Obituary of Keith J. Ruddy

Ruddy, Keith John

Lieutenant-Commander, Canadian Forces’ Decoration, Royal Canadian Navy

LCdr Keith Ruddy set sail on his final voyage on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at the age of 82. Loving husband to the most important person in his life for 59 years Barb (nee Reid), she is the glue that holds the family together and was the love of his life. Proud and much loved father of Jacqueline (Garth McKibbon) and Lisa (Mark Henderson). Special ‘Daddy Keith’ of Devin (Samantha), Paige (Ken), Kelsey (Ben) and Leah. Fun loving great-grandfather of Aubree and Maverick. Dear brother of Maureen Fingler (late Ron), predeceased by his brother Alec (late Alice). Sadly missed by his sister-in-law Pat McNaughton (Don).Fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews and his many friends in Mesa, Arizona where he and Barb enjoyed their winters for many years.  

Keith joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1959. He proudly served for 35 years with his first ship being the HMCS Micmac and then 16 other frigates, destroyers, and the Hydrofoil Bras d'Or. He also served on the Canadian Defence Liaison Staff at the High Commission in London, England. His Naval career took him around the world and continued into his retirement, as he and Barb embarked on many cruises including Alaska, Hawaii, and the Caribbean.   

He was a passionate cyclist and tennis player. He was enjoying watching the current US Open tennis tournament and was thrilled by how well the Canadian tennis players were doing. As an avid baseball fan, he often travelled to watch the Montreal Expos and the Toronto Blue Jays.  One of his last requests was “What time is the game on?”. 

Keith’s family would like to thank the staff at the Queensway Carleton Hospital especially the care and compassion shown to Keith on his last day by Dr. Rebekah Murphy and her Palliative Care Staff, as well as his nurse Shel Fernando of the Acute Care for the Elderly Unit. 

 A Private Celebration of Keith's Life will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Vankleek Hill 

 In memory of Keith, a donation to your local Food Bank or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated by the family.

 To express your condolences or make a donation please visit www.hillcrestfuneralhome.ca

A Tree of Remembrance for Keith will be planted in the McAlpine Forever Forest, for more information visit www.treesofremembrance.com

"Have a nip of Scotch on me"