Ruth U. Kasting

It is with love and sadness that we announce the passing of (Ruth) Ursula Kasting (nee Forbes), Mom to Colleen (Mike), Bob, Norm (Arlene) and Wendy, Gran to 13 and Great-Granny to 11. She was the strength of the family, always there for support and encouragement. Predeceased by her husband Bob, partner Alex, and sisters Jo and Helen. She was born in Chemainus and raised on Thetis Island. She attended Norfolk House and Margaret Eton College in Toronto. She subsequently worked for the YWCA in Hamilton, St Catherines and Edmonton where she met her husband. Together they lived in Lethbridge, Ottawa, Berkeley and Sweden.

Ursula contributed to the lives of many through her dedication to volunteerism and social justice. She was an active participant in her community including with the Lethbridge YWCA, the Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club and as coach of the Lethbridge Syncronized Swim Club. As a professional, she was director of the Lethbridge Seniors Centre.

She moved back to the West Coast in 1984 to be close to her family and to Thetis Island. She was director of the 411 Club in Vancouver and, upon retirement, she continued her work as a volunteer for non profit organizations in Vancouver and later in Victoria. This is where she re-met a childhood friend, Alex Jardine, and they had many happy years together.

The family extends our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Broadmead Veteran's Lodge who offered such compassionate care and support at a most difficult time. A memorial service will be held later in the summer.