Cold war spy, Canadian military hero shares lessons she's learned along the way
She was born during the roaring 1920s, just before the Great Depression.
Worked for The Canadian Royal Air Force in communications during most of the major conflicts during the 20th century, including the Second World War, Cold War and Korean War.
LOVED AND LOST.
And now, at age 95, Ruth Kells is navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Don’t get discouraged,” Kells says to those struggling to cope during these uncertain times.
Still mentally and physically sharp, the resident of Parkland Retirement Living in Dartmouth, N.S., adds, “Look at the bright side because people have been through greater things such as the First and Second World War, and survived.”
JOINING THE MILITARY
After graduating from high school, Kells became a secretary at the Department of National Defense in Halifax. She found inspiration watching and talking to the women from The Royal Canadian Navy and decided to enlist. But turned down because of her young age - she was just 17 - and feeling discouraged, she joined The Royal Canadian Airforce a year later.
With basic training in Ottawa and then a six-month stint in Montreal for communications, Kells became a wireless operator, working sometimes as a stenographer and others, during the Second World War, at The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Station in Yarmouth, N.S.
She played a crucial role in defending the principles of peace and freedom in the deadliest wars.
“The government always knew where I was,” Kells says, acknowledging that she was stationed at posts across Canada from Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia, travelling to get to each one by motorcycle.
“You never turn down an opportunity,” says Kells.
“For me, it was always an adventure.”
COLD WAR SPY
In the late 1940s, the Cold War began between two superpowers – the Soviet Union and the United States. The government again called upon Kells to work in Prince Rupert, B.C.
“I signed a 10-year contract not to talk about what I did; of course, that was a long time ago. Six or seven of us kept an eye on the enemy through communications while at Prince Rupert,” she says.
During warfare, a key aspect of communications was transmitting messages in utter secrecy and security. Allies and enemies alike developed their own various forms of encrypted communication. These coded messages were intercepted and deciphered to gain a military edge.
“In my work, I monitored communications. I used a typewriter and would send this intelligence off to (a secret-coding facility) Ottawa,” she explains.
HITTING THE ROAD
When the Cold War ended, Kells traded her motorcycle for a MINI Cooper, drove across the United States visiting family and friends, and then returned to Nova Scotia.
“The trip took me a month to complete,” says Kells, who is still bowling, playing cards, and musically entertaining her fellow residents at the retirement home.
“When I was young, I had no fear travelling alone,” she says courageously while acknowledging that if opportunity knocks, you should open that door.
“And when I travelled, I believed nothing bad would happen. Of course, there were tricky situations. But if I had to relive my life, I would do it all over again because I was truly fortunate when I look back. The life I lived was the life I enjoyed.”
While settling back to Nova Scotia’s civilian life, before she could get too comfortable, the Korean War began in June 1950. Kells was ready to return to her military roots as a wireless operator at the RCAF Reserve in Ottawa.
She would spend weekends at the RCAF Station in Foymount, Ont., where she was approached to become the civilian personnel officer for the station while looking after 110 civilians. She eventually assumed the role of the directorate of Special Radio Activities.
It was in Ottawa where she met a man named Wesley Kells, a Lt.-colonel in the Canadian Army. He designed and developed signal equipment.
“I married him aged 28 and we had a son. But my husband passed away in 1996,” says Kells, who retired with Wesley in Dartmouth.
Kells admits she “stopped eating” after her husband died. It was a “devastating period in her life,” she says.
But with the help of her canine companion, son, and friends, she got back on her feet and made sure to make every moment in her life count.
LIFE ADVICE
When asked how she managed her work-life balance, Kells says sports such as badminton, curling, and basketball kept her healthy and connected to people – wherever she went.
“When I was not working, I would be busy with sports. I am still participating in the Royal Canadian Legion bowling league. Sports keep you sharp mentally and physically,” she says.
“I think being active is something that gives you an attitude to keep going. A lot of older people think I am going to sit at home, watch television and read. A lot of people give up too easily.”
Kells recommends keeping busy for those struggling through the coronavirus lockdowns and the changes the pandemic has brought.
“My advice is to keep yourself fit. Do not just sit in a chair and feel you must wait for the pandemic to end. When you get discouraged, you tend to sit around and overthink.”
Kells advises, “First, you should work at a place that brings you joy and purpose. Second, you should keep fit for your physical and mental health, and third, you should help people wherever you can. I volunteer because I believe in ‘what goes around comes around.’ When you make someone happy, it brings you joy.”
And Kells continues to help people and make new friends at The Royal Canadian Legion, Royal Canadian Air Force Association, and with whomever she meets.
“I love people, and I treasure all my friends. Friends can help you get through tough times in life, and so can God. I have faith in him, and I have faith in life.”
As the pandemic drags on, Kells says she believes the world will return to normal.
“We suffered through the Second World War and so on, and I feel you have to look at the bright side. This pandemic, restrictions, and lockdowns will end. Whether we get back to normal in my time, I do not know, but it will get better.”