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RUBIN W. BATKE
Born: Nov 11, 1929
Date of Passing: Jul 23, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRUBIN W. BATKE Rubin W. Batke, aged 86, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Evergreen Personal Care Home in Boissevain, MB. Rubin was born November 11, 1929 in Nokomis, Saskatchewan to Gustav and Ottilie Batke. Rubin started working at a very young age with his father on the family farm in Minitonas, MB. On April 19, 1954 he began driving streetcars with Winnipeg City Transit. After streetcars become a thing of the past, he enjoyed his city bus route until retirement on April 21, 1984. In the spring of 1978 he purchased property at Pine Grove Estates in Belair, MB and began building his own home. Once the home was finished and after his retirement, he started helping neighbours with remodeling their homes. This led to an almost full-time occupation. He did home renovations for many people in the cottage country. Rubin enjoyed his workshop, where he built many projects for family and friends. In 2006 Rubin and his wife Lani relocated to Boissevain, MB where they enjoyed the love and beauty of small-town living. Rubin and his siblings sang in church when they were young, which led him to singing bass with the Winnipeg Golden Chordsmen. He joined SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America) in 1963 where he maintained his membership until his death. He was very proud of his bass voice and sang in several barbershop quartets, as well as directing the chorus for a couple of years. He also coached a Sweet Adelines quartet. Rubin was predeceased by son Brian, his parents and step-grandson Owen. Rubin's memory will be cherished by his wife Lani; daughters, Grace (Brian), Stella (Murray), and Carol (Jacques); stepsons, Lance (Danni) and Dirk (Stacy); eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Lillian (Norm) and Ethel (Ernie); and brother Len, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Honouring Rubin's request, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held. His ashes will be spread according to his wishes.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 30, 2016
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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See you someday again, dear Uncle Rubin! - Posted by: Kenneth Matchullis (Nefew) on: Aug 05, 2016
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I'm so sorry for your loss. Rubin was an amazing man and an amazing friend. He introduced me to the beauty of barbershop music. He discovered a few diamonds in the rough in Pine Falls and polished us to the point where we kind of new what we were doing. Singing with "Multiple Choice" has provided some of the most cherished experiences of my life. Singing in festivals and halls across Manitoba, participating at Barbershop College at St. Joseph, Missouri and winning the award for most improved quartet and of course the unforgettable journey to Miami, Florida to attend the International competition. The only thing that could drown out Rubin's booming bass voice and laugh was his incredible heart and kindness. He was an impressive and incredibly wonderful human being. My condolences to Lani and the entire family. With love...... Joel Lamoureux - Posted by: Joel Lamoureux (Friend and baritone) on: Aug 02, 2016
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Dad I miss you. Your scattering was wonderful and I know you would have approved. I'll love you always. - Posted by: Carol Isabel (daughter) on: Aug 02, 2016
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Rube was a wonderful coach to our quartet, (Genesis) resulting in our winning the novice award in 1978. He was an avid barbershop member all his life and will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Glenna Sexton (Member of the Sweet Adeline quartet that he coached (Genesis)) on: Jul 30, 2016