The community lost a “pillar of strength” last week.
Former North Saanich councillor Ruby Commandeur died Tuesday, April 24. The owner and operator of Vancouver Island's largest organic blueberry farm was 48.
"I'm running because I believe it takes determined leadership to value and appreciate this unique place where we all live and work," she said during the 2008 election campaign. "Growing a greener North Saanich is my vision."
She grew up in Nelson and attended the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia before completing her doctorate in chiropractic care in Toronto in 1989. In 1999, she and husband Ivan Mishchenko bought farmland in North Saanich, built a home and started Ruby Red Farms.
She ran a private chiropractic practice from 1990 until 2005. Her skill was threefold, Mishchenko said. Commandeur had an eye for diagnosis, was good at the technical aspect of the work and was a gifted healer.
“Her patients just adored her,” her husband explained. “When she was not able to do that [work] anymore that just came out in other ways. I think the way she showed that most was her love for Kira. … As a mother she demonstrated perfection in being able to do that.”
That being love. The word that best describes his spouse, business partner and warrior.
“She was always putting herself out to help others within her circle of family friends and community,” Mishchenko said.
Since her death Tuesday, Mischenko’s read a flood of emails about the kind, loving woman who radiated positive energy, making people feel strong and capable.
“I just get one email after another and it’s the same thing – ‘she made me feel empowered,’ ‘she made me feel loved,’” he said, voice shaking slightly. “Ruby was an amazing support.”
Her volunteer work included years of advocacy for children, youth and adults with special needs and advised to organizations such as Vancouver Island Health Authority, Ministry of Children and Family Development, Community Living B.C. and the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. She was an avid advocate for children with special needs that grew through her love of daughter Kira, who faces multiple challenges.
“She was probably the most wonderful mother I have ever observed. She was very devoted to her family,” said Cairine Green, an Oak Bay councillor who served with Commandeur in North Saanich.
With 2,558 votes, Commandeur polled the highest among council candidates in 2008. She opted not to run in the 2011 election.
“I believe she was one of the most committed members of council. She was a very sane voice,” Green said. “She was very smart, she was very bright and always brought a very thoughtful presence to council. She deeply cared for North Saanich.”
During her tenure on council, Commandeur was liaison to the Peninsula Recreation Commission, Peninsula Agricultural Commission and Saanich Peninsula Water and Wastewater Commission. Mayor Alice Finall was elected her first term the same year as Commandeur.
“Ruby’s many talents benefited her council work, and her principled approach, with integrity and commitment to the broad community interest, clearly guided her decisions. She was highly regarded by residents, who observed and valued her dedication to all aspects of her council position,” Finall said. “[I] cannot overstate the outstanding contribution Ruby made to that council and to our community as a whole. I had many occasions to appreciate her clearly articulated statements in bringing important decisions to closure. Her strength and courage were motivators for all members of council.”
Courageous, principled and a passionate advocate for agriculture and the environment, “she was a pillar of strength,” Green said. “She cared deeply about her family and friends. She became a dear friend. I’ve not only lost a colleague but I’ve lost a dear friend.”
Commandeur leaves behind her husband Ivan and children, Kira, Robert and Nina.
“We were partners as spouses, we were business partners, we were warriors in so many of things we undertook,” Mishchenko said. “This is my soulmate. That is the only word that truly encompasses it.”
A private ceremony was held Tuesday for family and friends. A larger celebration of life is planned for a later date.