Ruth Johanna Eden

It is with unspeakable sadness and heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth Johanna Eden on October 4, 2021 at the age of 55.

We are comforted to know she is now with her parents, Clifford and Margaret Eden.  She leaves to mourn her brother Clif, sister-in-law Linda, her nephew Blake, and nieces Amber and Sydni, extended family, and numerous friends and colleagues.

Ruth was born in Hartney, Manitoba on July 17, 1966 and grew up on the family farm in Erickson, Manitoba. Ruth loved the area and spent as much time as she could at the farm, even after moving to Winnipeg to further her education and build her career. The farm was her sanctuary where she could “rest, relax, reflect and recharge”.

In 1988, Ruth was one of five women to graduate from the Civil Engineering program at the University of Manitoba. Ruth was the first woman to work for the Manitoba Highways and Transportation in the Bridges and Structures Branch.  For the next 30 years, Ruth was involved in the design and construction of many of the bridges and structures located throughout the province that Manitobans cross each day. At the time of her death, Ruth was the Assistant Deputy Minister of Technical Services and Operations Division for Manitoba Infrastructure. 

Continuous growth and professional development was very important to Ruth throughout her life. In 2002, Ruth obtained a Masters of Science in Structural Engineering from the University of Manitoba. Over the years, she served on  several national committees, and in 2019, was the President of Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.

But it wasn’t all work - and no play - for Ruth.  She enjoyed playing many sports and connecting with friends and colleagues on a curling sheet, golf course or softball diamond. She especially enjoyed her mixed curling league games and women’s golf outings.

The travel bug bit Ruth at an early age.  She enjoyed travelling, whether it was for work or leisure.  Her job allowed her to explore and see all parts of Manitoba, and many cities across Canada while attending conferences and connecting with colleagues from across North America. She also enjoyed family trips to visit relatives in Iceland and Sweden, to cruise Alaska, and to enjoy sunny Florida with her brother, sister-in-law, nephew and nieces who were especially dear to her.

Ruth’s family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Boniface Hospital for their outstanding care during Ruth’s brief stay in hospital.