Marion Ruth Olde (Ruth), 72, of Maple Ridge was born on May 7th, in Winnipeg, Manitoba and passed away unexpectedly November 4, 2024.
Ruth grew up in Southern Ontario and moved to British Columbia in 1972.
Ruth achieved many feats throughout her life with zest and humour. Ruth was a pioneer in the landscaping industry- she became the first female certified Landscape Designer in British Columbia, co-owner of Blasig Landscape Design and Construction and a former president of the BC Landscape and Nursery Association. As well as a published author, international keynote speaker and Landscape Design instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. You can admire her legacy, in the garden designs, at Whonnock Lake Centre in Maple Ridge and the Healing Garden at Pioneer Park in Port Moody.
Ruth enjoyed travelling, walking and spending time with friends and family. Ruth will lovingly be remembered for her sense of adventure(s), laughter and wit. Ruth left her loving imprint wherever she went and will be sorely missed.
Ruth is survived by her husband Gunther Blasig, brother Paul Aicken (Beth), daughters Meghan, Erin, and Courtney (Keith) Olde, sons Olaf (Sandra), Paul, and Heiko Blasig, granddaughters Zoe, Nyssa, Linnaea, Sadie, Irene, Kennedy, and Fallon, grandson Porter, great-grand daughters Scarlett, Elsie, and great-grandson Archer. Also many friends who acted as family to her. Preceded by her parents Alexander and Marie Aicken and many family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring when the flowers are blooming. March 22, 2025 at Whonnock Lake Centre at 1:00 pm.
December 5th, 2024
I feel so blessed to have known Ruth. She was an amazing lady with so much love and devotion for her family. Ruth always made you feel so welcome and was such a beautiful soul. My heart goes out to my dear friend Meghan and Linnaea. I know how special your mom/grandma was to you both and my family and I send our love to you both. We are here for you always.My condolences to Gunther and all of Ruth's daughters/son and grand children and other family members and friends. Ruth will forever be remembered in everyone's hearts. Love to you all
November 30th, 2024
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Ruth's recent passing. I have fond memories of my cousin since childhood days. It was always a fun and enjoyable time when some of our Aicken families were together. Unfortunately, these special occasions were few and far between after Ruth and her family moved away from the Surrey area of BC in 1962. I remember a family reunion at Stanley Park, Vancouver when Ruth's family drove out to the west coast from Ontario in the summer of 1965. It was the last time I saw my dear Uncle Alex, Ruth's father. After Ruth married she moved back to the coast but when Corrine and I married a few years later we moved to Saskatoon to complete my university and seminary before settling in Alberta. Nevertheless, we loved our visits on frequent trips back home throughout the years. Another cherished memory was when a number of our family members met in Winnipeg for an Aicken/Campbell reunion and then on to the former Aicken homestead at Stewart Lake near Camper in 2004. This was the first and only time Ruth saw the homestead where our dads spent many of their boyhood years. It was an emotional experience for Ruth when she and I had our picture taken by the big rock near the slough where the five Aicken boys often played and she was moved to tears. Ruth was an accomplished and vivacious woman who lived life to the fullest and always treated us with warmth and kindness. We will miss her dearly.
Corrine and Dennis Aicken
November 30th, 2024
My sincere sympathies to the family,,remember the times the girls HUNG out together,,,they were great friends.❤️
November 26th, 2024
Ruth & I first met when I was in grade 8 and she in grade 8 in Brigden, Ontario. In1972 we found that both of us had moved to BC and were living not far from one another. We became fast friends raising our small children together. We were kind of joined at the hip in those years. It was “fun” to say the least when we went to the mall with 5 little ones in tow, all being within a couple years of one another. Then Gunther came along and we added 3 more kids to the mix. After I moved to the States, Ruth & I continued our relationship through email, texts & talking on the phone over the years. My husband Bud and I were blessed with a visit from Ruth & Gunther to our home in Montana this past summer. It was a wonderful, quality time spent with precious long time friends. Ruth was a vibrant, fun, wonderful, & kind woman who valued friendships. I will miss her and am thankful for many great memories.
November 19th, 2024
Ruth & I have been friends since Gr. 3 when her Dad came to our small village to takeover the ministry of our church.
We became fast friends & spent alot of time laughing, getting in trouble & forged a strong bond that carried through our lives - even when we lived a long distance from each other.
I will miss Ruth more than I can express but I'm thankful she was a part of my life & will cherish our memories ❤️
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