It is with great sadness that we share the recent passing of Ruthann Tucker.

Ruthann was a strong and present Director, visionary and champion of the HIV/AIDS Sector in Ontario for many many years. She dedicated her life to the HIV/AIDS community, working at ACT, Fife House, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) and The Hamilton AIDS Network.

Ruthann was also the recipient of an OAN Honour Roll Award in 2005 for her contributions to the sector – years before her work was finished.

In partnership with a network of community leaders in the HIV/AIDS sector and the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, Ruthann played a pivotal role in the development of Positive Spaces Healthy Places, a province-wide community-based research initiative, which assessed the current and projected housing needs of people living with HIV in Ontario.

Under her leadership at Fife House, Ruthann’s vision, drive and passion led to Fife House’s largest expansion of housing and support services including spearheading the partnership with Wellesley Central Health Corporation and WoodGreen Community Services and the construction of the Tony Di Pede Residence / Wellesley Central Residence, providing 112 units of supportive housing as well as the Transitional Housing Program, Wellness Programs, Community Programs and Fife House’s administrative home.

We are all grateful for her contributions, accomplishments and legacy. There is no memorial planned at this time.

(Statement adapted from Fife House’s Website.)