HousewaresNews.net is sad to report that Ruth Cutter, former managing director of ICTC died suddenly on Tuesday June 22. Condolences and thoughts are with Ruth’s partner Mark and her family, friends, and colleagues. Tributes to Ruth are flooding in from fellow suppliers, retailers, and figures from across the housewares industry.
“I have nothing but love and respect for Ruth: She was an extremely kind, talented and funny person who was loved by everybody. She has left many broken hearts behind her and the biggest light from our industry has gone out,” says friend and colleague Geradline Finnan, sales agent. “I am so very grateful for all the wonderful memories we shared. Sadly our ‘Two Soups’ coffee shop idea will now have to wait. Rest easy Ma’am & I’ll see you on the dance floor.”
Responding to the “indescribably sad news,” Paul Marchant, Kuhn Rikon key accounts manager states: “Ruth was a beacon of light; her razor-sharp whit coupled with kindness and warmth made her wonderful company. Everyone who knew Ruth, especially former colleagues and friends will miss her, and our industry shines a touch dimmer without her presence.”
William Crisp of Crisp & Dene, previously creative director at ICTC comments: “The devastating news of Ruth’s passing is hard to take on board. Her extraordinary experience, ability to bring people together and inspire the creation of beautiful innovative product will be missed. She is woven into the fabric of so many lives and businesses, who I know will all have heavy hearts. Ruth is much loved and missed.”
Echoing Will’s thoughts, Jak Rayner, founder of C’est Ca! and director of ICTC until 2009 adds: “From joining ICTC to becoming its managing director, Ruth had a radiance which enhanced the industry. She contributed so much, her passion and enthusiasm, and her great taste has left us legacy and memories which will not be lost.”
James Carter, director of Carter Housewares Sales Agency and former sales director for ICTC worked with Ruth for over ten years, and states: “I am very proud of what we achieved during that time. I am proudest of all to have called her a true friend too.” He adds: “Ruth’s enthusiasm for life was infectious and she has left such a huge impression on so many people. You laughed your loudest laugh and smiled your biggest smile when you were with Ruth.”
Among the many posts on LinkedIn, designer Sophie Conran writes: “I am so very sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed working with her so much and have many, many fond memories.”
Like many, Carole Comrie, sales agent says that she is: “Remembering all those fun times we had. That laugh! Her wicked sense of humour and her amazing singing voice! Not forgetting her compassion, kindness, and beauty. She had it all.”
Moreover, Ruth is described as a “wonderful beaming person” by Farzana Janjua, buying director of The Wedding Shop, and “such a professional and a delight to worth with,” by Peter Dunne, managing director of CellarDine.
“We will miss her energy and humour,” says Matt Sampson, business development manager at Forma House, while Marcus Findlay, Nordicware UK’s marketing and sales manager concurs that Ruth “was a really genuine, nice person who will be missed by everyone.”
James and Louise Gray, directors of Barista & Co remember Ruth as “great fun and a lovely person to be around,” and “such a wonderful, funny and kind person.” Industry figure Satish Jethwa reflects: “Ruth was always a breath of fresh air, always bubbly with a beautiful aura.”
At Burton McCall, account manager Nick O’Mahoney acknowledges: “Ruth was such a bright light in so many ways that to be told of her passing is an absolute heartbreaker. I always had the sense that whatever she did, she did it with personality, talent and great humour.
Veronica Davidson, housewares category manager at Swan Products adds: “Ruth was always so full of life with such a sense of fun and the best outlook on life.”
Meanwhile sales agent Katie Holloway’s comment typifies the thoughts of many, acknowledging that Ruth was: “such a young and vibrant person, taken too soon.”
* HousewaresNews.net will be publishing an obituary to Ruth; to contribute please email joh@max-publishing.co.uk
Top: The radiant Ruth Cutter: “our industry shines a touch dimmer without her presence.”
