July 23, 1924 - August 1, 2018
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father Rupert. He is predeceased by his wife Gilberte (Bert). He leaves his daughter Deborah (Ken), his granddaughter Erin, his daughter Catherine (Gord), his sister Lola (Ron), his brother-in-law George and his niece Lise.
Rupert was born in Timmins, Ontario and he was noted for his independence and strength of character right from his earliest days. When he was 17, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery to fight in the Second World War. He used his brother Arnold's birthday to enlist and when it was discovered that he was still too young he was sent to Nanaimo to wait for his 18th birthday. In Nanaimo his job was to ride a Harley motorcycle with the convoys over the Malahat. This experience led to him being a dispatcher when he arrived in Europe in 1942. Rupert's rank was Gunner. He discharged from the army in December 1946.
He married Bert in 1947, thus beginning his family life. His career in heavy construction brought him and his family all over the world and parts of Canada. In 1982, Rupert and Bert settled in the Comox Valley where he did a little logging but mostly pursued his favourite pastime at the Comox Golf Club. Rupert golfed until he was 92 when he had to give it up under "doctor's orders" as he would regretfully tell you.
Rupert was the consummate gentleman and his great sense of humour along with his rueful charm captured the hearts of everyone he met. He was kind and generous in the quiet humble way that he lived his life. He was our north star and our anchor and life will not be the same without him. We love you Dad.
Prayers will be offered on Tuesday, August 7th at 7 PM from Christ the King Roman Catholic Church, where Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, August 8th at 11:00 AM, with Father Marek Paczka, celebrant. A reception will follow the service in the Garden Room and Outdoor Patio of Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Road.
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