Timothy Martin Ruf

Tim is the beloved husband of 35 years to Cindy, father to Lauren and Travis, brother to Mike (Joan) Ruf, Chris (Glenn) Zavitz, Trudy (Simon) Cotter, Mary (Ned) Italiano and brother-in-law to Wendy Cross, and Sue (Dan) Dowling. Predeceased by his loving parents, Emil and Anita Ruf, and father and mother-in-law, Ted and Helen Cross. He will be missed deeply by all his nieces and nephews; Jessica Etter; Justin, Lauren, Cameron, and Madeline Ruf; Jordan and Scott Bolton; Jamie O'Keefe, Kristin Nicholson, and Maeve O'Keefe; Quinn and Rachel Zavitz; Kirk, Virginia, Jonah and Liam Zavitz; Kelly, Adam, and Grayson Trask; Emilia, Alexander, and Michael Cotter; Rachel, Jenn, and Bella Italiano; Michael Bonacorsso; Jamie, Liz, Riley and Rowan Dowling; and Jeff and Tory Dowling.

Tim was born in Stratford Ontario, August 30th, 1956. Stratford was home for the Ruf's until 1967, when the young family moved to the Markland Woods area of Toronto. It was there, Tim attended Michael Power High School, before venturing off to the University of Western in London, Ontario, where he would remain for the next 3.5 years. (That's one extra semester, for those counting). He met some of his life-long friends, played a lot of sports, watched a lot of concerts, created the type of memories he continued to share and laugh about time and again, and somewhere in there completed his education. After graduating with a business degree, Tim hitchhiked for two months covering the west coast of the United States. His ability to strike up a conversation with just about anyone combined with his natural nonchalant attitude made this chapter in his life another milestone that came unsurprising to most, and one that he loved to reference. Upon coming home, Tim decided it was time to start his career. He used both his degree and his personable personality to land and succeed at numerous sales positions over the years, mostly within the construction industry. He has spent the last 20 years working as the General Manager at Maxi-Mix, where he has maintained family like relationships. After 7 years together, it was April of 1988 when Tim and Cindy got Married in Toronto. Only 2 years later, they purchased their first home in Cambridge, where they would continue to grow their family and life for the next 30+ years. They welcomed their daughter Lauren in 1991, followed by their son Travis, in 1996.

Tim was heavily involved with both kids lives at home, in organized sports, and in any endeavours from the time they were young, until he passed. He never skipped the opportunity to support their interests and dreams. In addition to being their number one fan, he volunteered his time and adoration for the games of baseball and hockey, into coaching the kids from t-ball up into their teens. When he wasn't coaching, he was wearing his hat like a rally cap, trying to listen to the Jays game through a pocket sized AM/FM radio, and/or, standing down the outfield fence line chewing on sunflower seeds. (All the while making new friends, no doubt.) He was a sentimental guy, who, whether he realized it or not, loved tradition. Summer weeks in Grand Bend, pizza on Friday nights, hot tubs on a Saturday morning, and grass cutting on a Sunday. He attended the same Christmas Eve party for 30+ years, he gave Cindy a homemade calendar every Christmas morning, and he never missed annual cottage weekends or golf tournaments with his friends. Tim was a Toronto-based sports fanatic. There was never a Leaf game he didn't either watch or check the score, nor was there a Jays T-shirt he wouldn't wear every single day if he could. (With sweats, socks and sandals, preferably).

He loved golfing, it was the only thing he was ever early for, and where the cost of a beverage didn't seem to matter. On and off the golf course, he loved to talk to people. Everything took a little longer than he thought it would, as he could very quickly make conversation and connection with strangers. He was infamous for his midnight peanut butter sandwich, scotch on the rocks, tending a cozy fire, capturing a sunset, trying to fix something himself before having to call a pro, being the first one to wish you a happy birthday and maybe most infamously, creating genuine laughter. Whether it be on purpose or Tim just being Tim, he brought the kind of laughter into the world that emitted warmth. There are so many people who've been impacted by Tim's loss. He will be remembered for his humour, his easy going way, and his heart of gold. He will be loved forever and missed always.

The family held a private service for Tim at T. Little Funeral Home, in Cambridge, on January 12th. They would like to thank Sheldon, and the staff for their guidance and kindness through this difficult process. The family also sends their immense gratitude for the generous words of sympathy, beautiful floral arrangements, and loving gestures from so many over the last few weeks. For those who wish, contributions in Tim's name to the Canadian Cancer Society, would be greatly appreciated. In remembrance of Tim, the family invites all to join them in a Celebration of Life. Hosted Friday, February 23rd, 2024, between 3-7 pm, at the Galt Country Club (750 Coronation Blvd., Cambridge, ON).