RUDY LARRY HECKERT

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RUDY LARRY HECKERT
June 22, 1949 - January 24, 2022

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Rudy. His life was a gift, a blessing and a treasure that we will hold in our hearts forever.
He is cherished by his loving wife of 51 years, Judy, son Jeremy and daughter-in-law Bronwyn, daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Allister and precious grandsons, Takeo Fernie and Cruz Heckert; loving sister Margaret Boyko, sister-in-law Della Heckert; brothers-in-law, Garry (Ilda) Lichach and Brian (Jacqui) Lichach; Judy's daughter Michelle and her family, and many nieces and nephews that he was close to. Rudy is now in the arms of loving family that preceded him: his mom and dad, Fred and Emilia (1972), brother Fred (2007), brothers-in-law, Rudy Boyko (2011) and Wayne Lichach (1964), and parents-in-law, Mike (1970) and Doreen (2008) Lichach.
Rudy was born in Selkirk and raised on the family farm at the end of St. Peters Road in East Selkirk. Due to the annual flooding of the Red River the farm house was moved into the village of East Selkirk in 1966. It is still there on the corner of Colville and Quarry. He was an accomplished man and always thankful to the people who taught him many skills and gave him opportunities to grow. From an early age of selling raspberries with Harold Fox, or his first job off the farm at Thor's Meats. He learnt so much from Bud and Ed. A summer job at the MRM which lead to a banking job with BMO. His 20s took him from Selkirk to the North End of Winnipeg to Esterhazy and Kampsack, SK.
Sweethearts in grade 8 and again in grade 12, Rudy and Judy were married August 14, 1971. A love story that continued and stood the test of time for over 50 years.
In 1972, after he lost both parents within a month of each other, Rudy left the bank and he and Judy moved back to East Selkirk. In the spring of 1976 with the help of family and friends, they reopened The Lighthouse Chip Stand in East Selkirk. Judy's parents Mike and Doreen operated the Lighthouse from 1959 to 1969. Its success allowed Rudy to leave his position at Manpower in Selkirk to work in the stand as chief cook. For the next six years life was hectic but wonderful. Jeremy was born September 1976 and Jennifer December 1977...It was busy!!! Friendships with the Lighthouse staff are still held dear to this day. During the off season of the Stand Rudy worked at Barnes Western and was a school bus driver for the Lord Selkirk School Division, which he continued to do for over 20 years. In 1982 he built their dream home on the Two Mile Road happily living there for the next 23 years. His brother Fred taught him everything - carpentry, electrical, plumbing, drywall. He was in his element when renovating and building with Fred, Donnie Toews and Bob Hyrich. Partnered with Peter and Heather Unik, Rudy and Judy opened Sports Plus in Selkirk in 1987. Again, many new skills were mastered including skate and ski sharpening, engraving and trophy construction. In 1997 Rudy joined Judy in real estate and they again proved their recipe for success working side by side over the next nine years. Then in 2006 they made a huge change and moved to Tofino on Vancouver Island to be closer to their kids. It was very hard leaving family and friends, but for the next 15 years it was nothing but wonderful. To be only five minutes from the kids made every part of that journey worth it.
Rudy was a dedicated volunteer fireman on the East Selkirk Fire Department for 38 years. He was an original member, always holding the department in high regard. Rudy was very community minded, bring instrumental in getting the East Selkirk Rec Centre built. He was also an active Kinsmen for 15+ years which was truly a highlight. So many projects and fun times. Kinship that has lasted to this day. Rudy loved a good time, especially to dress up and dance especially after a rye and ginger. He was the kind of person you instantly liked and was always in good spirits. He and Judy had a rich and wonderful social life filled with so many good friends, dinner parties, costume parties and get-togethers. These friends became like family, a very close and special bond.
His most loved and cherished job was that of being a Dad to Jeremy and Jennifer and Papa to Takeo and Cruz. Rudy was extremely proud of and devoted to his kids - he would do anything for them. There was always a project on the go and done with patience and so much love. He was a super Dad!
A life well lived, well loved and well treasured. He is missed beyond words today, tomorrow and forever.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone for the love, support and kindness we received as Rudy battled pancreatic cancer. He passed at home surrounded by his family, including his sister Margaret who came from Manitoba. She was such a comfort and help. Thank-you to Gilbart Funeral Home for their assistance.
If desired, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
The family will be hosting a Come and Go Luncheon in celebration of Rudy's life on Thursday, September 8 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the East Selkirk Hall.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2022