RUDOLPH WILLIAM EASTMAN

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RUDOLPH WILLIAM EASTMAN On Saturday, November 1, 2008 Rudy passed away peacefully at the Arborg Personal Care Home with his family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife Lillian, his two sons Michael (Kim) and Jonathon (Maryann) grandchildren Abbygail, Jody, Josh, Sam and Ben; sister Lorraine Burton and brother Halli Eastman. Also his sisters-in-law Arlene (Wilbert) Thorarinson, Connie (Bobby) Johnson, Phyllis (Dale) Hokanson and Valerie (Charles) Hokanson; also many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Rudy was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary; brothers Johnny and Roland; sisters Delores and Gale; his in-laws Manni and Lily Jonasson; brother-in-law Clifford Jonasson and nephews Blaine Eastman and Jaxon Smith. Rudy was born in Riverton Manitoba on April 6,1931. He followed the natural call to Lake Winnipeg where he worked with his father as a fisherman's helper, then progressed to Captain of the Baby Diamond where he travelled up and down the lake picking up fish from the various fish stations. During this time the original Riverton Airways had developed and Rudy took his first step into aviation by becoming a cook for the staff at the airways in their quarters at Rams Pasture . In between preparing meals he worked as the gopher for the engineers. This led to his becoming one of the best-known and well-respected aircraft engineers in the bush flying industry. Rudy completed his Engineers license in 1958. Family and friends watched his career progress from the High Arctic where he worked for Transair to Spartan Air in Toronto, OCA in Kenora, Ilford-Riverton Airways in Winnipeg, laRonge Aviation in Saskatchewan and was always at the beck-and-call of any other small operator that needed his assistance. In 1964 Rudy married Lillian, the love of his life. She accompanied him on his travels but eventually the call of Lake Winnipeg returned them to Riverton. Rudy was able to follow his dream of returning to Big Grindstone and reassume his love of commercial fishing while successfully maintaining his Engineering career. For many years getting up at 3:00 a.m. to lift nets, then returning home to work on his airplanes became a way of life for him. Rudy had a heart of gold and no one ever left his place with an empty stomach or else a good feed of fish. He loved his polka music and was always ready for a good feisty conversation especially about politics. He was intelligent and well-respected and willingly passed on his knowledge of the lake to his sons who have followed his footsteps with confidence knowing that they were taught by the best. You will always be in our hearts dear husband, father and Afi and will be forever missed. In accordance with Rudy's wishes there will be no formal church service. The family however invites you to attend a graveside service at the Riverton Cemetery on Friday, November 7 at 1:00 p.m. with coffee to follow at the Riverton Hall. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Arborg Personal Care Home and the home-care workers that cared for Rudy with such kindness in his final months. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations may be made to the Arborg Personal Care Home or the Riverton Cemetery Fund. Gotta Nott Elskan Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2008