(aka Pappy)
April 2, 1954 ~ July 6, 2012
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lance, suddenly and unexpectedly on July 6, 2012.
Survived by his loving wife, soulmate and best friend, Debbie (aka “sweetyheart”), his girls, Leanne Davidson, Tiffany Pemberton (Tony, aka “Big T” as Pappy liked to call him) and the light of his life, his beloved granddaughter Abigayle (aka “Moonpie”). Also left to mourn his loss are his brother Mark (Michele) and family plus numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. He touched many people on his journey through life. Lance was predeceased by his parents George and Vera Ruggles.
A loving husband, wonderful dad and an amazing grampa, Lance was the most compassionate, caring and patient man to those he loved. An avid outdoorsman, motorcycle enthusiast and lover of music. You could often hear the music blaring or the banging of drums in our neighbourhood. Many of you will remember him as the drummer for the Penn Kings, a local band from the ‘70s and ‘80s. His best times in recent years were getting “off the rock” to go explore a new lake somewhere with his wife and his faithful companion Odie. Always one to make light of any moment, he never failed to try to make you laugh, usually successfully and often without even trying. If you asked (and even if you didn’t) he would give you his opinion on myriad topics and was willing to give advice and share his “worldly” knowledge.
Special thanks to Dawn and Tom, his brother Mark and all the family who dropped everything to be here immediately, to my daughter Tiffany for leaving her life and husband for the last six weeks so Lance could get to know his granddaughter, and to my daughter Leanne for all the support and for just being herself. Love you all.
Lance will be always loved and never forgotten (there are too many stories to tell)!!
Rest in peace, my love. This one’s for you …
“But there’s a full moon rising, let’s go dancing in the light.
We know where the music’s playing, let’s go out and feel the night.
Because I’m so in love with you, I want to see you dance again.
Because I’m so in love with you, on this harvest moon.”
As per Lance’s wishes, there will be no service.