Ruby Margaret West

RUBY MARGARET (BRYCE) WEST Precious Ruby passed away after a short illness in the arms of her family at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on Saturday, February 25, 2012 in her 92nd year. After graduation from Mimico High School and completing a post graduate certificate in office administration, Ruby began a lifetime of community service with her husband Ken who predeceased her in 1977. Her career as a hospital volunteer began during the Second World War, when she volunteered as a nursing assistant at St. Joseph's Hospital Centre in Toronto to be followed by 58 years of consecutive dedicated service to the Queensway/Trillium Health Centre family. Together with her husband they founded and built West Office Supply, a major supplier of office equipment and furnishings in the west end. She became president of the company after his passing in 1977. Together they raised funds for the ground breaking for Queensway Hospital recognizing the need for a hospital in the West end of Toronto. Ruby's late husband, Kenneth, was one of the founders of Trillium Health Centre, formerly known as Queensway General Hospital, in the 1950s. Ruby served many years with the Volunteer Auxiliary and eventually assumed the role of Director of Volunteers for Queensway General Hospital. After retirement she became a Member of the Queensway Board of Governors and was recognized by the Borough of Etobicoke and the Province of Ontario for her longstanding service to her community and by the Board of Governors of Queensway General Hospital. During these years she was instrumental in raising funds for much needed additions and equipment. Following the merger with Mississauga Hospital, Ruby continued her work at both sites as a volunteer with the newly formed Trillium Health Centre until two years ago. In addition, Ruby was a member of the IODE and Business and Professional Women's Club where she focused on women's issues and the opening of Community Colleges in Ontario. She was also the local Brownie and Girl Guide leader in her Orchard Heights neighbourhood. Ruby always felt she gained more than she gave through the many friends that meant so much to her over her lifetime. Ruby raised the bar for all of us as well as her community. The loving mother of Kenneth Gary West of Penticton, BC and Karen Cobb (Jon) of North Bay. She will be missed by grandchildren Steven West (Kristen), Tara Grinage (Shawn), Morgan West (Tyler), Joel Cobb (Kirsten), Graham Cobb (Crystal) and Paul Cobb (Vanessa) and great- grandchildren Clark, Jessica, Mathew, Meghan, Mason and Ferial. Predeceased by her sister Glenys Healey. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter "Peel Chapel", 2180 Hurontario Street (Hwy. 10, N. of QEW), on Sunday, March 11, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a service to celebrate her life at 11:00 a.m.; reception to follow. If desired, donations to Trillium Health Centre will be made through the Volunteers of Trillium Health Centre 150 Sherway Drive, Toronto, Ontario M9C 1A5 and would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.