It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kenneth W. Ruston on Monday, August 17, 2026, at the age of 93 years.
Ken was born on December 13, 1932, in Frontier, Saskatchewan, and spent his early life and school years in Coutts, Alberta, and Shaughnessy. He settled in Lethbridge as a young man in the early 1950s.
He worked at various jobs but found his life’s work as a City of Lethbridge firefighter, joining the service in 1957. He took great pride in his work and in serving the Lethbridge community. He was fulfilled by the sense of brotherhood and family that the Fire Service gave him. Even after being retired for many years, he remained very proud of the Lethbridge Fire Department.
Ken was an avid curler and golfer and also enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting. He retired from the City in 1988 and was able to enjoy over 30 years of travelling to Arizona during the winter months, making many friends along the way.
When he could no longer travel south as a Snowbird, he lived a quiet but active life. He settled into Pemmican Lodge and enjoyed the warm, friendly seniors’ community there. Making many friends and participating in the activities helped him maintain his independence. The last five months of his life were spent living at Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale.
We thank all of the staff at both Pemmican Lodge and Sunny South Lodge for their compassionate care.
Ken was predeceased by his brother Melvin in 2015 and his brother Gerald in 2021.
He is survived by his three children and their families, including six grandchildren: son Brad (Shannon) of Nanaimo, BC; daughter Carla (Alan) Koyata of Coaldale; and Lynette Theriault of Calgary. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Helen of Lethbridge, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
At Ken’s request, there will be no formal service. In lieu of a service, a private family interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.