March 18, 1947 - January 29, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
The world has lost a man of God, the definition of a humanitarian, loving husband, caring, wise and supportive father and grandfather (Pa), brother, brother-in-law, uncle and great uncle, friend and mentor to so many around the world.
William Charles Ruller was born March 18, 1947, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, to Kenneth and Marjorie Ruller, the third oldest of six children. Will passed away suddenly while on a father and son road trip to Florida on Saturday, January 29.
Up to the age of 20, Will lived in Canada, graduating from Niagara District Secondary School, before moving on to Forestry School. Following his graduation, he moved to New Zealand and within five years met and married the love of his life, Annie.
They were happily married for 42 years, raising their four children, Kimberley, Keren, Philippa, and Nicholas, before Annie passed away in 2015. Will and Annie shared in the joy of their growing family through loving relationships with their children's spouses and grandchildren.
Will lived a principled life that was full of adventure, including world travel, his reach through his ministries with Youth for Christ, International Child Care, his Christian music business and Pastoral roles in the church spanned across Canada from coast to coast, the U.S., Haiti, Egypt, Central and South America, New Zealand and the South Pacific. So many lives were touched and positively impacted by Will's commitment to his convictions.
Will instilled his love of the outdoors in all his children and grandchildren. In his youth in NZ, he enjoyed white water kayaking, mountain hiking and spending time in the Kauri forests of the NZ North Island. Upon his return to Canada in 1980 with his family, many great memories were made at Algonquin Park, Bowron Lakes, and Rainbow Falls, to name a few special places.
All who knew Will knew his "One Way Willy" motto to get the most out of any outing.
He took this to a new level once he had his motorhome under him over the last ten years, enabling him and Annie to further strengthen adult relationships with siblings, children and grandchildren on his cross Canada trips, never missing a chance to put in a 1000km day. He was happiest behind the wheel, out on an adventure.
The recent addition to Will's life, Lily, his Labrador puppy, put a new spring into his step and was his co-pilot for this past year's road trips known as the "Willy and Lily show." He will be missed!
Those that knew Will (and there are MANY) knew him to be the definition of integrity, empathy and compassion. He was unique in his ability to see a need and match it with the required resource, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
Will's genuine gift and ability to listen and give council will make his passing all the more real as he is the one you would go to with matters of the heart in times like these.
Will leaves a legacy through all those he encountered and those fortunate enough to call him father, brother, uncle, Pa, and friend to be your best self, live life to the fullest, follow your convictions, and never miss an opportunity to help someone in any kind of need.