John Ruch was born in Willoughby Township, near Niagara Falls, on June 1, 1929, and died in Ottawa in 2007. He attended country school in Willoughby Township, then in Niagara Falls, followed by taking a Fine Arts degree at the University of Toronto and postgraduate studies at the Courtauld Institute, London University, England. His major interests were Art History and Genealogy, which he pursued actively throughout his life, lecturing and researching. He authored numerous articles and treatises, many of which were subsequently published in local and national newsletters, journals and international magazines.

With the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada he chaired two Branch Bicentennial Projects: the Montreal project resulted in the publication of a book, "The Loyalists of Quebec", and the Ottawa project produced a CD entitled "The King's Names", both valuable resources for researchers.

His interest in heraldry stemmed naturally from the skills he acquired while studying at the Courtauld Institute. Europe provided a wealth of opportunity to explore his major interests, where he combined art history with the art of heraldry. Upon his return to Canada, especially to Ottawa, he was naturally attracted to (as it was then known) the Heraldry Society of Canada. He immensely enjoyed his role as Master of the Roll, and devoted much time to exploring the detail and intricacies of the Arms submitted, to ensure their accuracy and eligibility.

Milestones

• 2007 - Bursary in his honour established at Carleton University, Ottawa, by Sir Guy Carleton Branch of UELAC
• 1996 - Interim Editor of "Gonfanon", newsletter of the RHSC
• 1991 to 1993 - President, Sir Guy Carleton Branch, Ottawa, UELAC
• 1988 to 2007 - Editor of "The Heraldist", newsletter of the Ottawa Valley Branch, RHSC
• 1986 to 2007 - Master of the Roll, RHSC
• 1984 to 1986 - President, Heritage Branch, Montreal, UELAC

Honours and Awards

• Recipient, Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002
• Fellow, Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, 1998
• Honorary President, Sir Guy Carleton Branch, UELAC, 1998
• Honorary Vice President, United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, 1994
• Honorary Life Member, Ottawa Valley Branch, RHSC, 1994
• Ontario Volunteer Award, 1991
• Grant of Arms from the Canadian Heraldic Authority, 1990
• Honorary Fellow, Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, 1989
• Companion of the Most Honourable Order of Meritorious Heritage -awarded by Heritage Branch of the United Empire Loyalists Association of Canada, 1980