Ruby Brydges was born in 1964, in Regina, and was raised in Brandon. She graduated from the University of Winnipeg in 1992, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administrative Studies, and Advanced Diploma in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation from the Vancouver Island University in 2015, and holds a designation as a Certified Forensic Investigator.

Ruby joined the Primary Reserve in 1981, and has worked many jobs while honing her trade. She commissioned from the ranks and became an Officer and attended the Logistics Finance Specialty course and finished as Outstanding Graduate. Ruby transferred to the Regular Force in August, 2001.

During her time in the Regular Force, Ruby attended many logistics courses, including her Second Language Training, which she currently holds a Public Service profile of B-A-B in French. Ruby has worked in numerous financial positions at different bases in Western Canada. She has fulfilled such positions as Staff Officer 3 in Financial Management; Management Accounting; Organization & Establishment and Policy; Accounting Officer; and Officer in Charge of Personnel Administration Platoon. After working in all these levels, this prepared Ruby to become a Base Comptroller in both Canadian Forces Base Shilo, MB, and Suffield, AB. After her time at operational finances, Ruby was posted to Ottawa, ON, to work in National Defence Headquarters. There, she worked as a Senior Analyst in Costing Services, as part of the Directorate of Financial Management, and then as the Senior Manager Revenue and Accounts Receivable for the Department within the Directorate of Financial Operations.

Ruby had many opportunities instructing courses throughout her Reserve and Regular Force time. She deployed to Domestic Operations during the Manitoba Flood. She served on OP ARCHER TOTO 1 in Kandahar, as the Chief Administration and Finance Officer (ChAFO), from February – August 2006. She also completed her OPME, AJOSQ,ATOC, AOC, and ALOC.

During her transition from the military to civilian life, Ruby had the opportunity to work with the Lethbridge Police Service in their Economic Crimes Section as a Fraud Analyst, where she worked a file of insurance fraud that led to charges being laid and a successful conviction.

Ruby resides in Medicine Hat with her husband, Tom, (also a Veteran), and enjoys working with the Army Cadet League of Canada on the Board of Directors, the Military Family Resource Centre on the Board of Directors, and is the Treasurer of the St. John’s Presbyterian Church’s Financial Stewardship and Administrative Committee. Ruby is also an active member of the South Alberta Pipes and Drums. Ruby and Tom have one child together, Darrah, and two from Tom’s first marriage with five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.