The death of Ron Rubin, from Victoria, B.C., marks the end of one of Canada’s oldest triplet groups.
In the meditation room at Victoria Hospice, Ron’s brother Laurie recounts their birth in Winnipeg on September 18, 1943, when they instantly became celebrities. “There was a piece about us in Time Magazine. And LIFE covered our bar mitzvah,” Laurie recalls. He adds that their mother struck a deal bargain with Eaton’s department store, which offered her three items for the price of two, ensuring they were often dressed identically. Despite the different colours of their shirts, they were frequently mistaken for each other. “Mother’s entrepreneurial instincts also secured free milk, diapers, and clothing supplies,” Laurie proudly shares. “She even created a cute baby calendar to compete with pin-up girl calendars in shops.”
As they grew older, their fame faded, but their bond remained unbreakable. They supported each other through life’s challenges, with Ron’s quick wit often diffusing tense situations.
The triplets eventually pursued different paths: Ken devoted himself to community service, Ron to the business of Human Resources, and Laurie to social justice advocacy for disadvantaged groups. Despite the distance, they stayed connected, checking in with one another.
Months before his 81st birthday, Ron was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The news was a shock, and Laurie’s weekly walk with Ron became a reminder of their bond. As Ron’s condition deteriorated, he was admitted to Victoria Hospice after receiving care from the Palliative Response Team (PRT). On his nightstand, a photo of him with his two brothers, Laurie and Ken, sparked the curiosity of the nurses who wondered about the stories and memories behind the image of the triplets.
Laurie visited daily, and although Ron was no longer able to speak, both Ken and Laurie continued to reminisce about their childhood. They recalled kindergarten and early school years, where the Rubin boys played roles in anything involving “three,” such as the Three Wise Men or Three Blind Mice. “It was a challenge when Ronnie required hospitalization,” Laurie reflects, “but that was lifted when we didn’t have to worry about his care and could just spend quality time with him,” Laurie recalls.
In his final days, Ron had fallen in love with an Italian woman during a South African safari and was planning to spend time with her in Italy. “She took charge of his care during his final days at home, but she had to go back to work,” said Laurie. “He just ran out of time.”
Ron’s legacy lives on through his two brothers, his daughter, and his two sisters. In tribute to his memory, Ken and his wife donated a copper leaf engraved with Ron’s name, now displayed in Victoria Hospice’s Rooftop Garden. The triplets’ extraordinary bond, forged during their exceptional childhood, serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family. “He’s missed every day,” Laurie says, his voice a mix of love and sorrow.
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