RUF: Karl Arnold Ruf died peacefully in Calgary, AB. on May 7th 2012 at the age of 81 years, after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Karl was born on a farm in the Rush Lake district of SK on November 11th 1930 to David and Margaretta Ruf; the youngest in a family of 11. He spent his childhood on the farm where his love of animals became apparent. He moved to Swift Current with his parents in 1945 when they retired. Karl began his adult working years delivering ice cream for Palm Dairies and later as a ticket agent at the Swift Current and Moose Jaw bus depots. He then became an insurance salesman with London Life in Swift Current, where he proved his sales ability by becoming a "Million Dollar Salesman". He then joined Western Grocers in Swift Current as a produce salesman and was later promoted into management. He was transferred to their head office in Winnipeg for two years, and then elected to move his family back to Swift Current. Karl later began grain farming south of Waldeck SK with guidance and help from his brothers, nephews and neighbours until he retired in 1999. Karl married Lorna Marian Gavel in 1960 and they were blessed with two children, Robert and Elaine, and three grandchildren, Neesha and Nathan Smith, and Jeremy Ruf. Karl was a member of the Benevolent and Protective order of Elks and the Lions Club. He enjoyed many hobbies and activities. He loved music and sang bass with the Barbershop Harmony Society and St Olaf Lutheran Church Choir. He also sang and played saxophone with the Freddy Weiterman band on CHAB radio in Moose Jaw. Karl enjoyed curling, 10 pin bowling, and fishing. He also loved playing cards, especially whist and cribbage; a pastime that he learned as a child in a haystack where he and his brothers kept playing cards hidden from their parents. Karl was also an enthusiastic crossword puzzle solver, an activity he enjoyed even during his final days. Karl was an avid vegetable gardener; he spent time gardening with his father-in-law, wife, children, and spent his final gardening years passing on this knowledge to his eager assistant Neesha. Karl is survived by his wife Lorna; children Robert (Carol) and Elaine; grandchildren Neesha, Nathan, and Jeremy; brother Herbie; sisters-in-law Antolena and Joyce; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. Karl was predeceased by his parents David and Margaretta; brothers and sisters David, Rosalie (in childhood), Jake, Rose, Henry, William, Samuel, Adam, and Albert (in infancy); in-laws Murray and Ramona Gavel, Audrey and Don Whitney, Herman Beisel, Anne, June, Emma, Luella, and Violet Ruf; niece Eunice and her husband Don Robertson. The funeral service was held from the St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK, with Reverend Ed Hedlin and Intern minister Jay Lutz officiating. A eulogy was presented by Robert Ruf. The organist was Arlie Neufeld and the soloist was Joyce Olesen. The ushers were: Russell Muri, Larry Belter and Bert Remple. and the pallbearers were: Dennis Ruf, Rodger Ruf, Michael Ruf, Steven Ruf, Jeff Ruf and Laurie Gavel. As an expression of sympathy in loving memory of Karl, memorial contributions may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, The Canadian Diabetes Association, The Kidney Foundation or to the St. Olaf Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 773-8831 : 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.