Rudolf Hans Werner Tize

Rudolf Hans Werner Tize left us on January 11th 2024, in Sechelt Hospital. He spent his last days surrounded by his family and his caretaker Mai. He is survived by his children Andreas (Kendra), Carola (Marijn) and Jan, his grandchildren Jayla, Tobin and Dillan, as well as his three younger siblings Helga, Monika and Wolfgang and their families.

Rudolf was born in Pfronten, Germany on March 4 1945, just months before the end of World War II. He did not have an easy start into the world, having his mother, Katharina, flee 7 months pregnant with Rudolf from Slilesia. During their journey they survived the Dresden bombing. While his early years were tough, and with little food, Rudolf has fond memories of Pfronten, where he learned to ski as a young child. Later in his childhood, his family moved to Düsseldorf and then to Neuss where their father found work. As an adult, Rudolf had a good eye and a knack for construction. He came to work for Bosch, for which he traveled worldwide designing and building exhibitions. He married Anne Tize in 1977, and with their three children, they lived in Leonberg, Germany. In 1992 the family took a leap of faith and bought into West Coast Sightseeing in Vancouver, Canada. Without any experience, Rudolf took over a sightseeing business, and managed to successfully lead the company, becoming the largest sightseeing tour operator in town. The transition was far from easy for Rudolf with his limited English, and being suddenly immersed in a foreign culture. However, living on the north shore brought one passion much closer: skiing. Whenever he had a free day, Rudolf would be on his skis and drinking cappuccinos– memories that his children happily shared with him. Rudolf retired in 2009 and in 2021, during the lonely corona years, Rudolf moved to Gibsons, B.C. to live closer to his eldest son and his family. He regularly traveled to Germany to maintain friendship ties and to visit his family.

Rudolf loved sports and adventure and did long distance bike trips, including from Moscow to Venice and Shanghai to Singapore. He finished his last bike tour at age 69. His passion for the world and its various cultures is something his children came to share with him.

People who knew Rudolf professionally, or as a friend, remember him as being generous, kind, and with a sense of humor that was awkwardly funny– at least to himself. His personal touch and willingness to not take himself too seriously endeared himself all over the tourism industry. He is fondly remembered as being generous and incredibly loyal to his family and friends. His godchildren Beate and Farina always played a special role for him and he did what he could to ensure their wellbeing. He loved to help.

He will be greatly missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Memorial Boal Chapel 1505 Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 11AM.