Rudolf Eberhardt, 86, of North Bay, Ontario, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2022 after a long, debilitating, struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Lavinia, his son, William (Lenka), and his grandchildren, Samson and Maxwell.
Rudy was born on May 3, 1936, to Johanes and Olga in Nusstal Romania, the youngest son of 5 (Ella, Hugo, Nellie and, Berta – all pre-deceased). His family fled their farm at the dawn of the 2nd world war and relocated to their ethnic Germany where they endured the hardships of wartime life.
As a young man Rudy worked as a coal miner until joining Volkswagen where he gained many skills including chrome plating bumpers for VW Bugs.
He immigrated to Canada in 1962 where he met the love of his life, Lavinia (DiPasquantonio). They married on July 26, 1964. The same year they founded his business Barrie Hard Chrome Plating, in Barrie Ontario.
In 1966 his son, William (Bill), was born and Rudy relocated his business to North Bay to service a booming mining exploration sector.
Rudy was the ultimate Husband and Father, pursuing the success of family as passionately as that of his business. He was a loving and dedicated Grandfather who never lost his energy and childlike spirit. And he was a cherished son to his proud Mother, Olga, who passed to soon.
He valued spending time with family and friends and will be fondly remembered for the contraptions he built, pellet gun marksmanship in the back yard and as a fierce table tennis competitor in almost nightly neighborhood battles.
Rudy was a lover of life who cherished and appreciated the simple pleasures.
He loved to cut a rug on the dancefloor at parties and socialized regularly with friends.
True to his roots he loved the outdoors - to fish and hunt whenever he had the chance, to garden and grow vegetables, pick berries, make wine (and on occasion vinegar).
He loved to travel; as a young man exploring southern Europe and later the Caribbean with family and his favorite destination, Acapulco, to unwind.
Rudy was a Creative, a Maker, an Artist. He expressed his vision in Oil, sculpture and the multitude of inspiring festive displays and ornamentation to celebrate each special season.
He undoubtedly lived a full and accomplished life earning the respect and admiration of all who knew him.
In his last few years of life Rudy succumb to Alzheimer’s dementia that slowly robbed him of his freedom. Yet his positive nature and kind soul always shined through, and he would regularly share a smile with whomever was caring for him.
Throughout this trying time Lavinia was steadfast by his side – unwavering in her devotion to the wonderful life they shared. The disease took his independence, but she refused to ever let it steal his dignity. She never lost sight of the incredible human being he was and the good fortune she enjoyed since the day they met.
“in sickness and in health… till death do us part” This was the mantra she lived by.
Rudy was loved from the day he was born until his last breath. His soul will surely rise to a better place, where he’ll reunite with those he loved, and his loving memory will stay in our hearts forever.
Dad, I Love you! May you finally rest in peace.
Our family is grateful for the wonderful attention Rudy received at the North Bay Regional hospital and especially to the committed PSW’s, Nurses and Staff at CassellHolme who work tirelessly to provide all residents the best possible long-term care and an exceptional end of life experience for our family.
Visitation at Hillside Funeral services are planned for Monday October 17/22 from 6pm to 8pm with a short service at 7:30.
In lieu of flowers the family would be grateful for any donations in Rudy’s memory made to Cassellholme Home for The Aged. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca