It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our father Rudolph (Rudy) Walter Quaedvlieg at the age of 84 years, of Castlegar on Jan 24, 2016. He died peacefully in the Trail Hospital surrounded by his loving family.
He was born at home on the family ranch in Keremeos, BC, on December 31, 1931. His family moved up the Similkameen river to Hedley in 1934 where he was raised and schooled, while working in the family business; The Hedley Meat Market and grocery store.
He raised his own large family in Robson, having moved there in 1968 from Nakusp, after transferring with Celgar. He worked in the tugboat division on the water, retiring after 35 years, having been a captain for 25 of those years.
Dad had a vast knowledge of working tugboats from around the world. In retirement he amassed a vast photographic collection of boats, of which he would put on display occasionally.
He also had a great passion for guns, and was a member of the local gun clubs. He travelled around BC and Alberta participating in gun shoots. Some of his favourite gatherings where the cowboy shoots in Western Canada. He also took great pride in bullet reloading, making his own bullets as well as providing ammo for his friends for over forty years.
Dad also was a regular on Sunday mornings at the Robson Flea Market for decades.
Many great friendships were enjoyed over delicious breakfasts in the hall.
He is survived by his children, Therese Archambault (Ken Gossen), Anne Stelzer (Will), Linda, Mitch, Mike (Marilyn), Barry, Rudi (Robin), Shawn, also his step-children, Jan TeBrinke (Henry), Ron Ririe, Ken MacKay (Todd), Sheryl Chernoff (Mark) and twenty grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
He is also survived by his brother Fred (Peggy) of Ft. McMurray, AB and sister Florence Sherbina of Cawston, BC, and many nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by both his first and second wives, Irene MacDonnell and Joyce MacKay and his parents Eugene and Minnie Quaedvlieg and one sister Betty Tierney and brother-in-laws, Frank Tierney and Harry Sherbina.
A funeral will be held at the Robson Community Hall on March 5th, 2016 at 12:00 pm. Cremation has taken place, and his remains will be interred at the Cemetery in Keremeos, B.C. on March 8th, 2016 at 1 pm.
Castlegar Funeral Home has taken care of arrangements.