Ruben LIVED his life with determination and decisive zest right to his last breath. Having CF (cystic fibrosis) presented a lot of challenges, but they were really no match for Ruben when it came to enjoying and sharing his effervescent smile, laughter, and good things life has to offer. Ruben lived, breathed and shared love and happiness with everyone he met.
Ruben adored and was fervently adored by those who will miss him most, his mom Katherina (Kate, Kay, Kat), sisters Renée (Alex), and Brooke, as well as Papa and MamaJill (Al & Jill Baker). Ruben joins his other sister, Angèle (predeceased). Family first was his motto and he was always there for his family and anyone else who needed him.
Ruben will also be sadly missed by all of his friends old and new from RLC public school, SKSS, and his coworkers at H&R Block. His soul brother Lane Bilodeau kept him laughing and living life even when times were rough. Ruben’s extended family will also keenly note his physical absence – Grandma McNab, Aunts/Uncles (spouses) Carol, Grace (Bruce), Joy (Nobi), Tim (Deb), Ann, Conrad (Lise), Perry (Gillian), Cousins Sarah, Benjamin, Nathan, Isaac, Jonah, Alexandre, Emilie, Peter and half-sister Rose-Marie.
Please join us in a Celebration of Life for Ruben at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2015 in the Kamloops Alliance Church, 200 Leigh Rd. Public viewing will take place prior to the service in the Fireside Room from 12-12:50. Ruben will be laid to rest at the Hillside Cemetery at 3:30.
Breathe free our Ruben; Laugh, Love and watch over us all until we meet again,
Thank you for Sharing your life and light with us!
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the RIH 5 South Pediatric Ward in Ruben’s name. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Farrell, Dr. James Howie, Joyce Bater, Linda Ingalls and the 5 South Nursing team for all the love and care over the past 12 years.
15 Tributes
Katherina, I was so sorry to hear of Ruben’s passing and have considered it a privlege to assist you through this difficult time. I’ll always be there for you and your family.
Your friend forever,
Paul Palmer
Heart breaking seeing such a beautiful soul leave us…He’s always been one of my favorite patients…RIP and reunited with your beautiful sister…God Bless you ,miss your smile.
Ruben you will be dearly missed. You brought a ray of sunshine to anyone who knew and loved you. We are so proud how hard you battled. Give your beautiful sister a hug and kiss. We love you. Rest in peace and come back to see your mom and sisters.
kin canada is working hard to find a cure for the terrible illness. I pray Joshua is an angel watching over the young men and women at the research center.
I pray for his parents and family. I am so sorry for your loss.
Painful to read and even harder to accept. Ruben’s smile, loving spirit and strength have touched and will transcend. His absence is palpable. We are here for you Kay, Renee, Brooke and family. xox Deb
So sorry for the loss of Joshua Ruben.
I have taught students with CF. It a tough road for everyone. May his memory be a blessing.
With love,
Dorothy and Kevin Nocolazzo
PS. We made a donation in Ruben’s name to Canadian Cystic Fibrosis. We hope you received an acknowledgement.
RIP Ruben. I have very fond memories of you riding your IV pole down the hall of 5S. You will be missed by all whose lives you touched. You will always have a special corner of my heart, my young friend.
Ruben was a joy to have in our classroom. He was an inspiration and will be greatly missed. You will be remembered always with love and admiration, Ruben.
Remembering Ruben is like thinking about the happiest you have ever been and knowing that even through his CF, he was happier than most around him. I’m so sad that Ruben has passed away and my heart felt condolences belong to his family in this sad moment in time.
Rest in paradise Ruben, you deserve it.
I did not know Joshua but I was reading this and wanted to leave a few words to his family and friends. I hope that this bible text can provide you with a little bit of comfort as you continue to cope. Take care. John 5:28,29-“Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life…”
Dear Katherina, I was so sorry to hear about your loss and still recall with sadness the loss of Angele. I may have seen Ruben as a small child in passing but this photo portrays a beautiful soul and a definite resemblance to you. Please know that we have donated $50 to 5 South in his memory. Our son Colin remembers meeting Ruben and also expresses sympathy to you.
Thank you for that! We didn’t know. I randomly found all of these posts today.
Thank you Daniella! I just saw this post today.
I think about you every day Ruben and it breaks my heart each and every day. You were one of the most caring and genuine people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. I will miss you till the end of days.
Reuben,
I was just a nursing student in practicum when I took care of you, but your patience, kindness and personality will sit with me forever. The journey you and every other kiddo I have taken care of (past and present) that lives with CF is the reason I went into pediatrics and when times are tough I remind myself who I do this for, I thank you for that. Reuben’s mom, know that no matter how many years go by, your son and daughter are remembered fondly, and we on peds still reminisce about them to this day. Until next time buddy, rest easy.