Remembering Peter Rudy

Peter Rudy

July 15, 1928 - October 17, 2019

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Peter Rudy. His life was well lived and he was so loved. This gentle, loving, caring man has left a permanent mark etched in our hearts and will be forever missed.

Peter passed with his family by his side on Thursday October 17, 2019 at Georgian Bay General Hospital at the age of 91. Loving husband of Susan Rudy (nee Crane). Beloved father of Margaret Rudy, Sandra (Bill) Sterling, Alison Rudy, Brian (Robin) Rudy, Steven (Lena) Rudy, Robin (John) Tenpenny. Dear stepfather of Jill Edwards, Jennifer (Serge) Des Roches. Cherished Grandpa/Papa of Jason (Amanda) Rudy, Branden Sterling, Amanda (Adam) Rudy, Sean Rudy, Alexandra Nowlan, Erin Tenpenny, Christopher Tenpenny, Matthew Edwards, Andrew Edwards, Jacques Des Roches, Josèe Des Roches and Great Grandpa of Emma Rudy Kroon. Peter will be missed by his niece Cathy Kukay and  nephew Ken Kukay. Predeceased by his parents Jan & Pajza Rudy, his first love & wife Doris Rudy (nee Dzyngel) mother of his children, brother John Rudy Jr., sister Helen (Norman) Kukay, son John (Mary Anne) Rudy and niece Kim Kukay (Pankarican). 

Peter was born in the small village of Cabalovce, Slovakia and immigrated to Canada in 1936 at the age of 8 with his family to Port McNicoll, a very busy shipping port. 

During summer break while in school, for 3 years, Peter worked as a dishwasher and then bellhop on the freight and passenger ship, SS Keewatin. Peter was intrigued with the ship radio service and following grade 10 attended The Radio College in Toronto and graduated with his Radio Operator Certificate. He stayed for an additional year at the college as an instructor. At the age of 18, Peter worked as a radio operator on a Norwegian freighter in the Caribbean. He returned to Canada 1 year later and then worked 4 years with the Ministry of Natural Resources as Radio Operator and Technician for forest fire protection. 

Peter met his first love Doris who was from White River ON. They married in 1953 in Fort William (ThunderBay, ON). They settled in Marathon where Peter began his career in the Pulp and Paper industry and there they also started their family. In the following years they moved to St. Catharines. Sadly after many years of marriage Doris passed away. Living in St. Catharines ON, Peter retired after 40 years working in this industry ending his career as an instrumentation and control superintendent for Ontario Paper.

Peters interest in model ship building grew while visiting his mother and the Huronia Museum in Midland. During these visits he met his 2nd love Susan. Peter and Susan had 27 years of love and much happiness which developed strong connections with friends and family as well as their love of Sailing and Georgian Bay. Their lives together have given Susan and their families precious memories they will cherish forever.

Peter had many interests and hobbies. He was a very talented, skilled and intelligent man. He was the President of the Niagara Marine Modellers Club, a member of St. Catharines Model Flying Club, the Confederation of Marine Modellers Hamilton, Midland and area Ham Radio Club, The Midland Bay Sailing Club, Training Aids Officer of the Midland Power and Sail Squadron and SS Keewatin volunteer in the Radio Room and also worked on restoring some of their model ships.

Peter’s passion was building models of several of the great lakes ships. Since the age of 12 he has built 80 ships, mostly historical and has restored many. The majority of these models are currently in our local museum here in Midland and also on the SS Keewatin, several of the ships are displayed in museums throughout Ontario, from Welland to Thunder Bay.

Peter lived a wonderful life and had the best of care. Many thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and medical staff at Georgian Bay General Hospital. Dr. R. Archer for his many years of care and Dr. H. Darwish for being so giving of his time, care and always there when needed the most. Words can never express our gratitude for the love and care from our friends and family through this difficult time. Our family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support we have received.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Peter at St. Paul’s United Church, 308 King St, Midland,On L4R 3M6 on Friday November 1, 2019 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Huronia Museum Marine Heritage Fund or the Georgian Bay General Hospital would be appreciated by the family if desired. To honour Peter’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes - JH Lynn Chapel, (705) 526-6551 and online condolences can be made at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com.