#YWCAWomanofDistinction

[yegcityofchamps-blog]

Ruth Kelly one of Edmonton’s admired leaders dies at 60

**Editors Note** A GoFundMe page was set-up to help the family with funeral and memorial services expenses. As of June 25th there was            $2,850 of a stated $10k goal. Link

June 15, 2017.

“Be curious. Be bold. Be kind,” Ruth Kelly President & Publisher of Venture Publishing, telling a graduating class at the University of Alberta in June 2016, “Pursue your life desires with boldness, for little will come to those who are faint of heart. I believe in you; you pioneers of the next Alberta.” 

Members of the Friends of A City of Champions (FOACOC) were either friends or fans of Edmonton’s Ruth Kelly, we would all like to share our deepest condolences to Ruth’s family, friends, business and community partners with the shocking news of her sudden passing on June 15, 2017.

While successful for decades in the male dominated publishing business world Ruth’s heart was always at the grass-root level of her community mentoring countless citizens while always giving her-all to help make Edmonton, Alberta and Canada the best it could possible be.

In 1997 Ruth took a one hundred dollar investment and turned Edmonton based, Venture Publishing Inc., into Alberta publishing powerhouse.

As President and CEO she was also the publisher and editor-in-chief of the award-winning Alberta Venture, Alberta Oil magazines with their added online content, plus Venture Publishing’s custom publishing division which produced magazines for a variety of clients including Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Cancer Foundation, Consulting Engineers of Alberta, Merit Contractors, Alberta Health Services, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Canadian Association of Drilling Engineers, Alberta Hotel and Lodging Association and Petroleum Services Association of Canada and other publications.

The FOACOC could not agree more with Lesley MacDonald, the founder, producer, writer and host of Global’s Women of Vision who said on word of her passing said, “People went to Ruth for business advice. She was one of this city’s most admired leaders and very much a champion for women.” 

It is not surprising and actually fitting that Ruth Kelly’s last social media post to the public was in the defense of another high-profile community leader and a “pioneer of the next Alberta”; “Ruth Kelly @RuthatVenture May 26 , 2017. I stand with @marnipanas and all trans women. #womenarewomen.”

Below are just some of Ruth Kelly’s community and business highlights;

Chair of Epcor’s Community Essentials Council, which directs Epcor’s annual philanthropic activities.

Member of the Alberta School of Business’s Advisory Council.

Member of Alberta Promise cabinet.

Board of directors of Magazines Canada.

Mayor’s Business Roundtable advisors for the City of Edmonton.

Ruth chaired the 2015 Capital Region’s United Way campaign.

Was recognized as a Global Woman of Vision in 1998.

2003 YWCA Woman of Distinction in the Entrepreneur category.

Allard Chair of Business at MacEwan School of Business in 2005.

2005 Chaired the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce.

2008 Canadian Women in Communications, Woman of the Year, making her the first Albertan to receive this national honour.

An honorary degree in business from NAIT in 2008.

2012 Lifetime Achievement in Publishing Award  by the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association.

2013, Ruth received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contributions to the community and business.

Alberta Women Entrepreneurs awarded Ruth with their Celebration of Entrepreneurial Achievement recognition in 2013.

 2014 Distinguished Workplace Leader award recipient from The Alberta Congress Board.

2016 honorary doctorate of laws degree from the University of Alberta. Complete speech; www.ualberta.ca/news-and-events/newsarticles/2016/june/ruth-kelly-honorary-doctor-of-laws 

An outpouring of heartfelt condolences have flooded in since the sad news of Ruth’s sudden passing which came out early on Thursday June 15, 2017.

Marni Panas @marnipanas “Oh my - just heard of her passing. She was an amazing Edmonton woman who stood for up for so many and an inspiration to me. A huge loss.”

Ryan Jespersen @ryanjespersen; “Alberta lost one of its biggest backers with @RuthatVenture's passing. Sending love to her family through this terribly difficult time. #yeg”

Don Iveson @doniveson; A great loss for Edmonton. Ruth was a genuine leader; giving inspiration to @myunitedway & for #EndPovertyEdmonton. Our deepest sympathies.

Sarah Chan @misssarahchan; Edmonton is mourning the loss of one of our fiercest community leaders. A mentor to me. As a mentor, Ruth always had time and wise counsel for me. Thank you for connecting me to such meaningful work and other community leaders

Kathleen Smith @KikkiPlanet; I'm crushed at the news of the passing of #yeg legend Ruth Kelly. Together with @YouAreFIERCE, Ruth believed in me when no one else did. Ruth inspired me, motivated me, kicked my ass when it needed to be kicked, and Ruth mentored me time & time again. A stunning & shocking loss for Alberta, the charities Ruth worked tirelessly for, and women she had yet to mentor. Just crushed. This city lost one of our greats with the passing of Ruth Kelly. Ruth's greatest legacy is her belief that true success is in helping others to succeed. It's who she was at her core. I told Ruth I wanted to be like her when I grow up. She smiled & said "then have another glass of wine" and pushed over the bottle.

atbfinancial‏  @atbfinancial Ruth Kelly contributed so much to our community. She will be remembered for the positive difference she made and the force for good she was.

Heather Klimchuk @HeatherKlimchuk; Such an incredible loss for Alberta. Ruth Kelly was always fiercely positive, inclusive & so supportive of our community. Had an opportunity to cry, laugh & most of all hug good friends tonite for Ruth Kelly. Thks @LesleyWOV & @TraceyScarlett! We love you Ruth

Gale Katchur @GaleKatchur; Ruth was such an amazing women and an inspiration to me with her energy and love for others. She will be greatly missed.

Dan Buff MacLennan @BuffMaclennan; Tragic loss.Have admired @RuthatVenture for over 20 years both professionally and as a friend. Gone to soon. RIP.

Dr.Cristina Stasia @CristinaStasia; Very sad to hear this news. @RuthatVenture was such an important voice for Alberta, especially for women. Sincere condolences to her family.

YWCA CEO Jackie Foord on the passing of Ruth Kelly; "The loss of Ruth Kelly is devastating.  Our hearts go out to her family and all those who loved her. Ruth was a true friend to the YWCA.  Every time we picked up the phone, Ruth made time for the call.  When we asked for advice, she offered us her wisdom.  When we needed support, she gave us her all. Much will be written about Ruth and her incredible contributions to Edmonton and the province in the coming days.  But we will remember her as a champion for gender equality and a role model for countless women and girls. Ruth was an extraordinary woman, and we will miss her terribly."

“First and Last Interns” Mifi Purvis‏ @MifiP This is Willow White and @iamtracyhyatt, the last and first interns @RuthatVenture ever had.

United Way ACR @myunitedway; We are sad to hear about the passing of Ruth Kelly. Her contributions and the incredible difference she made will always be remembered. Ruth Kelly was a major advocate for many issues and causes, making a difference for thousands. Her passing is a loss for our whole community.

UniversityofAlberta‏ @UAlberta We are mourning the loss of Ruth Kelly, a great friend and advocate of the U of A. Our condolences to her friends and family. https://t.co/4Hq1iBQs9S 

Sandra Marocco @ssmarocco; “RIP Ruth Kelly. Utmost respect for what she did for women in publishing. As a competitor and partner, she taught me so much. So sad.”

BGCBIGS @BGCBigs; Ruth Kelly was a gift to our organization; she gave her time, talent, & heart for our kids. Our sincere condolences to her friends & family.

Thomas A. Lukaszuk @LukaszukAB; I will miss my chats with Ruth Kelly, her smile, & her unwavering faith in Alberta. My thoughts are with loved ones & @VentureMags staff.

Beth Allard Clough @AllardBeth; Ruth Kelly @RuthatVenture was one of my first bosses. She was a mentor, a giver, a Big Sister, a committed Albertan. #yeg is mourning.

Stacey Brotzel @staceybrotzel; Ruth Kelly was a trailblazer. She was smart. She cared. So many wanted to be a little more like her. She was bad ass...that's why I liked her so much #RIP @RuthatVenture #yeg.

 Paula Simons @Paulatics; Such a tragedy. Dynamic magazine publisher Ruth Kelly dies at 60. She was a force of nature - an extraordinary Edmonton voice, silenced. #yeg #yegmedia http://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/edmonton-publisher-ruth-kelly-dies

Rachel Singh @rachel_singh; This amazing woman gave me my start. It was an honour to work for you and share time on this planet @RuthatVenture.

Carmen @ThatsSoCarmen; Persistence can never be underestimated, Success takes effort. RIP @RuthatVenture. You're the original Girl Boss. Women everywhere thankyou.

Beth Allard Clough @AllardBeth; Ruth Kelly @RuthatVenture was one of my first bosses. She was a mentor, a giver, a Big Sister, a committed Albertan. #yeg is mourning.

Nora Molina @NoraMolina; Love and prayers for this amazing woman, so grateful to have known her and been inspired by @RuthatVenture .

Robert Fernandez @expoman99; So many of us lost a friend. What a trailblazer @RuthatVenture was. I will never forget her wisdom when we talked politics and #ableg RIP.

Wendy Cooper @WCooper28; I am so sad about the loss of @RuthatVenture. Heard this morning. I cannot get her out of my mind. She was such an inspiration to me.

Mike Henry @mikehenry1; RIP Ruth Kelly - bar none, one of the finest people I have ever known -you are missed. @RuthatVenture

Emmy Stuebing @emmystue; Honoured to work with and learn from @RuthatVenture #yeg is better because of her and she will be missed.

Allie Wojtaszek @Allie; "Pursue your life desires with boldness, for little will come to those who are faint of heart." - @RuthatVenture

Jeff Robinson @visibilitypower; Ruth was always willing to listen and provide really solid advice. Extremely busy but always willing to give. @RuthatVenture

 J'lyn Nye @JlynNye; She will be greatly missed.

Donna Kennedy-Glans @dkennedyglans; What a loss for Alberta and Canada. Ruth spoke truth, especially when it wasn't easy. Rest in peace Ruth.

Gisele Danis‏ @giseleincalgary; A heavy heart hearing the passing of @RuthatVenture you were an inspiration to so many of us.

Alberta Women Entrep @AWEbusiness; Satement from our CEO, Marcela Mandeville on the passing of @RuthatVenture.

Julie Charchun‏ @Julie_Charchun; Thinking a lot about @RuthatVenture today. We met on @UAlberta BoG. She opendly condemned the lack of women reps, voted with us students. Took us seriously. Didn't give a sh*t what others thought. I admired that so much. She made me braver. 10+ yrs later I'm still grateful.

Dave Hancock‏ @DavehancockQC; We will miss Ruth! She contributed with enthusiasm and spirit! Ruth gave willingly and actively - a role model in so many ways.

Alpha Translations‏ @AlphaExpertise; Truly heartbreaking for our community to lose someone so inspirational.

Dr. Amit Monga‏ @dramitmonga; Shocked to hear the sudden passing of friend #RuthKelly She was passionate about #Entrepreneurship and most importantly loved #Alberta.

David Allan‏ @DavidA0403; Very sad to hear of the passing of Ruth Kelly. She was a visionary and a leader.#ruthkelly.

huxleyboyce‏ @huxleyboyce Jun 15

#ruthkelly Shocked to hear the of Ruth Kelly! you were Great for Edmonton and Alberta! Condolences to the Family!

Wade Izzard‏ @w_izzard; Canada has lost a true Champion in the publishing community with the passing of Edmonton's own #RuthKelly had so many accomplishments #yeg

Chris Bedford‏ @pushboundaries; 'Extraordinary woman': Edmonton publisher, editor Ruth Kelly dies RIP #Ruthkelly you were a true leader.

Kelly Doody‏ @kelly_doody; Gutted over the loss of AB publishing legend #RuthKelly. Leaving behind some very big shoes.

Christine Purvis‏ @PurvisChristine; #RuthKelly was a role model for women in communications. Sympathies to her family and to #VentureMags.

NorQuest College‏ @NorQuest; NorQuest College mourns Ruth Kelly who was a strong advocate for our students & the development of female leaders. We will miss her dearly.

Randy Duguay‏ @randy_duguay; Farewell to a publisher's publisher; Ruth Kelly was a voice for all Albertans

I am Tamara‏ @YouAreFIERCE; Went to the tribute for Ruth Kelly and so glad that I did. Reconnected with my @VentureMags peers  blessed to be a part of that family

U of Alberta Press (@UAlbertaPress); UAlberta mourns loss of business, philanthropic & community leader, Ruth Kelly. shar.es/1Bg7To @ABbookpub @WritersGuildAB

 Anshuman Khare‏ @shredordelete Ruth Kelly: “Only the good die young ..” Billy Joel. A great loss to Albertans. .@CBCNews @AlbertaVenture

CBC Edmonton @CBCEdmonton; 'Extraordinary woman': Edmonton publisher, editor Ruth Kelly dies www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/extraordinary-woman-edmonton-publisher-editor-ruth-kelly-dead-1.4162051

 CTV Edmonton @ctvedmonton Edmontonians remember 'phenomenal' figure in #yeg's business community, Ruth Kelly: www.edmonton.ctvnews.ca/to-us-she-was-ruth-ruth-kelly-prominent-business-leader-and-publisher-passes-away-1.3461221

 Global Edmonton‏ @GlobalEdmonton; "Ruth was phenomenal, so this news is very sad for a lot of us," says Mayor @doniveson www.globalnews.ca/news/3530905/prominent-alberta-publisher-ruth-kelly-dies

What Makes Edmonton A City of Champions? People like Ruth Kelly are a gift for any community, Edmonton was lucky to have this lady that made a difference and while she left the world far to early,  Ruth left a legacy that will be seen for a long time to come.

Sincerely;

Friends A City of Champions