Obituary of Rudolph Reinhold Kopf

Rudy passed away peacefully on Tuesday November 10, 2015 at the age of 93 years. The gift of Rudy’s life will be cherished by Marg, his loving wife of 67 years; daughter Debb (son-in-law Don I. Black) and several nieces and nephews. Rudy was born June 24, 1922 to a large family, and grew up in Melville, in a loving household. Times were very tough in Melville in the 1930s and in 1938, Rudy, like so many other young men at the time, hopped on a boxcar and rode the rails out to British Columbia to find work and adventure. He worked the orchards around Kelowna and Peachland, then moved to Vancouver where he first worked in a cabinet maker’s shop. In 1943, he got a job at the Burrard Dry Dock, working as a welder, where he built the hulls of the Victory ships that were so essential to the Allied war effort. He enlisted in the army soon after and eventually joined a platoon that was training in the wilderness of northern British Columbia. The goal was to be prepared to defend the West coast against an anticipated invasion by Japanese forces. Fortunately for everyone, the War ended before the platoon saw active duty. Rudy returned to Regina and, in 1948, married Marg. After discharge from the army, Rudy worked as a cabinet maker before joining the Regina fire department in 1950. Thirty three years later he retired, having attained the rank of Captain and the respect and friendship of hundreds of his colleagues. A gentle man with a big heart and kind word for everyone, Rudy will be missed by all who knew him. Special thanks to the wonderful staff on 2 West of Pioneer Village for the care, compassion and friendship they shared with Rudy during his last four years. Flowers gratefully declined. At the request of Rudy, there will be no service. Donations in Rudy’s memory may be made to the 2 West Recreation Fund c/o Pioneer Village, 430 Pioneer Dr., Regina, SK, S4T 6L8.