It is with great sadness and much regret that I announce the passing of Dr David Daniel Ruddy.
In 1965, David founded the CMR Saint Jean Museum in the original gatehouse of the Fort, and sought out the ways and means of running a CF museum, only to find that nothing in a formal capacity existed, a situation that he was soon to rectify.
David founded the Organization of Military Museums of Canada 1967 and served as its president until 1991. He continued in this capacity of president when OMMC Inc first stood up, guiding it smoothly into an independent not-for-profit organization. He contributed much to the organization and its longevity. In addition to OMMC he was very interested in many aspects of history, the military, flags and heraldry. He will be greatly missed.
I have included a copy of his obituary:
RUDDY, Sir David Daniel NN, B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D, K*CHS, KCLJ, FRSA, FRSAI, FSA.Scot, Passed away peacefully on April 15, 2011, at the age of 87 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his beloved companion John Lucas, niece Mary Ann Ruddy and nephews Cornelius Ruddy and Robert (Joelle) Ruddy and their families and many friends around the world.
Born in New York, New York, on June 14, 1923, to Cornelius Joseph and Mary Theresa (Foley) Ruddy. He attended Fordham University N.Y. and received his B.SC. in 1947 and his M.A. in 1949. He later attended St. Andrew's University and received his Ph.D in 1952. Several teaching posts were held after receiving his Ph.D and from 1963-1988 he was a Professor of History and Political Science College militaire royal de St-Jean (CMR) until retirement in 1988. It was during his retirement that he moved to Victoria where he has resided since 1999. Notable accomplishments include 1st Pres., Organ. of Military Museums of Canada, Inc.; former Pres., Heraldry Soc. of Can., Pres., Nelson Delta Corp.; Armigerous by grant; Letters Patent of the Chief Herald of Ireland 27 May 1988; Registered in Public Register of Arms; Flags and Badges of Canada; recipient, Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal 1977; Award of Merit, Heraldry Society of Canada 1978; Canada 125 Medal 1993; 2002 Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal; Canada Council Award; Niadh Nask; Fellow, Royal Soc. of Antiquaries of Ireland, Knight Commander, Order of St. Lazarus; Chevalier, Ordo Constantini Magni; Contrib. Ed. Heraldic Mottoes of Canadian Universities and Colleges; Dictionary of Cdn Biography V (1801-20); mentioned in Debrett's The Canadian Establishment; Capt./ Lt. 78th Fraser Highlanders; Gov., Montreal General Hospital, mem.; Ctte. of Museums Arch. and Hist.; Internat. Ctte. Museums, UNESCO; BD of Dirs., Quebec Council, St. John Ambulance 1987 97, Public Affairs Ctte. 1988 97; mem. Royal Cdn. Legion; The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; N. Am Vexillological Assn.; Cdn. Flag Assn.; St. Patrick's Soc. of Montreal; The Heraldry Soc. of Scotland, of Ireland and of Canada; Archaeological Inst. of Am; N.Y. Academy of Sciences; Cdn. Council of Christians and Jews; Hon. Mem., Black Watch Mess, Montreal; Life Mem., Sampson World War II Navy Veterans Assn.; St. Andrew's Soc. of Montreal; David was beloved by all who knew him for his wit, humor, intelligence and charm. Throughout a long illness he was ever joyous, hopeful and brave. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Cross R.C. Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, BC. with Msgr Michael Lapierre JCL, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Royal Oak Burial Park, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC. 623555
Farewell to a true and respected gentleman.
