Born April 25, 1942 in Beausejour, Manitoba passed suddenly on August 4, 2011. Rudy is survived by his loving wife Helen, his daughters Shana Turner, Trudy Slepcevic, Sandy and her husband Darren Goodyear; his grandchildren Greg and James Turner, Kaitlyn Slepcevic and Steven Goodyear; his six brothers and sisters Frieda Hastman, Art Linke and wife Pat, Alma and husband Jim Newman, Ed and wife Ida Linke, Evelyn and husband Ken Miller, Manda and husband Lloyd Malkoske; brother-in-law Ken Wright and many nieces and nephews. Rudy lived an incredible life, one that could be an example for anyone. He eagerly joined the RCMP on April 13, 1962 and embarked on a career where he proudly served for 32 years. He married his life-long love of 46 years on August 7, 1965. With a career he loved and the woman he adored, he created a family of five where he became the best Father ever. Always supportive and the rock of the family, Rudy also taught his daughters to love life as he did; to wake up every morning with a smile, to work hard, but to enjoy the rewards, to make as many corny jokes as one could fit into a day and to never go to bed angry were some of the best lessons that he gave us all. In addition to these and many more gifts he gave us, we were also blessed with an endless supply of Dad’s famous potato pancakes, the best homemade french-fries, and the most amazing bbq steaks in the world. He loved to be surrounded by family and friends and spoil them rotten. Rudy made friends everywhere he went and, without trying, earned the respect of almost everyone he knew. Next to his family, hockey was the great love of his life. He was an exceptional goalie and when he had his hip replacement surgery he made sure to opt for the “sports model”, which did not slow him down at all in between the posts. He was a reliable team-mate, an excellent goalie and an exceptional friend. He will be missed more than words can say. He will be in our hearts forever. We will always remember his smile. Memorial donations may be made to the Kelowna Minor Hockey Association. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting : www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
250-860-7077.