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Born in High Prairie, and raised in that area, Lea Dashkewytch (nee Ruecker)
currently resides in Faust.
My earliest memories of purpledom are of my Mother and Nana dressing in purple and white, looking so professional. Sure my Dad and brothers were Elks too but for some reason it didn't impress me as much as my Mom and Grandmother did. The minute I was old enough I just had to learn the oath and the password ----- WAY COOL! As a small town girl all activities always centered around everyone in the community and required their involvement to succeed. As the middle child from a group of 5 children I was shy and withdrawn. Man has that changed! Once I realized that being a leader simply means acting honestly and ethically with people, and organizations, it was easy for me to accept that once in awhile you do make wrong decisions or assumptions but as long as you correct them, and/or apologize, people will still see that you are a good person with good intentions. I am no longer afraid to make decisions or seek help in doing so - it builds me as a person, a volunteer, and a leader. Come this fall I will be a 35 year member of the Royal Purple and for me it has always been rewarding, even with the occasional lumps and bumps. I've served four two year terms as Honored Royal Lady in Faust, three two year terms as District Deputy for District 2 Alberta, and 16 years as either secretary, treasurer or both for Faust Lodge. My mentors are my mother - Ethel Ruecker (who I could never keep up with), Carole Bannister, Evelyn Rumley, Alice Pruden, and a host of other members from my lodge and district including Opal McMillan. I thank them for believing in me and for their support. Professionally I follow in my Dad's footsteps. I am a money girl - an accountant. Currently Financial Controller for Northern Lakes College. I have my Advanced Accounting Degree from NAIT as well as a Certified Aboriginal Financial Managers designation from the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association, where I am a Charter member of the Board of Directors from the Alberta Chapter. I also commit time as a volunteer President to the Faust Charity Association. Personally I'm a wife of 34 glorious years to George - whose support is given freely and is truly appreciated; Mother of two fine young men - who take me as I am (Thank God); and Nana to five incredibly awesome kids who range in age from 3 to 10 (3 boys, 2 girls). I love them all dearly. Thank you all for allowing me this time to commit some of my energy to this other family of mine. I thank God everyday for the gifts he has given me and put alot of effort into passing those gifts on to others. My whole adult life has involved volunteerism of some kind or another. It's sometimes stressful but always fulfilling. I am awestruck and honored to represent such a wonderful group of people and pledge to do my personal best towards achieving the mission of this organization.
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Created by Members of the
Alberta Provincial Association