Former MP – and the first for the Northumberland-Peterborough South riding – Kim Rudd has passed away after a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer.
In a release issued on Wednesday, it confirmed Rudd had passed away surrounded by loved ones at Ed’s House, the Northumberland Hospice Care Centre.
Rudd is being remembered as not just a politician or an entrepreneur, but as a force of nature, and leaves behind an indelible mark on the community.
She was first elected to win the newly created Northumberland-Peterborough South riding in 2015 and was a longtime Cobourg resident.
As the former owner of Cook’s Day School, Willis College, and Archer CPR Training, Rudd’s influence also extended far beyond the business world.
In 2011, she received the prestigious RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award, highlighting her significant contribution to the local economy, recalled friends and loved ones. Rudd was also involved in numerous local charities over the years, exemplifying her commitment to making a difference.
“She was a dedicated leader who gave her time and talents to the many causes in which she believed.”
She also served as the president of the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce and chaired the physician recruitment and retention committee. Her long-standing membership in the Rotary Club of Cobourg and active participation in local sports groups, including baseball and hockey, further showcased her dedication to community service.
Beyond her local endeavors, Rudd also had an extensive career in public service.
From serving as vice-chair of the Ontario Training Completion Assurance Fund Secretariat, to vice-president of the Association of Career Colleges, she held many roles over the years. Rudd was also the founding executive director of the Association of Private Colleges – and through all these roles, demonstrated her passion for education and advocacy.
Most recently, Rudd served as a consultant to the Canadian Nuclear Association.
Rudd culminated her life of public service with her 2015 election win here. She was then appointed parliamentary secretary to the minister of natural resources. She went on to serve as chair of the parliamentary health research caucus and was a member of the federal standing committees of both finance and natural resources.
“In these capacities, Kim served locally, nationally and internationally with her deep love for Canada at the forefront of all the roles she took on. Her life was governed by her strong desire to give back to all those she possibly could.”
Yet, despite all her professional accomplishments, her greatest joy was her family, recalled her team.
“Kim was happiest when she was surrounded by her loved ones who gathered regularly and travelled together extensively. Kim was, and will remain, the heart of this family.”
Rudd is lovingly remembered and will be deeply missed by her beloved husband Tom Rudd, daughter Alison Rudd and her wife Kathy Johnson, daughter Stefanie Rudd and her husband Ziyad Sidawi, her grandchildren, her many friends, colleagues, and more.
“Kim’s family would like to express their profound gratitude to all the medical professionals and staff who supported Kim during this time, particularly doctors Kate Everdell, Stephanie Lheureux, and Kirsten Smerdon.”
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that you consider donations in Kim’s memory to: Ways to Give, Cancer Support | Ovarian Cancer Canada (ovariancanada.org)
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
