Rupert Hedley Banks passed away peacefully at the age of 95 on December 15, 2018 at Riverside Glen in Guelph. In the final hours, Rupe was supported and comforted by his loving wife of 73 years, Iris Banks (Schrier) and his family. He will be missed forever by his children, Paul (Eugenia) and his daughters Danelle (John) and Jennifer (Patrick), and by his grandchildren, Cameron (Caitlin), Martin (Alison) and Arlin. He will be remembered with love by his sister Joan (Frank) and his nieces, nephew and extended family in Nova Scotia.
He was born on an apple farm in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. In the Second World War, Rupert served his country as a wireless air gunner in Western and Eastern Coastal Command. He graduated as a Forester from the University of Toronto in 1950, then worked at Spruce Falls Power and Paper Company in Kapuskasing, Ontario for 37 years. After he retired, he lived for 25 years in Kitchener before moving to Guelph.
Cremation has taken place and arrangements were entrusted to Gilchrist Chapel. A private family dinner to celebrate Rupe’s life will be held at a later date. His ashes will be laid to rest near the family farm in Nova Scotia.
Rupert was a devoted family man and gave generously to his church and his community through many volunteer organizations. He was a modest man of character who loved the outdoors. In his memory donations can be made to University of Toronto (Faculty of Forestry), Tree Canada, the Shriner Hospital for Children (Canada), or a charity of one’s choice.
And the dust shall return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes: 12:7