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.
21 Responses
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Ivan we are so shocked at your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love Gayg and Shirley
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.