Eric Ruttan

RUTTAN, Eric Milton March 14, 1950 - November 16, 2014 Eric Milton Ruttan passed away peacefully, on Sunday, November 16, 2014, at the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 64. Loving husband of Donna (nee Longhurst). Dedicated father to Deric & his wife Margaret, Jason & his wife Tertia and Matthew & his wife Laura. Proud grandfather of Megan (Sean), Jack, Sara, Paul, Gabe, Kiev, Liam, Sarah, Benjamin and Anna, and great grandfather of Sam and Rhys. Dear brother of Phillip (Lynn). Also remembered warmly by his nieces, nephews and the members of the Ruttan and Longhurst families. Eric was born in 1950 as the second of two sons to Milton and Grace Ruttan. He was raised at the Ruttan homestead on Stoneleigh Road. He grew up appreciating the outdoors, camping, playing hockey on frozen ponds with magazines as shin pads, and attending public school in the one room school house across from what is now Bracebridge Golf Course. As he grew, Eric developed into a young man who enjoyed having fun, getting into a bit of trouble in Macaulay Township, driving his dad's grey Epic car, and falling in love with a young Longhurst from across town named Donna. Eric got a job with Ontario Hydro where he worked his whole career---starting as a forester and ending in management. He made many lifelong friends and gained a reputation for his sincere, fair and straightforward manner. Eric and Donna built a house on Highway 117 and had three children, Deric, Jason and Matthew. He was a very dedicated and proud father, who was always there for his children, whether that be in following bands or hockey clubs across the province, or coaching his sons' softball and hockey teams. This support extended to their families, in the best way: loyal, supportive and wise. He and Donna's family grew to include three gracious daughters-in-law, Margaret, Tertia and Laura, and 10 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. As time goes on, the family will surely expand. There was nothing like Eric's simple yet genuine smile in the presence of family. He was proud. He was blessed. And he knew it. Eric always counted it a privilege to help care for his parents in their final years, and cherished his relationship with his brother, Phillip. He loved travelling, the outdoors, and lived for camping and canoeing---whether with friends, the church, or family and grandchildren. Nature and glorious sunrises seemed to speak to his soul. Eric's faith developed as he grew older. He was never very outspoken about it; but especially toward the end of his life, he experienced God more and more. His prayer life developed, and he discovered God's presence in increasingly profound ways. He had a special place in his heart for Psalm 23, which he personalized to reflect his own journey through life. Eric liked to have a good time. Early in marriage, he enjoyed community dances and even a few twist competitions, Hydro baseball games at Jubilee Park, and various family-related kids' experiences from across the province. He enjoyed a strong drink, Players Cigarettes, and later, a tasty cigar. Perhaps most of all, Eric built a love, marriage and life with Donna. They built a home, raised a family, and lived a good life, full of gratitude. They were married for 45 years and had adventures that could fill a book. Of their relationship Eric said, "She was the only woman I ever loved." At the end of his life he was truly an inspiration: even though he was suffering greatly with cancer in a dozen parts of his body, he lived each day with a strength and perspective that was exemplary. As he would often say, "Each day is a new life - so live it like it is." As a friend of Eric's who recently walked through his own battle with cancer said, "It is truly a sad day and I will miss Eric very much. Knowing what I do about dealing with cancer I was in awe and humbled at how graciously and strong Eric handled the time he had left. I will attempt to follow his example." Friends will be received at the Reynolds Funeral Home ‘Turner Chapel', on Thursday, November 20, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Bracebridge United Church, on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at Knox Presbyterian Church, 120 Taylor Rd, Bracebridge. Private interment at a later date. Memorial donations can be directed to Knox Presbyterian Church of Bracebridge, Langford Cemetery or to the hospital of your choice. Messages of condolence can be made at www.reynoldsfuneral.com A line from one of Deric's songs spoke to him deeply in his final weeks: "The space between the first breath that you breathe and the last one that you seek 80 years down the line is a blink of an eye."

Visitation Details

Thursday, November 20th, 2014 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"

Thursday, November 20th, 2014 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home "Turner Chapel"

Service Information

Friday, November 21st, 2014 1:00pm, Bracebridge United Church

Interment Details

Langford Cemtery