Chilliwack shelter, outreach organization mourns the passing of its co-founder

CHILLIWACK – A Chilliwack-based organization that provides housing, shelter and recovery programs to local residents is mourning the passing of its co-founder following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Ruth and Naomi’s says Ted Stoker, who built a mission of generosity and dignity together with his wife, Ann, has sadly died.

An obituary posted on the Wombold Funeral Homes website states that Stoker, a native of Gassettannigvan, Netherlands, passed on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at the age of 76. His parents, Evert and Ebelina Stoker, immigrated to Canada in 1953. He was the fifth of seven children. He grew up in Ontario, married Ann Bruinsma, and together they had four children. He worked in the auto body industry for a number of years. In 1992, Ted and Ann purchased Vedder Hardware Store and Small Appliance Repair Shop. They sold the hardware store in 1997 and continued operating the small appliance shop until 2005.

During that time in 1997, Ted Stoker felt the call to go into ministry and began volunteering at the Bridge of Chilliwack. In spring 2002, Ted and Ann started, and were the founders and directors, of Ruth and Naomi’s.