Tribute

Ruby Elsie Roscovich Ruby Elsie Roscovich, age 102, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018, at her home at 4191 Manson Avenue in Powell River. She was born on April 8, 1916 in Edmonton, Alberta, to Martin and Albertine (Seeding) Deksne, recent immigrants from Riga, Latvia. Ruby was raised an only child on her much-beloved farm at Tomahawk, Alberta. Favourite memories in her waning years were dominated by childhood activities on the farm. Her formal education culminated with a teaching degree from the University of Alberta. Her teaching career was launched in the difficult conditions of the rural schoolhouse program in the Great Depression, continuing on through the war years. In 1947, she met the returning war veteran, Frank Roscovich, at her latest posting in the coal-mining town of Sterco, Alberta. Unable to resist his charm, the two were soon married and the birth of their son, Glen, followed in good time. With the decline in the coal-mining industry, the young family headed to the West Coast looking for more reliable job opportunities, eventually settling in the booming, isolated pulp and paper town of Powell River. The birth of second son, Dale, followed soon as they settled in their new home near the top of Old Cooper Road (now Huntingdon Street) in Westview. Frank began work on a larger dwelling on an adjacent parcel where Ruby spent the remainder of her life. She employed her homemaking skills to full advantage, preserving the harvest from their extensive gardens as well as fish and game from Frank’s fall hunt and fishing trips. Community life and service always had a place in Ruby’s heart. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She was also very active in welcoming and assisting newcomers to town, many whom remained lifelong friends. The early 1960s heralded a dawning of awareness of the environmental devastation resulting from unchecked industrial activities around the world, Powell River included. Ruby joined with other like-minded folks to create the Powell River Anti-Pollution Association and raise awareness of the wanton emissions of the local mill. Their persistence in monitoring, public education and drawing attention to this problem led to a massive decrease in harmful emissions and much more responsible operating guidelines. Ruby was a frequent commentator on public issues via letters to the editor and presentations to town council meetings. She helped introduce and promote the concepts of recycling and expansion of local bus service. Food as the best medicine is another practice she pursued throughout her life. The diet she created for husband Frank helped him maintain his health deep into old age. As for herself, there remains a tattered copy of How to Live to be 100 as evidence of her determination. Frank and Ruby were founding members of the Old Time Dance Club and the Powell River Naturalists Association. She was also keenly interested in the development and education of the children of friends and family and never forgot their birthdays. Deeply inspired by her grandmother, granddaughter Twyla went on to make an impact on coastal environmental concerns on a larger stage with her video activism. Her untimely death last September was a hard blow. The family would like to thank Home Care Services for their generous assistance with Ruby’s care in the last months. Ruby was also predeceased by husband, Frank, in 1992 and is survived by her sons, Glen and Dale, grandson Adam, great-grandson Axel and great-granddaughter, Ruby Lynn Ross. A celebration of Ruby’s life will be held at her favourite venue, the Powell River Farmers’ Market on McLeod Road, at 2 pm on July 14, 2018.