It is with great sadness that the Engel Family announces the passing of Rudolf Martinus Evert Engel Jr., age 72, of Lucan, Ontario.
First and foremost, Rudi was the husband of Mary Margaret (Maggie) Engel, his loving partner in a life well lived.
Rudi was accomplished in his career as a senior telecom executive with Rogers (in London; Huntington Beach and Downey, California; Calgary, Alberta; Portland, Oregon; and Toronto), with Bell Canada in Toronto and finally PGE Propel in Markham.
But he was most proud of his family: daughters Jessica (Justin) and Jillian (Andrés) and his grandchildren Anneke, Dekker, Matías and bonus grandkids Anabel, Rowan and Chloe.
Rudi leaves behind his sisters Johanna (David Clarke), Cora (Pat Ryan) and Martine (Rob Mackereth) and nieces and nephews Katerina (Ben), Alex (Mélanie), Louise, Patrick (Julia), Rachel (Aaron) and Eden (Abe).
Born September 10, 1951, in Hilversum, The Netherlands, to his proud parents Bregje Johanna (Joan) Engel and Rudolf Martinus Evert Engel Sr., they immigrated to Canada in 1953, eventually settling in Lucan.
Rudi was always keen to try new things and reinvigorate old passions. Over the years he enjoyed scuba diving, alpine skiing, and horseback riding lessons with Jessica, many years after a childhood growing up with horses. He also took up motorcycle riding with Jilly.
His greatest passion, however, was playing his many guitars. Rudi was the first to admit that singing a note on pitch was beyond him. Fortunately, he knew when his guitar was out of tune! He took great joy in making music, playing in several bands throughout the years. Early on it was pop, rock and oldies with Head End in Toronto. A move to Ailsa Craig saw him forming a band with friends Brian, Mike, Ron, Lynn and Deborah in the summer of 2008 where they continued to enjoy several years of jam sessions and sharing their talent and love of music with family and friends. Later it was jazz standards with his friend and fellow guitarist, Ron Maslen. On the subject of Jazz, he was fond of saying that the more he learned, the more he realized how much he didn’t know.
The family would like to express their profound gratitude for the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre and the care and compassion provided to Rudi by Dr. Vincent and Charlene, and Dr. Singh and Diana over the past three plus years. Also, a special thank you for the care and support shown by the staff of St. Elizabeth Health Care.
Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Friday, June 14th from 11:30 – 12:30, where Rudi’s memorial service will be held at 12:30 with a luncheon to follow. A private family interment will be held at St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
Donations in Rudi’s honour may be made to LHSF – Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre, or Plan Canada (a charity Maggie and Rudi have been lifelong supporters of).
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Paul and Cathy Temple
Maggie and family,
So sorry to hear about Rudi passing away. Rudi and I had a lot of fun memories as well as shared trials and tribulations at Rogers. But it was an exciting time and Rudi seem to flourish. Our thoughts are with you.
Stan Uher, Blenheim
Thinking of you, Maggie, at this difficult time. Take care. Stan Uher, Blenheim.
Kelly Southcott
Maggie and family
My sincerest condolences for the loss of Rudi
Sending you strength and prayers ❤️
Dale & Linda Froats
Cora, Pat and Engel family,
We were so sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing. May you find comfort in each other with your many fond memories of your times together with Rudi and the family love you shared.
Jim Laramie
My heartfelt condolences to Maggie, Jessica, Jillian and Rudi’s family. I worked with Rudi at Rogers for quite a few years and we became good friends. I often think of Rudi and fondly remember those days working together.
Rick Heywood
Cora, Pat and family
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Rudi. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Rick and Renee
Joan Paye
Dear Maggie, Jill and Jess. Sending heartfelt condolences from Nevada.
The faithful friendship of Rudi and Maggie carried me through many big changes when we met over 40 years ago in Downey, Ca.
Everyone should be so very fortunate to have a mentor, friend, stand-in father of the bride and ultimate leader of the band like Rudi.
May your hearts find peace as you grieve and celebrate such a generous life. Big hugs.
Joan Paye
Dear Maggie, Jill and Jess. Sending heartfelt condolences from Nevada.
The faithful friendship of Rudi and Maggie carried me through many big changes when we met over 40 years ago in Downey, Ca. It was Rudi that told me what I needed to hear and believed in me that was the game changer. I am forever grateful.
Everyone should be so very fortunate to have a mentor, friend, stand-in father of the bride and ultimate leader of the band like Rudi.
May your hearts find peace as you grieve and celebrate such a generous life. Big hugs.
Lori hodgins
Johanna and Cora sorry to hear about your brother Rudi, so young. Thinking of you both
Lori Hodgins
Rahim Pardhan
Jill,
Madeline and I were saddened to hear the news. Losing a parent is incredibly difficult, and I can only imagine the pain you and your family are going through.
I only had the pleasure of meeting him once, but I still remember his curiosity about the elaborate aquarium setup in Waterloo and his joking that we may have been hiding turtles instead.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. ♥️
Janet Bumstead
Cora, Pat and the rest of the Engel family,
So sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time and I hope that your many good memories help you in the days going forward.
Brenda Moon
Johanna, Cora, Pat, Martine, and the Engel family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your brother, Rudi. Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Brenda and Gord Moon
Bill Goddard
My condolences to the entire Engel family. This is a sad time. Rudi was always prevalent around town when we were all much younger. My good fortune was that Rudi gave me my first job at London Cable TV and it launched my own personal career. Rudi was a tremendous influence as his own career flourished along his family accomplishments. Rudi was well respected and liked. He will be missed.
Steve Revington
Cora, Pat and the Engel family,
So sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Colleen Jones
Rudi was the number one nice guy bringing joy and laughter to everyone he knew.
I met him in his early days of Rogers cable and shared many good times with him and his colleagues.
Cora kept me updated on Rudi’s busy life.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Engel family.
Chloe Nicol Gasiorowski
I am so sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing. I have very fond memories of him when we were growing up together Jess. He always evoked a happy, warm and safe feeling. Thinking of the whole family. Love, Chloe
Paul Nielsen
Maggie; deepest condolences from Shelly and I, we are saddened by the news.
I was fortunate enough to work for and with Rudi for over 25 years. He was an amazing builder of executive teams and leader for me, I am fore ever grateful for his mentorship, my career at Rogers and Bell would not have blossomed without him!
Sadly we can’t make it down tomorrow but our thoughts are with you and the family,
Paul & Shelly Nielsen
Deborah Harbottle
So honoured to call Rudi my bandmate and friend, his talent, good nature and sense of humour was such a joy. A kind, generous giving gentleman, what an inspiring and great gift to all who knew him. . How he loved you Maggie, Jessica, Jillian and grands, may this give you comfort and enough memories to last your lifetime. 🙏♥️
Paul Herbert
So sorry for your loss. I wish that I had had more time to know Rudi better. We were high school classmates, but we only really got to know each other better in the last 10 years or so on Facebook. He lived life 100 %!
Sandra (McLellan) Hern
I extend my sincere condolences to all of Rudi’s family. We went to Medway together and he was a great guy! The Engel family name is always remembered in our home, as Rudi’s Mom was our wedding photographer 53 years ago. May Rudi now rest in peace.
John Hiemstra
My sincere condolences Maggie and family. Knew Rudi through my son in law Andrew Gages association further ingrained through a common link as Dutchman who coincidentally immigrated to Canada same year of 1953 and having a common love for motorcycles. So sad to see Rudi leave us but his suffering is over. Play that guitar in heaven Rudi ✝️👍🏻 God bless
Rita Black
I cannot imagine the pain and heartache you are feeling. I am praying for your peace and comfort. Those who live in our memories are never truly gone. Rudi was a great man to work for.
Debra Brown
So sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing. We missed him at our 50th class reunion this past May. A great guy. Always the coolest dude walking the halls of Medway. Sending love and prayers. Debbie
Cindy Fisher Bailey
Cora and family
So very sorry for the loss of your brother May he rest in peace
Gary and Linda Hayter
Cora, Pat and the Engel family. Gary and I are sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Joyce Sovereign
To all the Engel Family
I did not know Rudi by name only, same with the rest of the kids, but I did know his Mom and Dad, Joan took all my children’s baby pictures and later family pictures.
I send to each one of you my deepest sympathy on his death. Please know I’m thinking of you all at this very sad time.
Pat ( Reeve) Busteed
I was one of many classmates who were looking for Rudi at our recent Medway reunion but unaware of his illness. My sympathies to his family and many friends.
Richard Harding
I had the privilege of knowing Rudi as a friend for about 55 years. And when he was my boss, I knew him as the best leader one could wish for. One of the most intelligent people I knew, and always a class act.
We will all miss him.
My condolences to Maggie, Jessica, Jill, and all the grandkids. He was so proud of you all.
Betty Caplan
Dear Maggie, Jessica and Jillian – our former Grangemill neighbours,
Our daughter Lauren mentioned today that Rudi had passed away.
We send our sincere condolences to you and your family.
May your hearts be filled with your fondest memories.
Betty, Jerry, Adam and Lauren
David Revington
Cora, Pat and the Engel Family:
I have know Rudi through our childhoods and on to Medway and in past years at class reunions.
Always friendly and kind…a popular laid back guy who loved his music! I know he will be missed.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
David Revington
Kate Young
Cora, I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved brother. I know how much he meant to you. My condolences to you and your family.
Sarah Maslen
I never met Rudi but I had the joy of listening to his music. His latest CD, made with my uncle, Ron Maslen, was the only CD I had in my old car and I listened to it every day. I am so sorry for your family’s loss
Alanna Hosking
Cora and Pat and Engel Family
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of your brother.
May your many memories be a comfort to you at this time.
Alanna (Mac) and Steve Hosking
Paul and Kathy Rodman
My condolences to the family. Though I have not seen Rudi since high school, I fondly remember him playing an TV Anchor in a school skit. It is evident that he followed his passion in his professional life and had a life well lived,
Lavinia (Vinnie) Welsh
My sincere condolences to Maggie and family. Rudi was the best boss I ever had. I wouldn’t have had the career I did without Rudi. Calgary, Vancouver/Portland, Toronto and then Hamilton. Always fair, a straight shooter, and fun! Thank you Rudi.
Cindy White
Maggie, Jess and Jill,
Sending my condolences to all of you on the passing of Rudi. Even as frail as he was last week when I saw him coming out of the Barber Shop, he still had a smile and a few words for me. His smile will be missed by many. Comfort each other and share all the beautiful memories.
Thinking of you.
Cindy
Ann Hetherington
My deepest sympathies to Maggie and your family. I worked with Rudi in the late 70’s at the Cable 13 community programming in London giving this graduate her first job in the industry. He was an amazing leader, with a kind heart and yes a love of music.
May memories of a life well lived bring you some comfort during this difficult time.
Patsy Marshall
Maggie and Family,
Our deepest sympathy. What a kind and humble man – a friend to many.
Jim and Patsy Marshall
Don Lankin
The Engel Family
So sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing my deepest condolences.
Kingsley Snelgrove
I will always remember my coolest high school and Grand Bend Buddy.You gave it your best always.It was a pleasure knowing you and being your friend.Knowing you were loved and you loved many others is everything for your family to carry on in your memory.Peace you spiffy hippie.
Julie Armitage
Dear Maggie and family, so sorry for your loss, have known Rudi from younger days in Lucan and at Medway, then in later years with you Maggie through our mutual friends Irene and Tony, my heart goes out to you, thinking of you and sending love your way……Julie
Rick and Wilma Freeman
Cora, Pat and families. So sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing
Sending prayers and love .
Rick and Wilma Freeman
Cora, Pat and families. So sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing.
Sending prayers and love .
Teresa & Jeff Young
Maggie and family so sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing
Mark & Bernice Knapton
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Rudi’s passing. We had the pleasure of working for him at Rogers and have so many fond memories. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Ruth Claessens
Condolences to your family, Martine from your friends and neighbours, the Hardys.
Ruth Hardy Claessens
Lorna Voisey
Our condolences to the whole family. I worked for Roger’s cable and knew Rudi very well. He was a great man and legend. He and Dan Clarke had a band called the descramblers Shelly Hamilton was their singer. Rock on Rudi.
Christine Smith Bailey
So very sorry to hear we have lost such a great person. I knew him all through high school and travelled to Yugoslavia on a fabulous high school trip. Had a few drives in his VW. On to new adventures Rudi may your family feel your presence.
Emma Warrillow
To Jill (and the rest of the Engel family) –
I was so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I know he will have left a huge hole in your heart – you have always spoken so fondly of him. I am sure he was thrilled to have been able to witness your recent wedding and to see how happy you are. There is no better legacy for a father.
May your memories bring you all some comfort at this difficult time; he is gone far too soon.
Bonnie (Stanton)Bryan
So very sad to hear this news. Rudi was missed by many at our recent class reunion. Rest in peace, Rudi. Condolences to the Engel family.
Paul Wearing
A wonderful human being and dear friend, generous in spirit and kindness. Gone too soon!
Maggie, Jill and Jess , so very sorry for the loss of Rudi
Love, Paul and Sara Jane
Harry Hardy
Our sincere sympathy, our thoughts are with the family. Family neighbors for a long time
Roy E Pullman
So sorry to hear of Rudi’s passing. I knew that he had not been doing well for some time, but so wanted to be here for his daughters wedding. Mission accomplished. Rest in peace Rudi.
Roy and Nancy Pullman
Dan Clark
Our deepest condolences to Maggie, Jessica, Jill and the entire family.
I had the privilege of working for Rudi at Rogers in Toronto for about 10 years….this was the absolute best part of my 37 year career, and I owe that to Rudi.
I am now retired and living a blessed life in Buckhorn and I have told many many people, Rudi was the person who made this dream a reality.
I have many great memories of playing in a band with Rudi, times I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Thank you Rudi.
Rest well my friend 🙏
Sharon Packer
My heart is overflowing with sadness
I am so sorry for the loss of a long time friend.
May you rest now Rudi.
Condolences to all the family.
Larry Baxter/ Wendy Ryan
Thinking of you and wishing you strength and comfort. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time. You have our deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful person. Rest in peace Rudi
hilda appelman
Sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts are with all the family at this time. take care of each other.
Archie and Hilda Appelman
Robert Vincent
RIP Rudi and condolences to the Engel family!
Steve Gauthier
My Condolences to the Family on the loss of Rudi. Had the pleasure of meeting him as well as the Family, he was a fine Gentleman. He lived life well and now you have the great memories to remember him by.
Diane Priest
Deepest condolences to Rudi’s family and friends. I had the opportunity to work with Rudi at Rogers Cable systems and LinCsat. He was a wonderful and kind person. Sending peace and prayers. He will be missed by all.
Jeffrey King
I’m deeply saddened by this news. My heartfelt condolences 🙏 to the entire family.
I worked with Rudi at PG(e) Marketing Services prior to the company becoming PG(e) Propel. Rudi was the best boss and mentor anyone could ever ask for. Sympathies to all of Rudi’s Family and Friends.
Vicky
Maggie, Jill and Jess. I am so so heartbroken to hear about Rudi’s passing. Will and I send all our love. ❤️