Gerald ""Gerry"" George RUDDICK

He was born in Vancouver BC on March 31st, 1930 and passed away in his 83rd year at the Nanaimo Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit on August 14th 2013. Dad was predeceased by his loving wife, Patricia in 2002 and sister, Jacquie Roberts in 2012.  He is survived by his children; Linda Haynes of Parksville BC, Dwight & Kogaylene Ruddick of Victoria, BC, Virginia (Ginny) Van Camp of Cranbrook BC; brother in law, Jerry Roberts.   Affectionately called  “Geeps” by his 10 grandchildren: Jesse, Geoffrey, Jennifer, Moraine, Kristen, Danielle, Rayna, Luc, Grayson and Alexa; also blessed with 8 great grandchildren: Jaiden, Riley, Kodi, Maxwell, Maddison, Makenna, Emmeline & Olivia.

Dad commenced a seagoing career in 1945 serving as a Cadet Seaman on Kerr Silverline’s  “Manx Sailor” plying foreign far-eastern and Indian waters. He served in the Royal Canadian Navy before commencing a 45 year career working the BC coastal waters.  Employment included: Imperial Oil, Standard Oil, Straits Towing, Gillie Bros Marine Towing/Evans Coleman, Sparky News’ Coast Ferries, Gavin Mowat's Gulf Island Ferries.  At the time of the Black Ball Ferry strike in 1960 joined WAC Bennett's Marine Fleet (BC Ferries) at its inception.   In 1971, he moved on from his 4 year command of the “Queen Of Prince Rupert” and commenced a proud and rewarding 20 year career as a BC Coast Pilot.

Dad had the utmost respect for the Service and Staff of the Nanaimo Hospice & Palliative Care Unit. Their kind and passionate attention to Patricia’s care during a period of long declining health opened a new horizon for Dad.   He provided countless hours of volunteer service and fund raising over the past 11 years. He passed away peacefully in what became his true home over the last 10 years!   He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, truly leaving lasting memories.   Special thanks to the kind and gentle Palliative Care Doctor’s Spry & Dr. Love, his family physician Dr. Humphries, Hematologist Dr. Dengri of Vancouver and all those very special nurses, support staff and countless compassionate volunteers of the Nanaimo Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

Thank you Max for your devoted friendship!

The Lord is my Pilot, I shall not drift

He lighteth me across the dark waters,

He steereth me in deep channels

He keepeth my log, he guideth me by the star of holiness

Surely, Sunlight and Starlight shall favor me

On the voyage I take

And I shall rest in the Port of my God Forever

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to his chosen charity: 

Nanaimo Community Hospice Society,

1729 Boundary Road,

Nanaimo, BC  V9S 4P3

[email protected]

 Memorial Service to be held @13:00 (1:00 pm) Wednesday August 21st, @ St. Phillips By The Sea Anglican Church, 7113 Lantzville Road, Lantzville, BC