More tributes for Rubadeau
Tributes continue to pour in for Ron Rubadeau, former superintendent of the Central Okanagan School District, who passed away on Aug. 3 at the age of 73 after a multi-year battle with serious health issues.
Rubadeau served the Central Okanagan Public Schools (previously the Central Okanagan School District) for 29 years in the following roles: 1977 as supervisor of integrated and supportive services; 1981 as supervisor of instruction (Special Services); 1982 as director of instruction – Student Support Services; 1992 as principal of the Youth Attendance program and Storefront School; 1996 as interim superintendent of schools/CEO; and 1996-2006 as superintendent of schools/CEO.
“During his career, Dr. Rubadeau was known for his unwavering advocacy and support of students with diverse abilities,” said the school district in a news release.
“He was a prolific writer and would often put forth his ideas for transformative change through published articles which included: Closing the Gap, Universal Preschool, Achieving a Necessary Future, Lending a Hand and Charting the Course for Student Improvement.
“A proud moment for Ron was when the district achieved a Guinness World Record for planting the most trees at one time with all 22,000 students planting multiple trees to replace the loss of forest resulting from Kelowna’s 2003 fire.
“Those who worked closely with Ron will always remember his sailing metaphors to deepen the understanding of leadership and system change as well as his familiar double bass which he often brought to district events to ‘jam’ with students and colleagues.
“Ron’s legacy is his life of service to children, families and the community. Ron will be truly missed.”
At his request, there will be no public service. To honour his memory, a donation to the Okanagan Humane Society or another charity would be appreciated by the family.
“As my boss at the school board office, Ron was always kind and thoughtful,” said Marion Stolze, former communications director.
“In all those years, there was never a dull day! Anyone reading his obit will understand why that was. He made us laugh and encouraged us as much as he worked us hard and challenged us. He was always at least one step ahead of everyone and everything. When Ron retired, we missed him.”
Hugh Parsons: “Ron was a very humanistic superintendent of education, i.e. during his tenure, he was liked by both the public as well as teachers/educators. He was also a talented musician, specializing in performing on double bass.
“Throughout the past few years, I got to know him even better, beyond his role in education, as a fellow musician performing in a trio on a regular basis for the patients at the Kelowna Hospice House as well as KGH. He will be remembered by many as a very capable and giving individual with a terrific sense of humour. Those of us who worked closely with him are already missing him very much.”