Friend’s passing pause for reflection

Cape Breton and this world has lost another bright star in the passing of Ruth Boutilier on March 22.

I have known Ruthie (as my Mom calls her) all of my life. Her and Mom worked at the Cape Breton Post for years together and became good friends. She had a strong influence in my life and although I did consider her a friend I also thought of her as a mentor over the years.

One story I like to tell about Ruth is about the day we met on Charlotte Street in Sydney many moons ago. I remember saying to her, “Ruth, you can’t retire from teaching yoga until long after I retire so I will be able to go to yoga in the mornings.” She jumped on that and told me in no uncertain terms that I should march right into my boss’s office and explain the many benefits of doing yoga and how the exercise and meditation would make me a better employee. I bravely looked into her eyes and told her that I was the “boss.” Then, as only Ruth could do, she promptly looked me straight into the eye and said: “See you on Monday morning.” And I did!

With Ruth’s passing, I have taken the time to think about and reflect on the other amazing women in my life and must state that I had been blessed indeed.

The list starts with my Mom, Eleanor Waterman, my sister Lauren, my oldest friend Brenda, my dear friend Coleen, my Wednesday night for over 40 years friends, the gals from the Tuesday’s Yarns, my health advisor and amazing friend Coralie Murphy, my dear friend and hairdresser for 40 years Helen Melski-MacAulay, the late Louise White, my beautiful and late Aunt Pearl and there are so many others.

I have been blessed indeed and Ruth’s sudden passing has brought to mind the importance of letting the people you love know it. So girls, I love you all and thank you for your friendship, support and love.

Ruth will be long remembered for her work at the ski hill, her dedication to teaching yoga to all who wanted to live a healthy life, her marvellous laugh, her smiling eyes and her warmth as a friend. She was earthy, enthusiastic , had a terrific sense of humour and she had a tremendous need for continued learning.

Will she be missed? Oh yes! Jennifer Craig Westmount