Kate Gertrude Brand Ruttan

Born December 19th, 1921, to Alberni Valley pioneer parents Frederick and Gertrude Brand, Kate was the seventh of eight children. Many of the Brands’ early photos are now part of the Port Alberni Museum’s permanent collection.

Following graduation from the Alberni District High School on Redford Street, Kate pursued her life-long desire to become a nurse. She moved to Victoria where she completed her training as a registered nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital and was awarded the “The Most Efficient Clinical Nurse” title of the 1944 graduating class. Kate then returned to the Alberni Valley where she worked at the West Coast General Hospital until 1974.

Kate Brand married Doug Ruttan in 1947 and together they had eight children. Her approach to life was always optimistic and practical. As a wife and mother, she supported and encouraged her family to develop their individual talents. She believed a person could accomplish most anything by setting goals.

Good relationships require commitment and Kate believed being a loyal friend was important. Kate and her best friend from fourth grade kept their friendship alive through letter writing for 75 years; She also enjoyed reunions with her friends from nurses’ training for 60 years; and met with the same group of women in a monthly craft class for more than 30 years. Together, Kate and Doug nurtured relationships among friends and family by generously hosting guests at their beautiful home on Sproat Lake for decades.

Above all, Kate is known for her kind and caring manner. Her life was spent serving others. “If you want happiness,” she’d say, “Find ways to serve.” Of the two great commandments to love the Lord and love thy neighbour, Kate said, “There is really only one law that God has given us - the law of love.” As a disciple of Christ, and longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kate’s faith was always strong. “Charity is not merely an act of kindness or compassion, it’s a whole way of life,” she’d say. Kate was a woman of virtue who lived what she believed.

Kate Ruttan is survived by sister Fern Scarsbrick of Victoria; three daughters, four sons and their spouses: Karen and Mel Snyder of Port Alberni, Neil and Annette Ruttan of Nanoose Bay, Lynn and Dennis Olsen of Port Alberni, Julie and Dennis Galvon of Gig Harbor, WA, Hugh Ruttan of Port Alberni, Mark and Carol Ruttan of Duncan, Dale and Angela Ruttan of Victoria; 26 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

She is predeceased by brothers Bill, Stan, Jack and Danny Brand; sisters Dolly Bayne and Mabel Lister; her husband Doug Ruttan and son Jim Ruttan.

A service will be held 11 AM, Saturday, March 9th, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 4815 Compton Road. Stories and condolences can be offered at www.chapelofmemories.ca

Funeral Arrangements are with the Chapel of Memories Funeral Home.