If ever there was someone who could carry sunshine with them, it was Ruby. Born on the sun-blessed island of Trinidad, Ruby’s younger years were full of joy and adventure. From sliding down slick culverts after the afternoon rain, to defending her younger brother with a Coke bottle (details remain hazy but it’s clear that violence for a just purpose was committed), to enjoying a coveted single slice of apple at Christmas, her life began simply and joyously.
At the age of 21 and wanting to pursue a career in nursing, Ruby cast her gaze to farther shores and adventures. She moved to England to study nursing and spread her special brand of joy further afield. Not one to stand still, she and a friend she met at the Nursing College in Surrey hitchhiked across Europe to seek out adventure, charming the occasional motorist more than once. Luckily for her children, any advances were rebuffed (kindly and gently, no doubt).
Upon return to England, she continued nursing career but soon moved on to studying at Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion and trained for a new career in midwifery. While midwifery was a good career, new challenges brought her to New York. With no patience for the way people of colour were treated in the United States, she moved on to Toronto to work at Humber Memorial Hospital. At a local party, she beguiled her future husband, John. As far as we can tell, Ruby was the only person to ever convince John to recklessly exceed the posted speed limit as he made the journey from Guelph to Toronto to see his love.
Relocating to Guelph, Ruby worked at the Guelph General Hospital and began a family of her own. She was a truly loving and devoted mother who wanted nothing but the best for her children. “The best” also meaning showing more than a hint of Trini steel when her children got too far out of line. If her children brought her joy, her grandchildren moved her to euphoria. All four grandchildren were doted upon to an obscene degree, which they delighted in.
Far from a homebody, Ruby travelled the world both on her own and with John. From Europe to Africa, to Asia, she loved to see new places and things and, above all, make new friends.
The one thread throughout her life was her ability to bring joy to all around her. The vast number of people to enjoy her company and mourn her passing is a testament to her ability to bring light to the lives of others. Whether in their darkest hour or their highest point, Ruby was there to support or elevate everyone she knew.
It is with great sorrow to many that she has passed, leaving the world a little darker for those that remain.
The family would like to extend their warmest thanks to the staff at The Village of Riverside Glen for their support and assistance in Ruby's later years.
Ruby is survived by her husband John, daughter Brenda and her husband Frank, son Stephen and his wife Christine and grandchildren Jeremy, Aurora, Cabel, and Dashiell. Bonus grandma to Eric and Justine.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051.
A tree will be planted in memory of Ruby Van Esch in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.