Don Rugg

Don will be forever loved and remembered by his wife Cheryl, son Brad, daughter Stefanie, son-in-law Joel, grandson Calvin, siblings Dave (Phyllis), Glen (Della), Margaret (Ron), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and long-time friends.

Born to Sybil and Alan Rugg, Don was the first of 4 boys and 1 girl that grew up in Wilkie, Saskatchewan. The Rugg Seed Farm in Elstow, Saskatchewan was the place where many great, summer memories were made that fostered Don’s love for agriculture. He later attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon to study Agriculture and Commerce, graduating in 1966.

While there, Don met the love of his life, Cheryl. They married October 7, 1967 and soon welcomed two children, Bradley in 1968 and Stefanie in 1970 into their small happy home in Saskatoon.

In 1973, the family moved to Ottawa when Don accepted work with the Federal Government at the Department of Trade and Commerce in the Agriculture sector. During his time there he spent time travelling for his work. One very memorable trip was to Japan that when he returned, really expanded the family’s cultural and culinary tastes and remains one of the best memories for all. This was also where the family learned to ski, spending many enjoyable and memorable weekends each winter at Camp Fortune.

Three years later, in 1976, when an opportunity at the BC Ministry of Agriculture became available, Don & Cheryl left behind the winters of Saskatchewan and Ontario moved their young family west to beautiful Victoria, BC.

On April 1st, 1976, they moved into a comfortable three-bedroom house with a yard, a big tree and the essential tire swing … the Rugg family home for 50 years!

At the same time and with Don’s PAg designation, Don joined the BC Institute of Agrologists and has been a member ever since, receiving his 50 year plaque just weeks before he passed.

In 1989, Don took early retirement from Government and started his own consulting business, View West Marketing. Over the next 37 years, Don shared his expertise in a variety of areas. The list of local community, educational and business-related operations that Don supported, both as a contractor AND volunteer is exhaustive! Including: Westshore Chamber of Commerce, Tom Thumb Safety Village, Rotary Club, TerrifVIc Jazz Party, Juan de Fuca Curling Club, Little League Baseball, and the list goes on.

Broadly known for his gregarious, helpful and generous nature, no matter what needed to be done, Don was the first to volunteer. With a big smile, most will fondly remember Cheryl’s endearing pet name for her sweetheart … “BANG CRASH DON”! Our beloved Don may not have been graceful, but he was ALWAYS the first to step up to any task and the most hard-working!!

Don’s volunteering spirit and commitment has been a positive influence on many throughout the community and within the family. Both his son and daughter and grandson, have both followed Don’s example with volunteer activities in their own lives. It is definitely a family trait.

Don always had a soft spot for dogs….or ‘dawgs’ as he often pronounced it! Family pets included Didi and Daisy as well as many they looked after throughout the years. Just 1-1/2 weeks prior to his passing, Don arranged through the Humane Society to foster a lovely pup named Mr. Murphy. He truly has provided great comfort and comedic relief with his playful antics.

Don had a real love for the outdoors and spent many summers with his best friend, Cheryl and his kids hiking in the mountains, digging for clams at the beach and working in the garden – whether at an allotment garden or in his own yard and greenhouse. He had a green thumb and with his family created an abundance of veggies and fruits for meals and the freezer.

Don enjoyed many sports, both watching and participating. You could always count on the TV playing football, baseball, car racing, or curling. Personally, he enjoyed curling, racquetball and skiing. Don was both a participant and coach. Coaching his kids ball teams and grandson’s curling team. He was a great supporter of the local curling club and Courts West, his local racquetball club. One of his favorite things was volunteering for the Curling Grand Slam at the Bear Mountain Arena.

He was also a great Dancer. Don & Cheryl could always be found on the dance floor at weddings and gatherings, and Stefanie will cherish the wonderful memories of dancing with her dad.

Don loved his family and worked hard to care for them. Cooking was great passion for Don. He loved big family meals, always creating his own recipes, often from a combination of several he found in the paper or magazines. When asked if he could make some yummy dish again, the answer was always, “no, I don’t know what exactly went into it.” Don Rugg bread was a staple for the last 50 years and is going to be truly missed by all of us and during the last number of years his chocolate chip cookies became a real hit.

Don dearly loved his best friend and partner in life, Cheryl and was very proud of both his children and his greatest joy was grandson, Calvin. Don’s HUGE heart also welcomed as his own granddaughter, Skye Wilton and her beautiful family in Australia, husband Alistair and their girls, Audrey and Bridget.

The Family would like to express their gratitude for the flowers and love and support of so many during this difficult time.

There will be a Celebration of Remembrance for Don Rugg on April 18th from 11am-2pm at the Cherish at Central Park residence at 917 Avril on the corner of Jacklin & Jenkins in Langford. Snacks & Beverages will be served.

There is so much more than could be said about our Husband, Father, Brother, Uncle, colleague and friend, Mr. Don Rugg. Please sign the guest book and leave your memories for the family to enjoy.