David Glen Ruark
May 30, 1930 - December 13, 2024
In Loving Memory
David Glen Ruark
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Glen Ruark on December 13, 2024, in Vernon, British Columbia. Born in Vulcan, Alberta, David spent many years farming in the Vulcan area before retiring in Armstrong, BC. He also previously resided in High River and Sexsmith.
David was a man of many talents and passions, including farming, flying, and woodworking. He was active in the church and enjoyed singing.
David is survived by his wife, Eileen; children Rod Ruark (Marion) and Greg Ruark (Raquel) step children Kim Maygard (Randi), Sheila Gunn (Doug), James Maygard; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his loved ones.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary; sister, Eileen; father, Archie; mother, Anna; and step-son, Melvin Maygard (Susan)
Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Armstrong on January 11, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Interment will take place at 11:00 AM on the same day at the Armstrong Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-546-7237
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 1
It’s difficult to capture in words the impact that Uncle Dave had on my life. Though he wasn’t my uncle by blood, he was every bit an uncle in spirit—a steadfast presence of wisdom, respect, and quiet strength. My earliest memories of Uncle Dave are rooted in the farm in Vulcan, a place that became a treasure trove of adventures and lessons for me as a child. Those visits to the farm were magical, filled with the freedom to explore, learn, and dream, all under the watchful, loving eye of Uncle Dave.
One memory stands out vividly: a simple wooden plank near the rhubarb in the garden. Beneath it, I’d find worms to use as bait for fishing trips to the pond. Uncle Dave’s encouragement in such moments wasn’t just about catching fish—it was about understanding the land, nurturing self-reliance, and embracing the joys of simplicity. Building a raft and pretending to be a hunter-gatherer on that pond, inspired by the stories of Huckleberry Finn, taught me that even childhood fantasies could carry deep lessons about responsibility and creativity.
Uncle Dave also had a unique way of turning mistakes into opportunities for growth. I recall an incident—part memory, part visceral feeling—of a close call in the corral with a bull. In my naïveté, I had underestimated the animal’s temperament, thinking it might be as approachable as Ferdinand, the flower-loving bull from the storybooks. While others might have scolded me harshly, Uncle Dave used the moment to show me respect and understanding. He saw my affinity for animals and turned what could have been a shaming experience into a lesson in responsibility and trust. His approach taught me that mistakes aren’t the end of the story; they’re a chance to grow.
Another cherished memory is Uncle Dave’s love for flying. His passion was contagious, and I’ll never forget the thrill of sitting beside him in his plane. He took preparation seriously, going over a laminated checklist with meticulous care. As a child, that checklist felt like a sacred ritual, and Uncle Dave’s belief that I could help with something so important planted a seed of self-worth that has stayed with me ever since. His quiet faith in my abilities made me believe in myself, and it’s a gift I’ll carry for the rest of my life.
Uncle Dave’s influence didn’t end with my childhood. Years later, when the opportunity arose to buy his pickup truck, I couldn’t resist. That truck wasn’t just a vehicle—it was a tangible connection to the man who had given me so much. Driving it back to Alberta was my way of honouring the respect, motivation, and quiet encouragement he had shown me throughout my life.
Uncle Dave was a man of deep faith, steady guidance, and a love for the land and sky. His example of humility and integrity has been a cornerstone in my life, reminding me of what’s possible when we live with purpose and love.
To Eileen and the family, please know how much Uncle Dave meant to me. He was a mentor, a role model, and a source of boundless encouragement. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Uncle Dave’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched so profoundly, and I am forever grateful to have been one of them.