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Created in 2013, Skate Guard is a blog that focuses on overlooked and underappreciated areas of the history of figure skating, whether that means a topic completely unknown to most readers or a new look at a well-known skater, time period, or event. There's plenty to explore, so pour yourself a cup of coffee and get lost in the fascinating and fabulous history of everyone's favourite winter sport!

Ruark Roswell Smith

 Ruark Roswell Smith

November 23, 1957-March 23, 1993


British Columbia born Ruark Roswell Smith got his start in figure skating at the Hollyburn Country Club in the early seventies. He teamed up with partner Bambi Schaff in 1974, winning the silver medal in the Bronze Dance event at the Puget Sound Inter-Club Competition. Ruark and Bambi had a long partnership as professionals, winning the bronze medal at the 1982 Canadian Professional Championships in Toronto and representing Canada at the World Professional Championships in Jaca, Spain. Though a talented ice dancer, Ruark was best known for his accomplishments in the fashion world. After studying fashion design at Douglas College, he worked for Helen Lefeaux in Vancouver and the Sterling-Stall Group in Winnipeg before starting his own line of high-end evening wear that was sold in boutiques across Canada and on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles. He also designed costumes for skaters, including the cast of "Hot Ice" in 1982. He passed away on March 22, 1993 at the age of thirty-five.

Ruark's obituary from "The Vancouver Sun": "Ruark Roswell Smith, aged 35 years, passed away peacefully on March 22, 1993 in the palliative care unit at St Paul's Hospital. Predeceased in 1982 by his father Edwin Roswell. Ruark attended school in West Vancouver and skated with the Hollyburn Country Club. He and his skating partner, Bambi Schaff, represented Canada and placed [sixth] at the World Professional Dance Championship in 1982. Ruark was an accomplished fashion designer and was well known throughout Canada. Ruark is survived by his devoted partner Derrick Wilson; his loving mother Margaret Anne; sister Heather Peet and husband Bruce: nephews Lee and Tyler; grandparents Clara and Arnold Smith; aunt Rosemary Magagna; cousins Mark and Manna in Toronto; aunt Christina and uncle Glen Mervyn; cousins Michael Holiingum, Tyler and Sasha in Kelowna. Lovingly remembered by long time friends John Boynton and Jean Nichol."

*Source for inclusion: Coded language, Obituaries, The Vancouver Sun, March 24, 1993

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