Donis Winifred Ruf-Bradbury

On Tuesday May 18, 2021 Donis Winifred Ruf-Bradbury passed away at age 86 in Parksville, BC. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 28 years, Russ Bradbury, sons Scott and Bill, daughters-in-law Joan (Frank) and Diane, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren, as well as by her many friends. Donis was sadly predeceased by her son Bob.

Donis was born in Concordia, Kansas in 1935 to William Kenneth and Mable Naomi Kling. She married John Phillip Ruf in 1954 and they raised three sons, Scott, Bill, and Bob in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Many years later after raising her sons, Donis settled on Vancouver Island BC to marry Russ Bradbury in 1992. Prior to moving to Canada, she had lived in Glenwood Springs, Colorado and Bellingham, Washington where she fell in love with the mountains.

Donis was a gifted writer, painter, gardener and massage therapist. She was a lover of nature, a dedicated cat mom, avid collector of interesting rocks, and an admirer of all forms of art. Much of her artistic inspiration came from the landscapes around her, especially in Colorado. She was passionate about teaching others how to tap into their own creativity through writing. She made many of her life-long friends hosting writing workshops, through her massage practice, and through her faith. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Nanoose Bay.

A private celebration of Donis’ life will be held at her home in Nanoose Bay, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donis may be made to Arts BC located at Provincial Office 301-1321 Blanshard Street, Victoria, BC V82 0B6.