Contributed by Brigitte MacKenzie 

Ruth Adrienne Flack passed away at home in Pritchard, British Columbia on March 4, 2021 at the age of 84 years. Ruth was predeceased by her parents William and Mabel Orr; sisters Helen Gardiner of Clearwater, Manitoba; Joyce Hewitt of Edmonton, Alberta; and brother Wayne of Winnipeg, Manitoba.  

Ruth grew up on the family farm with her four sisters and two brothers. She moved to BC in 1957 and worked as a telephone operator in Chilliwack BC for many years, but her love of horses and farming was always strong. Ruth and Cary were married on July 7, 1972 and a few years later bought a farm in Aldergrove, BC where they raised beautiful Arabian horses and purebred Hereford cattle. The awards and trophies they won for both the horses and cattle would fill a small room.  

In Aldergrove, Ruth started to study about kelp and how this natural product could benefit crops, animals, and humans. This turned into a thriving business named Flack’s Bakerview Kelp Products Inc. (Ultra-Kelp), and both Ruth and Cary poured their hearts and souls into it. If you wanted to see the sparkle in Ruth’s blue eyes you only had to mention her animals or business. 

Ruth, we will all miss you so very much, but we know you are watching, and saying “get on with your lives.” Ruth is mourned by her husband, Cary; sisters Edith McKay of Calgary, Alberta; Doreen Hayward of Anola, Manitoba; and brother William (Bill) and wife Carol of Agassiz, BC. Ruth has numerous nieces, nephews, and many good friends. Her husband Cary and family will always be grateful to George Coey and the home aid ladies who worked so hard to make Ruth’s life as comfortable as possible in her last days. 

Ultra-Kelp Continues Under New Ownership 

As of May 1, 2021, Brigitte MacKenzie became the new owner of Ultra-Kelp. Brigitte and Ruth had known each other since October 1987 where they met at a dog show. They have been working together ever since at trade shows and retail, and Ultra-Kelp also sponsored Brigitte’s Barrel Futurity horses. An equestrian herself, Brigitte has fed Ultra-Kelp to all of her horses since 1987. The business mentorship and friendship continued to grow over the years, and now with the greatest respect, Brigitte has chosen to continue to advocate Ruth’s life passion of good health with kelp! 

For more information, visit: www.Ultra-Kelp.com.   

Photo: Ruth Flack