Rudolf Horvat

Rođen:15.09.1934. (Durmanec, Hrvatska)

Preminuo:07.03.2025. (Kamloops, Britanska Kolumbija, Kanada)

Dob: 90

With great sadness, we say goodbye to Rudolf (Rudy) Horvat, who passed away in Royal Inland Hospital on the morning of March 7, 2025, at the age of 90. Rudy was a man of quiet strength, deep kindness, and unwavering perseverance. He is survived by his loving children, Jason (Kasia), Julianna, and Mike (Marcy), and by the grandchildren he adored, Dania, Devin, Nico, and Mikaela. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 47 years, Marija.

Born in 1934 in Durmanec, Croatia, Rudy’s journey was one of courage and determination. Growing up in war-torn Yugoslavia, he faced hardships that few could imagine, however he never let them define him. At just 18, in pursuit of a better life he made the daring escape to Austria and soon after, immigrated to Canada. With persistence and hard work, Rudy built a successful life in Kamloops, B.C., where he lived for nearly 70 years. He was quick to point out that his life was incomplete until he returned to the ‘old country’ and met the love of his life, Marija. With patience and dedication he convinced her to leave her home and country for a new life in Canada. They married in 1974 and went on to share 47 beautiful years of marriage, raising their family with love and devotion.

Rudy was a smart, honest, hardworking, and generous man. A man of action rather than words, he faced problems head-on and proved that, with thought and effort, he could accomplish almost anything. Whether it was learning a new language, building houses from the ground up, or grafting new fruits onto his backyard trees, he put his heart into everything he did. Even in retirement, his hands were never idle. He spent long hours in his garden, which was a source of immense pride and satisfaction, his harvest shared widely amongst friends and neighbours. His prized walnut tree provided home-grown walnuts for Baba’s cherished walnut rolls. He hand-poured paving stones for his backyard landscaping projects. He spent time moving mountains of snow for a backyard luge track for his grandchildren. He showed love through what he built, what he fixed, and what he gave. He laughed easily, greeting friends and strangers alike warmly with a twinkle in his eyes, smile and strong handshake.

Though he was a quiet and humble man, his life has left a lasting impact on those who knew him. His resilience shaped the future of his family, and his legacy of kindness and hard work will live on through them and our joyful memories of him. He will be missed beyond words.

FOTO: Private

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