Ruth Atkin
April 2, 2023
April 2, 2023
April 2, 2023
Ruth Ann Atkin
August 28, 1960 – April 2, 2023
It is with heavy heartbreak that we announce the sudden passing of Ruth Ann Atkin. She is deeply missed by me, her sister Ellen Judith Atkin, and is lovingly remembered by her true friends.
My brave hero, my brave martyr, my brave sister Ruth Ann Atkin, your legacy is now free of the burdens that were never yours to carry in the first place.
I cherish the joy we shared. Your spirit was stronger than all of the suffering you endured. The ups and downs and breakthroughs were worth every minute. You took that small window of opportunity for us to share and heal and laugh like we never could before.
You loved your life, your freedom and your independence. You loved your cat and your home. You loved sharing your writing. And I loved listening to it. Your last two years with me were a gift that I will unpack for a long time.
You will be remembered for your delicate mannerisms, your refined purpose, your selflessness and your undaunting willingness to please. I will remember you for your wicked sense of humour and your great flair.
You chose to come to BC to live beside me in Boston Bar, BC in 2021. That meant more to you than all the years you depended on others to choose for you. You never wanted to turn back and you didn't.
I am proud of the safe space you created. I am proud of the healing we did. I wish we had more time. But your end will be part of a new beginning.
Ruth was proud of her Library Technician Diploma from Fanshawe College in London Ontario. She was proud of her many varied work placements and her years of volunteer work in both London and St. Thomas ON.
In her passing, Ruth joins the love of her life Doug Vaskelis, her mother Emma Jane Crunican Atkin, her father John Robert Atkin and our dear brother Frederick Michael Arthur Atkin in heaven.
Ruth Ann Atkin was a sister, a friend to many, and a devoted daughter. Her challenge was not an issue of housing, basic needs or addiction. Her challenge was being misunderstood because of the stigma around mental health.
Ruth's private services will be held both at Harrison Hot Springs and in Baja Mexico, where we had happy memories and spent our first time together since childhood.
Farewell my beloved, faithful and devoted sister, Ruth Ann Atkin. I love you eternally.
Donations to honour Ruth's memory may be made at The Michael Atkin Foundation: https://www.givesendgo.com/MAF
You are invited to leave a personal message for the family.
A loving tribute, to a gentle soul. You have captured the strengths and the spirit of your sister so well - Ellen - both by your words and the picture of her with her loyal companion by her side. They each reflect her beautiful person, inside and out. May 'the Comforter' Jesus promised to send us be with you, comfort and assure you, in your profound grief. With you in the same Spirit...all my love, Jan
I smile every time I see that picture of Ruth, I am so glad you chose this picture as it will be the image of her I will carry in my heart.
I remember when you first told me you were going to go and rescue Ruth. It was such a selfless thing to do. I cannot help but reflect on how much it must have meant to her to have someone finally treat her like a human being, like a sister. I laughed hearing the back and forth between the two of you like only sisters can master. That she was finally allowed her own space, her own emotions, up, down and all over the place, and no matter what - you were there - we should all have a sister like you.
You know I always had a soft spot for her. I understood some of her pain and I was inspired by her triumphs. Her story has impacted my life a great deal. I will carry her memory with me always.
May the world be kind to you at this time Ellen. May you have the time you need to hold her with you as long as your heart needs. Beautiful, brave, funny, Ruth ...may you also be at peace and know you were and are loved.
~ Aria ApplefordI never got to meet Ruth, but have gotten to know Ellen in the last year or so, and heard so much about Ruth from her sister. I'm very, very sorry Ellen. You were such a faithful sister to Ruth. It's so outstanding to see that nowadays. All my love, Camille from Chicagoland ~ Camille Blinstrub
To be remembered kindly is to be immortal.
~ Donald Waite
I am very sorry to hear about my dear cousin's passing. I will always remember her as a sweet person. Rest in peace.
~ Natalie Atkin