Clem Ruckaber
Born November 23, 1929 -- Passed May 17, 2026
Clem passed into the arms of his Lord on May 17, 2026 at the age of 96. Born November 23, 1929 to Johann (John) Ruckaber and Maria Fleckenstein on the family homestead, he was the sixth of ten full siblings.
He is survived by his three children:
Lorna Leipert (Reg); Joe Andreas (Monica), Cassidy, Jessica; Sheldon Andreas (Chantal), Janelle (Rory St. John), May, Phoebe, Owen, Ezra; Savannah, Ava, Elijah, Isaac, Adera, Luke.
David Ruckaber; Kent Ruckaber (Tammy), Austin, Leland, Laramie, Katty, Mikey, Sam, Shelby, Kane; Derek Ruckaber (Jessie), Colby, Kaley.
Gina Ruckaber; Bob Deck (Amanda), Chase, Brooklyn; Brendon Deck.
One sister-in-law, Eleanore (Demchenko) Rockabar (Ralph), and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth, known as Bess Steinbach, and grandson Douglas Andreas. Also preceding him were his brothers and sisters: Christine (Mike Coderre), Peter (Wilma Mardian), Philip (Bernice Chukery), Mary, Jake (Anne Folk), Ann (Zack Bonogofski), Rocky (Mary Schweeder), Helen (Camille Martin), and Ralph. His Winter half brothers Joe, Raymond, Julius and Lenard. His Ruckaber half brothers and sisters Henry, John, Aloyius, Minnie, Jean and Bill.
His grandchildren were his pride and joy. They all were taught to hunt, fish, ride horses and a great work ethic. He led a full life, from the age of 15 jumping rail cars and picking up odd jobs -- hoeing sugar beets in Alberta, ranch hand in B.C., wrangling sheep (not his favourite, and to his last days he really didn't care much for mutton). Finally moving back to the family ranch, he married the love of his life, Bess. Together they carved a life out of dust, sagebrush and whatever wild meat he brought home.
His dream was to ranch, and that he did. He was caretaker of the Signal Valley community pasture for many years. Every few days he could be found riding his horse, checking fences, windmills and cows. He still rode up to the age of 90. Following in the spirit of cowboying, he acquired the position of brand inspector in Saskatchewan. He enjoyed the work, as it gave him opportunity to talk about his beloved cows with other like-minded cowboys.
When David married, they moved to Leader, though Clem was found out at the farm almost daily well into his 90s -- bringing supplies, parts or just helping out. Another passion was hunting and fishing. Come hunting season he was gone from before daybreak to sundown, much to Bess's chagrin. He taught his grandsons the art of hunting and fishing, with a firm rule: no abuse of the land or the animal.
At 93, with eyesight and energy failing, he moved to assisted living. He spent three years at the Lodge in Maple Creek telling stories with other residents. He was a great storyteller -- the grandsons can attest to that. With his health failing further, he moved to the Leader Long Term Care Home in February. After a short time of illness he passed peacefully.
Those who wish to join the celebration of life may do so on June 11 at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church, 308 Main Street, Leader, Sask. Interment will follow immediately, with lunch in the church hall. Those wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so directly to the Leader Long Term Care Home.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.binkleysfuneralservice.com