We Remember

RUITER, “Sam” Simon Peter

March 16, 1939 — September 17, 2024

Born with an insatiable curiosity, Sam Ruiter lived life to the fullest, always walking to the beat of his own drum.  On September 17, 2024, Sam passed away in West Kelowna, BC surrounded by family in his home, which was his greatest wish. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Maria; children Brian (Laura), Michael (Salli), and Suzanne (Ben); grandchildren Tyler (Raoul), Mia, and Edie; and numerous nieces & nephews as well as other extended family.

Sam was known for his intensity and his innovative approach to life. His knowledge spanned a wide array of subjects. A passionate adventurer, Sam embraced the great outdoors through kayaking, hiking, biking, wind surfing, and sailing. At the age of 70, he embarked on a cross-country biking journey across Canada, an endeavour that showcased his tenacity and spirit. At 73, he circumnavigated Okanagan Lake in his kayak, demonstrating his love for exploration and connection with nature.

Sam will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Center, www.ovpcc.com, or to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation (please, direct your gift to Hospice and Palliative Care), www.kghfoundation.com.

A viewing of Sam, to pay last respects, will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 7:00 pm, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. 

The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 10:00 am (PST), with Father Cerlouie Jimenez presiding, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2547 Hebert Road, West Kelowna, BC.  If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Visitation
Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 7:00 pm
Springfield Funeral Home
(2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, )

Service
Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 10:00 am (PST)

Location
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

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Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Center or Kelowna General Hospital Foundation (please, direct your gift to Hospice and Palliative Care) Link: www.ovpcc.com, www.kghfoundation.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for RUITER, “Sam” Simon Peter is scheduled for Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 10:00 am (PST). Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church

2547 Herbert Road West Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke