Charles Walter Rudek

Charlie was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia and attended Sir Alexander Mackenzie Elementary School then John Oliver High School. He was predeceased by his parents Walter Arthur Rudek and Leokadja (nee Kirschbaum); and brother Gary Arthur Rudek. Charlie was an unforgettable, happy, friendly sole who will be lovingly missed by his wife of 43 years Carol (nee Roder); son Lance (Ashley) and their two children Lucas and Noah; son Shane; daughter Ada; sisters Monica (John) Mowat and Kathy Christiansen; brothers Robert (Lynette); James (Loraine); a brother who shall not be named; Aunt Erica Ahnert; Uncle Hubert Kirschbaum (Dorothy); many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In his younger years, his parents exposed him to camping, scuba diving, fishing and the dreaded accordion but as a teenager he discovered the guitar, which became his most meaningful passion for the remainder of his life.

After marrying in 1979 (to his second passion) and starting a family, his three children – Lance Charles, Shane Richard and Ada Elanda became his entire world and sole purpose for living until he discovered hiking. We lost him to a wild group of buddies – Needra (formally known as Doug), Alex, Mike, Cam and Gorde. They trekked throughout B.C. for many years enjoying each other’s company until Charlie had to bow out of the group due to knee replacement surgeries in 2010 and 2012. That’s when we reaped the benefits of his other passion – cooking. Oh my – he was the best!!! With the children grown and getting on with their lives, our little family eventually grew by two adorable grandsons, Lucas and Noah. Charlie’s face lit up whenever he was with them. It broke his heart that because of his knees, he couldn’t get down on the floor and play with them – so he improvised by teasing the bejeebers out of them from ‘papa’s chair’. (the boys loved it) When he retired from a long-held job at Quadra Chemicals Ltd, he spent his time walking, swimming, annoying his grandsons and playing Xbox (thank goodness for man caves).

We wish to thank the incredible doctors and nurses at the Burnaby Hospital Palliative Care Unit 2D and St. Michael’s Hospice for ensuring that Charlie’s final battle with pancreatic cancer was dignified and comfortable.

An informal celebration of life will be held on Monday May 15, 2023 – 1-4 pm at Ocean View Funeral Home – 4000 Imperial Str., Burnaby, B.C.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to either St. Michael’s Hospice (Burnaby location) or to Canucks Autism Network (canadahelps.org)

Charlie has one last profound message to all who knew him

“I may be cheap but I’m not easy”