career as a woodworking artist flourished in Oliver’s youthful wine industry and he created many unique works of art using recycled wine barrels. Much to his delight, many have since copied his creations.
The “call of Africa” drew Bill and Lillian back in 2006 where Bill continued his love for woodworking and his projects. His failing health related to a longstanding battle with heart and lung disease frustrated him, however he took it in stride. His illness finally beat him out and he passed peacefully on Friday 18th January 2013 entirely lucid to the end and so dignified in his death. Bill, “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back…” A celebration of Bill’s life is to be held in South Africa in the week of January 21, 2013 to accommodate his immediate amassed family and loved ones, who will once again scatter across this vast and interesting planet. Messages and sympathies for the family can be sent to awruddiman@gmail.com