Ruth Patton HOWIE

RUTH PATTON HOWIE (née Forbes) July 27, 1923 - April 10, 2023 It is with profound sadness the family of Ruth Howie announces her passing from this life on April 10, 2023 at the Evergreen Senior's Home in Campbell River, BC. Born July 27, 1923 in Metis Beach, Quebec, Ruth was the daughter of the late John Hunter and Ada Gertrude (McCormick) Forbes. Ruth lived the first half of her life in the province of Quebec (1923-1972) and the second half in British Columbia (1972-2023). Preceding her in death in addition to her parents and three siblings (John, Christine and Jessie) was her husband, Henry 'Hank' James Howie. Ruth is survived by her six children, Jim Howie of Kamloops, BC, Anne (Greg) Savard of Campbell River, BC, Bill (Karen) Howie of Crofton, BC, Bob (Sandy) Howie of Qualicum Beach, BC, Eileen (Bryan) Jubinville of Nanaimo, BC, and Peter (Zauresh) Howie of Astana Kazakhstan. She leaves behind her sister, Sheila (Ron) McIntyre of Milton, ON; as well as twelve grandchildren, Charlie, Matt, Stacey, Stephanie, Nicola, Dustin, Ellora, Averlee, Marc, Jason, Ian and Ryan and eight great-grandchildren. Ruth matriculated from Strathcona Academy, Montreal in 1940 and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry from McGill University in 1944. After graduation, Ruth worked at McGill University and Shell Oil, at their Montreal refinery. In 1952, Ruth moved to Arvida, Quebec to work at Alcan's smelter as a research librarian where she met her husband, Henry. With the arrival of her six children, she became a full-time home maker and devoted her life to her family. In 1972, Ruth, Henry and family moved to Victoria, BC so Henry could start work with the Ministry of the Environment of the Province of BC. Alongside her family duties, Ruth was a valued and vital member of many church organizations both in Quebec and British Columbia, where she contributed as the President of the United Church Women's Group of British Columbia and at the Thrift Shop associated with St. Aidan's United Church. Ruth was a very kind and giving person. She loved cooking, knitting, reading and doing her crossword puzzles. Ruth will be deeply missed and remembered forever by her family and others who were fortunate enough to have had this beautiful person touch their lives. Finally, a special thank you to Anne Savard for her affectionate care of Ruth during her 12 years in senior's care. No services will be held. A Memorial Celebration of Life is planned with her family. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Greater Victoria Public Library, Vancouver Island Regional Library or your local public library.