Dr. Arie A. Ruitenberg, 93, of
Sussex, passed away on Tuesday June 20, 2023 at the Kiwanis Nursing
Home with family by his side. Born on June
21, 1929 in the Netherlands, he was the son of the late Gerrit and
Maria (Spuijbroek) Ruitenberg.
Prior to his retirement, Arie
worked as a distinguished geologist and was active in local politics,
serving as counselor and Deputy Mayor for the Village of Sussex
Corner. He was the recipient of many awards, including the
Geoscientists Canada Fellowship in honor of exceptional contributions
to the geoscience profession in Canada. He was author/co-author of
over 70 reports and papers in national and international publications
and Earth science journals. He spoke and read four languages (English,
Dutch, French, German), enjoyed classical music, walking, playing
tennis/ping-pong, and most of all helping people from all walks of
life accomplish their goals.
He will be sadly missed by his loving
wife, Marie (Dobson); his three children: Gary (Sheila Keating) of St.
Margarets Bay, NS; JoyAnn Couture (Geoff) of Dieppe, and Ian
(Charmaine Traynor-Ruitenberg) of Whitehorse, YT; two step-children:
Heather Hartman (Jason) of Livermore, CA, and Trevor Little of
Halifax, NS; one brother, Bastian (late Laney) of the Netherlands;
four grandchildren: Luke, Ben, Denise, and Michelle; one
step-grandson, Ben; two step-grandchildren: Ayden and
Abby; two great-grandchildren: Claire and
Thomas; as well as a niece, Ciska, a nephew, Paul, and
cousins.
He
was predeceased by his first wife, Mieke
(2011).
In
accordance with his wishes, a private funeral service will be
celebrated. Interment will be at the Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery
in Sussex Corner. In memory of Arie, a contribution to the Alzheimer
Society of Canada would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements are in
the professional care of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre,
Moncton (506-858-1900).
Words of
comfort may be shared at
www.frenettefuneralhome.com