Leonard Irwin Ruf was born in Yorkton, SK on December 8, 1930, to Henry and Leah Ruf (nee Engel) and he was baptized and confirmed as a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stornoway. He married Beatrice Becker on April 13, 1950 and they were blessed with 6 loving children. They remained members of Stornoway Lutheran Church and after it closed they became members of Zion Lutheran Church in Yorkton where Leonard continued to sing in the choir. He grew up on the family farm near Stornoway, attended Clyde school and worked with his dad on the farm until Leonard and Beatty started their own farming operation in 1950. He went to Edmonton for a mechanics course, which served him well during his many years of farming. In 1960, he and his brother Verner started farming together which continued for 30 years. In 1974, Leonard's son, Garry joined the farming operation. He was a member of the Rhein Lions Club and the Rhein Golden Agers. He enjoyed curling, playing cards and socializing with many family and friends. He especially enjoyed fishing and over the years lost count on just how many boats were bought and sold. His latest purchase was a pontoon boat with many happy memories cruising looking for elusive fish! Leonard was predeceased by his parents Henry and Leah Ruf, his granddaughter Kristina Rae Ruf, his step-grandson Alex Robichaud and his nephew Kirk Niebrandt. He leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his life, his wife of 64 years Beatrice, his son Garry (Linda) of Rhein, their children Bradley (Jodi) their son Reeve, Blair (Marissa) their children Gaby and Aiden, Brett (Robin) their son Paxton; daughter Valerie (Dan) Robichaud of Yorkton, her step-children Jessica (Jeff) Ronn and their children Matthew and Danielle, Michael (Megan) Robichaud and Eliza Robichaud; son Earl (Trena) Ruf of Melville, SK, their children, a daughter Megan (Devin) Shuba and their daughters Brooklyn and Macy and son Michael (Kelsey) Ruf; son Sheldon (Laurie) of Stockholm and their daughters Leah, her daughter Braelyn (Derek, his children Liam, Makenzy), Jessalyn (Tyler), Kyla (Kyle); daughter Lorna of Saskatoon; and son Jamie of Kamsack, and daughters Teagan and Taylin; a brother Verner (Elaine) of Yorkton; a sister Eleanor (Walt) Dickie of Coldwater, ON, plus many special nieces and nephews. Mom and Dad worked hand in hand on their farm for over 50 years until their retirement. Farming was not always easy, but having 6 amazing children made it all worthwhile. There were many occasions with the "happy gang" (you know who you are), "old lizzy" and many many weekends spent with family and friends. Dad also had a tremendous fascination for cars and the faster they went the happier he was! He has happily passed this trait onto his sons! Dad dabbled in music his whole life. We just read in his memoirs "another highlight in my life that I remember was when my Dad brought home a Steward Warner Radio about 1934 or 35 and heard my first country song and have been hooked ever since". He lovingly tortured us many times by having us listen to his playing on the accordion, harmonica, guitar, plus hundreds of LP's, tapes and CD's of his favourite music. Lorna recalls being treated to polka music on her visits home. On Friday, September 26, Mom wanted to take Dad into the hospital, as he had not been feeling well, but being a true Rider fan wanted to watch the game on TV that night against Edmonton and because of the outcome regretted watching that game! We all know that a cat has 9 lives and we are quite sure that Dad was on about his 11th having had many accidents and illnesses throughout his life. But even the energizer bunny eventually runs out of energy. Dad left us on the morning of Sunday, September 28, 2014, to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with family by his side. He was 83 years of age and he is and always will be sorely missed. Love you Dad! A Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Pastor Daniel Moeller officiating. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, October 2, 2014 from Zion Lutheran Church with Pastor Daniel Moeller officiating. The organist, Verna Liebrecht led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives", "Rock of Ages" and "When Peace Like a River". The Choir Selection was "Lift High the Cross". Special music was provided by soloist, Jessalyn Ruf who sang "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" and Lawrence Kitz who sang, "Look for Me at Jesus' Feet". Following a reception in the Zion Lutheran Church Hall, the Interment Service took place in the Stornoway Cemetery with Garry Ruf, Val Robichaud, Dan Robichaud, Earl Ruf, Sheldon Ruf, Lorna Ruf and James Ruf serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
