Rev. Dr. Harold Ruf, former District President, called to glory

ALBERTA – Rev. Dr. Harold Edmund Ruf, former President of the Alberta-British Columbia (ABC) District, was called to glory early in the morning of December 12, 2024. He was 90 years old.

Dr. Ruf was first elected to serve as ABC District President in 1988, a role in which he continued to serve until his retirement in 2000. Prior to his election, Dr. Ruf had previously served the District as Executive Assistant for Mission services from 1986-1988.

Dr. Ruf was born in Stornoway, Saskatchewan on October 12, 1934. In 1950, he moved to Edmonton to attend Concordia College, where he completed high school and junior college as a pre-seminary student, graduating in 1955. He subsequently attended Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, Missouri), graduating in 1960. He would later be awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the St. Louis seminary in 1996.

Prior to his ministry at the district level, Dr. Ruf served several congregations throughout B.C. and Saskatchewan. His first call (1960-1965) saw him serve a region in British Columbia north of Kamloops, south of Prince George, and from Barkerville to Bella Coola. During this time, he helped to found congregations in Williams Lake, Quesnel, and One Hundred Mile House, as well as leading worship in several other communities. He then served in Moosomin, Saskatchewan (1965-1968); Grace Lutheran in Regina (1968-1978); and Port Coquitlam (1978-1986).

Dr. Ruf met his wife, Ruth, while studying in Edmonton. They were engaged during his final year of seminary and married on June 11, 1960.

Dr. Ruf is survived by his wife, Ruth (née Kroll); his daughter, Brenda Horton; and son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Michelle. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer Fish and her husband, Keegan (great-grandchildren Charlotte and Alexandra); Stephen Horton and his fiancé, Emily; Kaitlyn Brett and her husband, Liam (great-grandchildren Levi, Emerson, and Willow); and Amanda Ruf.

Dr. Ruf was predeceased by his sister, Viola, as well as brothers, Orland and Edgar, and is survived by his younger sister, Audrey. Harold’s parents, David and Katherine (née Haverstock) passed away in 1972 and 1996 respectively.

Dr. Ruf blessed those among whom he served through his down to earth approach to ministry and through his willingness to step out in faith for the sake of the Gospel. His favourite Bible passage served as a motto for life: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

An internment service for Dr. Ruf was held in Edmonton on December 19, 2024. A memorial service will take place at Concordia Lutheran Church on January 17 at 1:00 p.m. LCC clergy in attendance are invited to wear green stoles to take part in a procession and recession at the start and conclusion of the service. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed online via the congregation’s YouTube Channel. A copy of the Funeral Service slideshow will be available for download at www.concordialutheran.ca.

Those wishing to make a donation in Dr. Ruf’s memory are invited to give to Concordia Lutheran Church (Edmonton); Concordia Lutheran Seminary (Edmonton); Grace Lutheran Church (Calgary); or Lutheran Hour Ministries.

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