It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Ruth after a short but brutal battle with cancer.
Ruth was born in Ottawa to Charles Arthur Annis and Margaret Elizabeth Annis (nee Fenton). Ruth enjoyed a privileged childhood in a loving and tolerant family that afforded her excellent travel and educational opportunities at institutions such as the International School in Geneva (where her father was posted for GATT negotiations). Back in Canada, Ruth started university studies at Queens and then transferred to UBC, a more exciting choice in an era of radical student activism. That led to a stint with CUSO teaching at the higher teachers’ college at Ahmadu Bello University in Zahria, Nigeria.
Ruth was a natural leader, a systemic thinker, an activist, change agent, and community builder by inclination. She never encountered an institution that she did not see as an object she should improve. Ruth was the founding Executive Director of Nisha, now Pacific Community Resources Society. She imbued this regional child and family services agency with a culture of excellence, client-centred practice, and support for worker professionalism and commitment. Ruth was a co-founder of First Call, the BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition, and held many positions of leadership in the community services sector. Her work was recognized with a number of awards and distinctions.
After years of very demanding work, Ruth enjoyed a physically active and fun-filled retirement, including travel focused on her love of art, architecture and good food. And she turned her hand to informal community building in the ARIA condominium and the Humboldt Valley neighbourhood.
Ruth is survived by her husband, Andy Wachtel, her daughter Twila Annis-Bowe and son-in-law Marlon Bowe, her brother Robert and sister-in-law Mary Annis, and her sister Mary and brother-in-law Doug McPhee, and by nieces, nephews and great-nephews. Ruth was predeceased by her parents, her sister Nancy, and her son Robin Annis.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
brenda wilson
-
Susan Papadionissiou So many “Ruth” experiences that will live on. I first met Ruth when she was founder and chair of First Call. Somehow, through her perseverence and dogged determinism, Ruth managed to extract funding from all the funders at the time. Political astuteness, strategic thinking and unbound committment to children and youth – First Call grew from an idea to a movement that changed lives. Ruth, you have made such a difference. Andy and family, my deepest sympathy. Thinking of you.
-
Stephen Barker My heartfelt condolences to the Andy and family. Much respect for Ruth and her social activism and hard work. Always respectful and kind. Very sad news
-
Jane Matheson I met Ruth some decades ago through the Child Welfare League of Canada and was immediately impressed by her commitment to children and to change. Over the years I have often thought about her and the standard she set for social justice. I felt inspired by that and consider myself lucky to have been in her presence albeit briefly.
I was sad to hear of her death and send my condolences to Andy and family.
-
Roland Dandeneau My deepest condolences to Robert, a very dear respected friend of mine, his wife Mary and their extended family. My prayers go out to all feeling the loss.
-
John Everitt Condolences from Chichester.
-
Flo Frank and Ley Ward (Campbell River BC) Thinking of all of you and hope that fond memories make this sadness a little bit easier. Condolences and hugs.
Dear Andy and family,
Though I didn’t know Ruth well I somehow felt her presence alongside you Andy as you served on Citizens’ Counselling Centre’s Board of Directors for all those years. I thought of you and Ruth as a true and loving partnership — so lovely to witness.
Ruth did so much for so many throughout her career — living such devotion to making the world a better place. The embodiment of her values.
I am very sorry and very sad for your huge loss.