Rudolf Martinus Evert "Rudi" ENGEL

1951 - 2024

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 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., where Rudi's memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. 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). Condolences and donations may be forwarded through www.haskettfh.com.