Grace Mary Teresa Rutten

My heart goes out to you in the loss of your mother, Grace and now I see in the Morning Star the obituary of your father, Alf. I searched the internet to find your Mom's obituary as I didn't know she was already gone. I was an RN at Down's Residence, Vernon until a couple of years ago. I really appreciated your parents, a couple that I will never forget. They gave freely of themselves to the residents who lived there. They made a point to come to the Residence Xmas parties and visit with the folks there. They were both so thoughtful, gracious, respectful & generous especially to the residents. Alf made the boat rides informative and a lot of fun for everyone! I went on boat rides myself with some of our residents whenever I could. They made a huge difference to many lives. My heartfelt sympathy to the family.

Darren....I am so sorry that I can't be with you today to Celebrate your Mom's life.....she was a very special person and a wonderful neighbour. She had a wonderful sense of humour, a very mischievous " catchy " smile and always full of fun. Great memories !!! My heart and thoughts are with you. Many HUGS, Colleen

Darren.....please accept my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Mom. She was a wonderful lady and neighbour, she had that wonderful ability to create a lot of laughs and joy to all that were around her. I loved her smile. I am sorry that I won't be able to be there to honour her,my heart and thoughts will be with you. Many HUGS, Colleen

We are sorry to hear of the passing of Grace. We both new Grace and Ron worked with Alf at BC Tel. Our thoughts are with the family. Take Care Ron & Jean Olsen Vernon BC

Hi Darren I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a great neighbor and friend to me and such a lovely person. She was also such a hardworking community worker. We will miss her very much. Love, Katie

Grace was one of our "Bunch" The Bunch that got together for many years @ the Vancouver Sun Fun Run and had a wild wonderful weekend together. we all enjoyed each other so much that we got together for "mini Eco challenges" Grace was such a good sport and game for anything. the last 2 Fun Runs I attended I walked with Grace. Neither one of us was up for a lot of running by then , but we sure had some wonderful conversations. We will all miss you Grace. Joy

I met Grace while we were both working for the Vernon School District and we continued to enjoy many gatherings after we retired. I always appreciated her down to earth authenticity and her great sense of humour. I admired the way Grace and Alf gave boat rides to people who would not normally have that experience. They freely gave of themselves. She will be missed. Darren - I am glad you supported your Mum and had fun in the process. I know she appreciated and loved you. Sincerely Pat Hesketh

Darren our deepest condolences with the passing of your mother, we have some good memories with Alf and Grace. We all have lost a good friend, but now she is at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From first cousin Chris Marsh in England I first met Grace in January 1948 when my mother and I emigrated to Canada. I was a young 24 year old teacher and Grace was a teenager. We hit it off from the start and became good friends. When we returned to England in December 1950 she promised to visit us as soon as she qualified as a secretary. She was in the country when I got married in August 1954 where she met a lot of my friends and all her aunts, uncles and cousins from South Wales. After she went home we kept in touch every Christmas and finally, in 2011, I went back to Vancouver with my son and daughter. We had a wonderful time and John and Mary were so pleased to meet Grace and Darren and have the opportunity to get to know them. We were so looking forward to Grace and Darren visiting us in May this year and very sad that it had to be cancelled because of Grace’s illness. She was a wonderful, brave woman – bright as a button and cheerful to the end. May she rest in peace – we will all miss her. With much love from Chris, John and Mary

My Canadian sister ,we first met exactly 60 ywers ago this year and you have been part of my life since then, you were my friend and you always made me smile with your lovely comment" your a sweetie " you made Olga and i most welcome when we visited you, they were happy times and you told me many stories of our family ,we will both miss you but you are now at peace, God be with , love from Richard and Olga

Darren, I cannot imagine the loss of your best friend. I am sure you will treasure the many memories you have together of travel, laughter, and fun, although that cannot replace your mom's spot in your life. My thoughts are with you.