Ruby Humpartzian

Ruby was very proud of her Armenian heritage. Her father David Gashgarian emigrated from Turkey in 1910 and fought for Canada in the Great War (1914–18). Her mother, Elsie Kaprelian, as a young woman, came alone to Canada from Bulgaria circa 1925, having no knowledge of the culture or English. Together they built a life and a strong family in Canada. Ruby was the youngest of three children and learned to be self reliant early in life, after the death of her father. She married Richard in 1946, and they soon had their much-loved children, Linda and David. Their married life was spent in Brantford and Ottawa.

Ruby was fond of many crafts but was a master at crochet. She never lost an opportunity to remind us about her five-pin bowling prowess - and it was truly amazing!

Richard died in 1997 after 51 years of marriage. Brother Herb and sister Anne also predeceased Ruby. Son David sadly died unexpectedly in 2008. Ruby is survived by daughter Linda (Campbell), grandchildren Melanie (Eric), David (Amanda), Elissa (Andrew) and Heather (Stephan), seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Ruby has many nieces and nephews mostly in the Brantford area. They will remember her for always being there for them when needed, and her accepting ways (not to mention her authentic Armenian recipes that still inspire the family).

At 77 years old Ruby came to Vancouver Island where daughter Linda and niece Cindy lived with their families. True to form, she insisted on remaining independent until her recent passing. Ruby purchased a condo and thoroughly appreciated her new friends in the Cordwood building in Sidney. They all made her feel so much at home and many still comment about her Christmas baking.

Our sincere appreciation to the wonderful staff at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Extended Care Unit 2 where Ruby resided for the last 18 months. Their warm and professional approach to care was always beyond expectation.

Ruby wanted “no fuss” after her passing. However, get-togethers for friends and family will be announced at a later date to be held in Sidney and Brantford in the coming months.

Ruby would like any donations on her behalf to be made to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital and Healthcare Foundation.