Sad Day - Passing of Toy Soldier Collector (1 Viewer)

[WBritain]

Hello All,

It is with a sad heart we share passing of Ed Ruby. Ed was a collectors collector. He loved toy soldiers of all kinds but was truly a lover of W.Britain figures. It is his collection showcased in James Opies classic "The Great Book of Britains: 100 Years of Britains Toy Soldiers 1893-1993". Ken & I had just recently been to the west coast and stayed with Ed, while he had sold most of his collection he was still buying the occasional piece that caught his eye and was proud to show them off to us. He often said that he wasn't a collector, he was an accumulater, and in his lifetime he accumulated some of the finest figures, statues and military paintings to be found. Ed served in WWII on Eisenhowers staff as his mobile telephone switchboard operator, landing at Normandy with the General. He stayed with the Generals staff until late in the war when he was returned to the field as a BAR gunner. His enthusiasm was infectious and it was hard not to smile when around Ed. He will be missed by those that had the privilege to know him.

Most Sincerely,

Ericka Osen
W.Britain

 

[Napoleon1er]

Thank you for posting, Ericka. It is truly sad to learn of the passing of such a foundational collector. Thank you for sharing his story -- I had no idea he was a WWII veteran, let alone one with such an interesting service record. I am glad he lived to see D-Day 75.

Just a suggestion, but I am sure a memorial figure would be well-received.

Sandor

 

[joesgis]

RIP Ed Ruby. I had the pleasure of hanging out with Ed on many occasions and enjoyed his company immensely. We shared many laughs together and of course our toy soldier appreciation. He is loved by many and will be sorely missed.

Joe

 

[Al Fisher]

Ed was something special . . . those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him were fortunate. Always a gentleman, he had a quick wit and a shrewd appreciation of toy soldiers. He'll be greatly missed by the hobby.

Bosun Al

 

[King & Country]

Ed was something special . . . those of us who had the pleasure of knowing him were fortunate. Always a gentleman, he had a quick wit and a shrewd appreciation of toy soldiers. He'll be greatly missed by the hobby.

Bosun Al

Like everyone else I too was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Ed Ruby...Ed was one of the greatest toy soldier collectors and enthusiasts in the world and both myself and my brother Gordon were honoured to be invited to visit Ed's beautiful home on a number of times during the 'West coaster' days and see his amazing collection of soldiers, military artwork and scalemodel ships.

Ed was always a very welcome guest whenever he came into the K&C room at both the Chicago and LA Shows...A great collector and an amazing man. Our sympathies to all his family and his many friends n the hobby.

Andy & Gordon & K&C.

 

[Arnhemjim]

To All Toy Soldier Collectors,
I had the unique honor and privilege, while living and working in Southern California in the 1990's, to be invited to dinner by Ed and his lovely wife, and view his collections of toy soldiers and military art. It was before Ed had sold his magnificent definitive collection of vintage W.Britains Ltd toy soldiers. I like most collectors who had that opportunity was just in total awe. A lot of people were not aware that his collection of military art was also a paradigm for private individual collectors in the world. Am not certain why I happen to recall it, but amongst several extremely rare and unique W. Britains Ltd. sets was an example of Set No.1522 4.5in. Anti-Aircraft Gun. Not just a normal single production line model, IT was the original solid brass fully operational prototype. God Bless His Soul,
Arnhemjim aka Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory

 

[6th Wisconsin]

I am not sure, but I seem to remember buying figures through the mail from Ed once. I do remember seeing photos of his wonderful collection. Thank you for the information about his service during WWII, something that I am sure impresses us all. RIP Ed.

 

[jazzeum]

Although it is sad when someone we know passes, Mr. Ruby apparently (since I didn't know him) lived a good and full life. What I find sadder is when someone in the midst of their life is struck down by a disease, be it cancer or a heart attack.

 

[ucla1967]

Oh dear, I have been dreading this day ever since his wife, Fay, passed away a few years ago. I just saw Erika's message today; we were in the middle of a a ten day road trip to the national parks when he passed.

I had visited Ed's beautiful home and incredible toy soldier and art collection many times. I was aware of his military service during World War II as a telephone switchboard operator at Eisenhower's headquarters, but I had not heard about him later becoming a B.A.R. man. I saw Ed last month at Bob Walker's open house and was hoping that it wouldn't be for the last time.

Like many others, I met Ed at the West Coaster in about 1994 or 95. I was selling from my room prior to the actual show and this elderly gentleman came into my room several times and kept looking at a large set of the Scots Greys and Gordon Highlander charge made by HM of Great Britain which came in a fancy red presentation box with slide out trays. I didn't know who he was and he didn't say much other than to ask a few questions about the set. On Sunday, just before the show officially opened, he walked up to my tables and said "I'll take them." He wrote me a personal check. When I looked at it, I asked him "You aren't THE Ed Ruby, are you"? We had been friends ever since.

Rest in Peace Ed. You were one of a kind and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.

 

[ucla1967]

Here are some photos of Ed at the "Salute to Ed Ruby and James Opie" held last year at Bob Walker's house and at his office a few years ago.