RUDOLPH EDMUND SCHAAN

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RUDOLPH EDMUND SCHAAN A true gentleman, an artist with wood and stone, a lover of songs and nature and people - Rudolph Edmund (Rudy) Schaan passed gently on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the age of 83, surrounded by the love of his family. Rudy was born in 1927 in Landestreu, Poland, the son of Christian and Amalie Schaan. After an early life in Poland and Germany, Rudy immigrated to Canada in 1948, followed shortly after by the love of his life, Lucy, in 1949. They were married in April of 1950. Together, they lived in Yorkton, Saskatchewan and then in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they created a beautiful family including Susan, Herb, and Patti. In his early years in Canada, Rudy worked as a professional photographer, capturing all of the details of the world he clearly loved. In the 1960s, Rudy put his keen creative mind to work as a bricklayer, eventually forming Schaan Masonry, which he would run until 1989. His handiwork is displayed across Winnipeg, including many fireplaces and stonefronts he built together with his son. A lover of nature, Rudy was at his best when at the cottage at Bird Lake, where he was both the life of the party with his best friend Jack, as well as one of Manitoba's keenest outdoorsmen. From 1972 to 2008, Rudy used the cottage as his castle - constantly inventing new gadgets, taking long walks with Lucy to pick blueberries and mushrooms, entertaining and playing his accordion around the fire with friends. Rudy loved and cared for all of his family, and was blessed by wonderful additions including Marlies as a daughter-in-law, and Bill as a son-in-law. He also loved his five grand-children - Keith and his wife Cheryl, Tara and her husband Brett, Mark, Matthew and Samuel, and his great-grandchildren, Noah, Liam, Campbell, Payton, and Griffin. There is one more great-granddaughter soon to arrive who will never see the beautiful glint in her Gross-Opa's eyes. Rudy was predeceased by his parents and by his brother Reinhold. Rudy leaves his sisters, Helen and her husband Gerry, and Erica, as well as nieces and nephews and so many friends. No one will miss him more than his dear wife Lucy, who tended patiently to him. The world has lost a real mensch, and an incredible family man. Gracious thanks to the caring staff of Concordia Hospital, who made the final days so comfortable for everyone. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 211 Kimberly Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 02, 2011