† Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

MEMORY ETERNAL TO OUR FRIEND ANTON RUDKEWICH

(1912 — 2002)

On January 24th this year, the Holy Resurrection Sobor celebrated the 90th Birthday of our dear Anton Rudkievich. All of us prayed for his health and thanked God for the gift of 90 years. A big part of his life Anton dedicated to the service of our Sobor. Anton and his wife Olga were one of the first, hard working parishioners of our original church by Granville Street and 7th Avenue. Both of them were the first ones to clear the bushes at this very place, where our beautiful Russian Orthodox Sobor stands today. Anton was responsible for the maintanance of our church, repairing whatever needed to be repaired: fence, roof and much more. Our choir will never forget Anton as a singer with a very strong bass voice. It was always a joy for me to see him among the singers of our choir. We all miss him very much!
Anton and Olga Rudkievich loved church with all their hearts and always tried to help out in any way they could. Very often he would bring fruit from his orchard for the church kitchen or vegetables, sometimes sugar and flour for the ladies of the church.
God gave me this wonderful opportunity to visit him quite a few times in his home, then at the hospital, and always I heard breathtaking stories about his life in Belorussia, Russia and Canada.
Anton often received the Sacrament of Holy Communion in church, as well as in the hospital. His Grace Bishop Seraphim and myself visited Anton just last month. Anton was sick already but was absolutely beaming to see both of us and Vladyka was so happy to see his old, good friend. Little did we know that this would be the last visit.
On behalf of all our parishioners, especially choir members I wish to express our deep sympathy to the children, grandchildren, great grand children of Anton.
In the end I wish to say: With the saints give rest, O Lord, to the soul of thy servant where there is no sickness nor sighing but life everlasting. Amen.
Fr. Michael Fourik, the Rector, Oct 25, 2002

Memory Eternal to our DEDUSHKA

We gather together today, to celebrate the life of my grandfather Anton Rudkiewich. He was known to many as Anton, Dedushka, Tony and finally Daddy. What an incredible man he was. It was in 1938, that he and my grandmother came to Canada, and 64 years later they left a legacy of 3 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Dedushka was such a loving and giving man. Not one person can say anything bad about himm. He was honest, fair, loving, non-judgemental and a true gentleman. Deduska was always there to help anyone who needed it at any time.
He touched everyone in a special way. I am sure that everyone has fond memories of him. I am so grateful that I had the priviledge of growing up in his home for the first 10 years of my life. Even after I moved 3 blocks away, we were always close. Deduska was like a 2nd father to me. He would bring me carvings out of wood, he would make during his breaks at the mill that he worked at. Sit down with me after a long day at work and tell me a story. I am grateful for all Dedushka taught me. He helped make me the person that I am today.
He loved his family so much and was very proud of everyone. With each arrival of a new great grandchild, his happiness grew. I am thankful my daughters had the opportunity of knowing him and learning from him. They would go and pick his raspberries, blueberries, and walnuts as they ripened, watch and learn how potatoes grew and how many other things grew. My daughter Anneliese asked the other night as to who would take care of Dedushkas garden (she was very concerned) and decided that the 3 of us (myself and her sister Brittney) would take over and continue looking after his garden.
During his long life, Dedushka buildt many things and when he buildt something he buildt it very well. His philosophy was that if you are going to build it, build it right. He was always quick to help a neighbor if they needed help. He supported his family and friends, whenever they would need it.
Dedushka lived his life well. He did not believe in wasting anything. He still has his matches that he used to light his icons in a little bucket. He was an honourable man. His word meant everything. He very rarely got angry at anyone, but when he did he would say – you son of a gun. He was a gentleman, even till the end where he was telling the nurses to go home and take a rest. He never wanted to put anyone out of their way. He loved with his whole being. He loved to sing in the choir. He sang bass, and boy oh boy could you ever hear his wonderful voice, singing to God, with such love. He loved the church, and it bothered him when he could not attend regularly, but he was always there in spirit I am sure. He dedicated his life to God and to his family. This was his church. He helped to build it and I am sure that he was so very happy to see it flourish over the many years.
The last few weeks were difficult for him. He was not in any pain but it was harder for him to do things, as his strength was leaving him. Yet, he always had a positive outlook, enjoyed his visitors in the hospital, was very brave and tried to stay strong for everyone. He gave some good advice to pass along to the great grandchildren, but I think that it is good advice for everyone – be honest, be the best person that you can be, pray to God, do not judge anyone, and you will live a very full life. He was able to live in his own house until the end. Thank you for being here to say goodbye to a wonderful soul who will be dearly missed. Thank you Dedushka for being the best! For filling my heart with love, showing me the way to be a good person. Thank you for all the support that you gave me. I am glad I could give a little back to you, and holding your hand till your journey in this life ended. You have an incredible family. Your daughters Lillian, Anita and Nancy and your son-in-law, who you loved like a son, took great care of you, because they loved you so much. I am glad that all of us could help you when you needed it , as you always gave so much to everyone. We will all miss you very much, but know that you are in a beautiful place with God. We love you and will always keep you in our hearts.
With love always – Granddaughter Svetlana, family and relatievs