Sudbury Memorial Works is a family-owned and operated business that has seen four generations of the Gunstone-Ruff family maintain the craftsmanship of stonework. Located on Arnley Street since 1930, it’s steps away from the Parklawn Cemetery in the city’s west end.
When Gunstone’s family came to Sudbury for a visit, they never did return to their homeland, and Ruff became part of the family when he married Gunstone’s younger sister, Winifred. Norm and Winifred Ruff had three sons: Paul , Robert and Jack. The two oldest, Paul and Robert, joined their father in the business, while Jack went off to university and never looked back. Paul joined his father as a partner in 1960. An internationally recognized, award-winning designer and craftsman, he served the memorial industry on many levels as president of monument builders' associations.
“I absolutely loved the kitchen, the excitement, creativity but did not like the horrible working conditions and low pay.” Although business is healthy, there are fewer monument companies per capita than there were 50 years ago.