Rudolf "Rudie" Willms

Dad was born in the summer of 1934, fourth of eight children to a poor immigrant couple who had recently escaped the Russian revolution. The setting was Hepburn, Saskatchewan during the height of the Great Depression. Whether it was the dust of those years on the Prairies or the smells of the dairy farm in Matsqui, B.C., something in those early years left an indelible imprint on Dad. Although he never became a farmer, many years later, struggling as he would with Alzheimer’s, he would remind us daily of the cows he milked and the harvest he helped to reap.

Dad never desired nor accumulated significant material wealth. This became evident early in his marriage when he purchased his first home in Winnipeg for $9,000. A few years later when it was time to relocate, he actually lost money, selling the home for $6,000. This would be a signal of things to come. But what he lacked in financial prowess, he excelled in relational depth. He invested heavily in his love for family, his countless friends, and he had a soft and generous heart for those less fortunate. Over the years it became evident that he had invested wisely, in the things that really mattered most.

Dad had a deep and personal relationship with God. At an early age he dedicated his life to Jesus and was baptised in a small MB church in Matsqui at the age of fifteen. Early on he sensed a call to church ministry, a passion which would become the driving focus of his life. He would go on to seek training in Bible Institutions in Clearbrook, Winnipeg and Fresno, California. His ministry began with a daily Radio program that spanned Canada in the early 1960’s. This was the cutting-edge social media technology of the time! It also led to countless connections across Canada and beyond. In those days he would also launch a small church in Winnipeg, and ultimately chose to serve in the local church as pastor/shepherd for over 60 years. He served in Winnipeg, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Vancouver and St Catharines often for more than 10 years at each location. He always felt called to leave somewhere before pursuing what God would open up for him next.

Dad was in college in Winnipeg, in his mid 20’s when he determined life would be richer if he could share it with a gal who had caught his eye as a teenager in Matsqui. On a cold winter’s night he crafted and mailed a letter containing a marriage proposal to Louise who was teaching in Oliver, BC at the time. She was dumbfounded with the proposal, but after much soul searching and counsel from an older brother, she responded in kind, and they were married later that same summer (1959). When they uttered the words… “to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part”, they had no idea what lay ahead. But they took those words to heart and lived them together passionately for the next 61 years of adventure and challenge.

Dad loved the ministry. He loved to preach and teach. He took his personal calling to be a messenger of the good news of Jesus very seriously. From an early age teaching Vacation Bible School in Vanderhoof, BC, to various overseas mission trips, to his last position as Sunday service provider for a small group of seniors at Tabor Court in Abbotsford, he proclaimed the love of God to people. One image we have of Dad later in life was him sitting in his La-Z-Boy recliner with pen and paper in one hand and his well-worn Bible in the other. Often, he could be seen silently mouthing the words he had prepared for a particular service or eyes closed deep in prayer. Although he led several large congregations, his strongest gifting was as a shepherd. The intricacies of organizational leadership sometimes overwhelmed him. His

passion was simply to love the individual before him in the moment.

Dad loved the underdog and the person on the fringe. No matter where he lived, he sought and

found individuals whom society had discarded. He did not share these stories publicly and often

these connections were private. He took their phone calls at all hours of the day and met for

countless coffees with individuals struggling with mental health challenges and spiritual hardships. He sought to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever he was. United in this vision with his wife Louise, they opened their home and lives for any and all.

Dad also loved his family raising three rambunctious boys. Although he gave himself wholeheartedly to pastoral ministry, his family was still his priority (knowing that there is great tension at times in balancing these competing worlds). He would travel any distance to be at celebration events whether they be graduations, weddings, or funerals within the family.

Dad’s last years were challenging. Initially we found it odd and even humorous to hear him repeating stories even within the same conversation. Over a span of years, we began to suspect that something was off and were not surprised when a positive diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was confirmed. Together we witnessed the depths of this debilitating and destructive illness. It was no longer funny. It was a gift to the family when a bed became available at Menno Place where dad could receive the care he needed.

Even during these difficult times, it seemed that moments of clarity happened when he prayed.

Then his strong voice would emerge and his focus on his Savior would return for just a moment.

These times of clarity would soon fade. The letting go, the painful altercations, the confusion,

the sadness in his eyes as communication slipped away was at times overwhelming, so when he

contracted COVID-19, we sensed it might be the last fight and one he could no longer win.

On December 3rd at 6:30 am Dad quietly and peacefully slipped into the presence of his Savior.

Although the restrictions caused by COVID-19 prevented his family from being with him, we rejoice and take comfort that he was welcomed into glory with the words “well done, good and faithful servant.” His wish to ‘go home’ was finally granted. He has reconnected with other family members that have gone before. His mind and body have been restored.

Rudie is survived by his loving wife, Louise, his sister Margaret (d. Bill) and his brother’s Art (Elsie) and Al (Lynn); as well as his three sons, Ed (Karin), Roger (Rhonda) and Barry (Lynda).

Beloved grandfather of Kiersten (Eric), Josh (Alisha), Anna (passed away 1988) Alicia (Joshua), Renee, Jennie (Benjamin),Jonathan, Ben (Alesha), Breanna, Zachary, Daniel and Josiah; and proud great-grandfather of 10. We look forward to meeting again. Love you Dad!

In lieu of flowers the family would like to encourage donations to Menno Place. We are so grateful for the loving care that Rudie received from the staff and chaplains. You can donate here:

https://www.mennoplace.ca/gratitude-legacy/

To View the Graveside service copy and paste the following link in your browser:

www.dignitycanada.com/abbotsford