January 19, 1963 – April 24, 2012
It is with a sad heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Ruby Anne Commandeur. On Tuesday April 24, 2012, Ruby passed away suddenly of heart failure at her home in North Saanich, B.C. Ruby spent most of her childhood years growing up in Nelson, B.C., where she attended L.V. Rogers Secondary. Upon leaving high school, Ruby attended both the University of British Columbia and University of Victoria before heading to Toronto to complete her education at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. She received her Doctorate of Chiropractic in 1989. After graduation, she moved to Victoria B.C. where she began her practice, helping and healing patients for almost 15 years. She was a women who worked tirelessly to create space for kindness, compassion, understanding and empowerment in the lives of her family, friends, clients and community around her. Ruby was predeceased by her younger brother, George Allen Commandeur. Her light of wisdom, courage, strength and beauty will be deeply missed by her husband, Ivan Mishchenko; daughters, Nina and Kira; son, Robert; parents, George and Florida Commandeur; brothers, Victor (Laurilee), Leo (Debbie), Colin (Paula); sister, Jackie (Leonard); nieces and nephews, Sheena, Drew, Samantha, Maddison, MyKayla, Nicole, Cole, Grayson, Chloe, Adam, Ollie, Eirywinn and many close friends.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruby’s memory to BC Children’s Hospital would be greatly appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Maureen Watson
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Kenna Blair This is very late coming your way! I was away for several months when your most fantastic lady died. Talk about stupid, I was not even aware of her death until she was featured in the local rag the other day. She was a true lady and will always be remembered for her guts and beliefs! We will keep her in our hearts forever!
Hugs! Kenna
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Robert R. Burton I am shocked this morning to see the death of Ruby published in CMCC’s trade journal Primary Contact. Ruby was a member of my graduating class of 1989, and therefore I spent 4 years with her. While I did not have an opportunity to become close, I knew her as a wonderful individual, always smiling and happy. I am so saddened with your family’s loss. I hope you find strength with time to recover, and I know you will always fondly remember and celebrate the life a what must have been a beautiful wife, mother, and daughter. Dr. Robert R. Burton BSc MEd DC FCCPOR(C) St. John’s NL
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Teri Burley What an incrediable gifted spirit Ruby was to so many. Ruby and I shared so many laughs while she was working her magic on my not so easy to adjust body during our chiropractic session. I have know Ivan and Ruby for a long time now. There are no words for the loss that I know Ruby’s family and friends are feeling right now. Ivan my heart and prayers go out to you and your family.
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Petra I am so sorry for your loss. Ruby helped me and my daughters so much, we will always remember her smile and her helpful ways.
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Jay Lepp Ruby was a standout student of the CMCC class of 1989. I am blessed to have been in that group of 89’ers.
I am blessed but at the time I must say In that first year I was intimidated. I remember lining up at registration and activities during our initiation week, Ruby was so smart, articulate and confident, if that was the calibre of student , I wondered what I was getting myself into. She took a leadership roll in our class from early on and steadfast into our graduating year.
I am an admirer of her life, her commitment to family and the truly incredible accomplishments she has made. My heart goes out to you for your loss of such a precious soul.My prayers to you
Jay
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Therese Chickloski (Klassen) Ruby and I were best friends in Junior High and High School. I lost track of her, but heard of her many achievements. I am so sorry for the Commandeur Family and her husband and children. I have been flooded with memories of our times together, and have kept little notes we would pass to each other. I remember her as fun loving, thoughtful and sometimes a rascal – like me. She always amazed me at her ability to sew anything beautifully. My deepest sympathies for your broken hearts.
Therese
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Jill Kot Ivan,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news. It is almost unimaginable that such a tragic thing should happen. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jill
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Suzanne Bell Ivan, I was shocked and saddened to read about Ruby. I can’t imagine how challenging it must be for all of you right now – and although we haven’t been in touch very often over the years, I want to let you know that you and the kids are in my thoughts, prayers and in my heart.
Hugs,
Suzanne Bell
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Lorne Evin Sincere condolences to Ruby’s family,my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sorry for your loss.
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Donna Little I am very saddened by the news and by the loss of such a wonderful person . I would like to send deeply heartfelt condolences to Ruby’s entire family. As a fellow chiropractor I knew Ruby over the years and admired her warmth, strength and bright light. She will be very much missed. May you find strength and peace in the loving thoughts of friends and family and may your dear memories carry you through .
My thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time
Donna
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Edna Fikowski(Traynor) and Barry Traynor Ivan, I am saddened by the news of Ruby’s death. You were wonderful, kind, caring neighbors and have been missed since you left the crescent. Ruby was always so vibrant and ready with a smile. I am saddened for you, your children and family. May you find comfort and peace of heart in knowing your many friends are with you in this difficult time, Ivan. May Ruby rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Edna & Barry
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Melanie McKenzie Ivan, my heart goes out to you and your family. Ruby is an example of a life well lived and she clearly served as an inspiration to all who knew her. Be gentle with yourself during this very tender time.
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wendy hildebrand (deeks) My sincere heart-felt condolences to you and your family. I will always cherish my memories of Ruby… it was such an honour having her as an awesome role model. Her courage, her commitment to her family, her love and compassion… the list goes on. You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Sincerely, Wendy, Vaughn, Taylor and Ryder Hildebrand xox
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Janet Lewis Sincere condolences to Ruby’s family. She was a bright light that touched so many lives, what a loss for all who knew her. We are blessed to have been fortunate enough to have known her and felt her loving kindness.
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Heather Gilker You may not remember me, but I use to come down from Kaslo and visit my grandmother Wright over the summer; Darlene Sawatsky, Ruby and myself would occassionally “hang” together during those two weeks. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Rosemary Cameron Sending my heartfelt sympathy to Ruby’s family at this sad time. I heard of Ruby’s achievements through my husband Don who was a great friend of her father George Commandeur. We always heard such good things about her, and she obviously brought great pride and happiness to others. I am sorry never to have had the opportunity to meet her but wanted you to know that thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rosemary Cameron
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Dr Jordan Millar To Ivan and family,
My heart goes out to you all. I was shocked by the news and deeply saddened by your loss and send my sympathies. I knew Ruby as a patient, a mentor, and then a colleague as she was truly inspirational in my decision to become a chiropractor. Her life touched so many people and she was such a shining light. She will be sadly missed.
My condolences to you all,
Jordan
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Andrew & Caroline Clark We have truly lost someone that contributed so much. Our love and prayers are with you Ivan, Kira and Robert. I can only hope and pray that your memories of such a great lady will help you through this time. Take care my friends.
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Shirley and grayg Mitrou Ivan we are so shocked at your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Gayg and Shirley
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Pat & Barb Brennan We send our love, prayers and condolences to Ivan and his family and to Ruby’s family. She was a lady I always wanted to know better. I admired her strength, her integrity and her devotion to her family.
I just heard of Ruby`s passing and have been going back in time remembering all the things we did as kids, out the lake in Nelson. Ruby always brought me a massive bowl of chocolate ice cream hanging out at her place, because she knew how much I liked it. We`d be on our bikes most of the time and meet up at the tennis court where she usually beat me. We spent one summer renovating a fort we found in the woods. We painted it, sewed curtains, the whole nine yards. I saw Ruby last when I was living in Victoria. We had a great evening at her place, a memory I will now cherish. I would like to extend my sympathies to her husband Ivan and their children, and to Mr and Mrs Commandeur, Jackie, Leo, Vic and Colin