Jim Ruissen

Jim passed away at Bethany Airdrie, Continuing Care Facility, on Monday, October 16th, 2023, with Georgina, his wife of 66 years, at his side. Jim will also be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Adrianne Ruissen, of Airdrie; his son, Thomas (Laurie) Ruissen, of Calgary; grandchildren, Richard Hassard of Airdrie, Desiree (Jeremy) West of Calgary, Geralyn Ruissen of Edmonton, Benjamin Ruissen of Ottawa, Ontario, and Jacob Ruissen of Grimsby, Ontario; great-grandchildren, Richie and Penelope Hassard of Airdrie, and Josie and Heidi West of Calgary. Jim was predeceased by his four brothers, John, Jacobus, Art and Joe; and sisters, Janna Steinhauer and Jozina Willis; brother-in-laws, Hank Van Tetering, Edward Pratt, Robert Pratt, Murray Pratt; sister-in-law, Margaret Stevens; and nephew, Eric Willis.

Born in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Jim immigrated to Canada in the early 1950’s. Arriving in Halifax aboard the Volendam ocean liner, Jim immediately made the cross-country trip to Port Alberni, Vancouver Island. Not long after, Jim chose to move to Alberta where he commenced a stellar 40 year career with Bank of Montreal. His first banking assignment was in Carstairs, AB, where Jim met Georgina, and they fell in love, married in 1957 and Jim became a Canadian Citizen in 1958. Jim quickly saw BMO postings from coast to coast in Canada, which included 15 transfers for him, Georgina, and their family. Jim earned many educational designations that advanced his career, including two from University of British Columbia. Jim loved family first. His wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, his mother, siblings, nieces and nephews, and every one of his in-laws. He looked forward to family dinners, reunions, special holidays, any event where family gathered. After family, Jim loved music - all music, but he had a particular fondness for pipe organ music. In 1967 Jim and a few buddies built a golf course and he remained passionate about golf his entire life, devoting a great deal of his retirement to golfing with fellow bank retirees, family and friends. Jim was thrilled to attend the Masters in 2010 with his son. Jim played his final round of golf on September 23, 2020, with his daughter, son, and daughter-in-law at Collicutt Siding. A Memorial Service will be held at the Airdrie United Church, on Saturday, November 4th at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception. Special heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the exceptional staff and volunteers in the Aspen Wing of the Airdrie Bethany Continuing Care Facility for the compassion, kindness and respect that Jim received for the past two years. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories (1-866-950-5465) are appreciated.