The SSO dedicates this weekend’s performance of the Faure Requiem in memory of one of the organization’s greatest champions.
The passing of long-time patron Ruth Horlick was felt throughout the organization – Ruth was the first president of the SSO Volunteers organization, a tireless supporter of Saskatoon’s music community, and a figure at symphony concerts over the course of 6 decades.
Ruth grew up in the heart of the Canadian Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River and the experiences and friendships acquired there shaped her life. Ruth earned a BA in French, English and Politics from Queen’s University in 1941.
She worked briefly in Ottawa prior to attending McGill University to obtain her nursing degree, which she received in 1947. In 1952 she married Lou Horlick, and together they moved to Saskatoon where he had accepted a position with the University of Saskatchewan. Initially intended by them to be a temporary posting, Saskatoon soon became home and both Ruth and Lou Horlick became active members of the community.
In 1957, she became the first President of the Saskatoon Symphony Volunteers, created to raise funds and other support for the Saskatoon Symphony. Throughout her life in Saskatoon, Ruth supported the art, drama and music communities in Saskatoon.
In the early 1960s Ruth was instrumental in the establishment of the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities. Ruth pursued her interest in assisting individuals with psychiatric problems. Ruth also served as a board member of the Meewasin Foundation. Always modest about her contributions in aid of others, Ruth was recognized for her many volunteer efforts: 1988 Canada Volunteer Award; 1989 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award; 1990 Correctional Service of Canada Volunteer Award; 1992 Canada Confederation Medal; and in 2000, the Saskatchewan Order of Merit.
Ruth will be missed by the musicians and music lovers alike in the city. In the spring of 214, Ruth recounted a story of she and her husband hosting composer Benjamin Britten and renowned singer Peter Pears at their Saskatoon home for dinner – Ruth spoke with such fondness of the evening, and noted her love of his music after that night.
The music community is eternally grateful for her passion and leadership.