Rudi Erich Richter

1923-2020

With his wife by his side, Mr. Rudi Richter passed away at the age of 97. Rudi will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years Shirley, daughter Patti, and sons Peter (Janet) and Chris (Nathalie). He will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as numerous family and friends from around the world. He is now reunited with his brothers Otto, Dr. Helmut and Wolfgang. Rudi will be forever remembered, always the gentleman, for his selflessness, always first to helping others out, his tireless work ethic and lifelong dedication to fitness.

Rudi was born in Eitorf, Germany in February 1923 and emigrated to Canada with his brothers and parents in 1928. He spent much of his time growing up and working in the Lac St. Jean region of Quebec. While working in Cornwall, Ontario he met the love of his life, Shirley, upon which they married in 1954 and he went off to university, graduating from McGill University in 1957. He then carried on working professionally in the pulp & paper industry as a Chemical Engineer throughout Quebec and Ontario, retiring after almost six decades in the industry.

Rudi was very physically active, making fitness a core part of his daily routine which already consisted of long work days, yet always carving time out with the family. He was well known for his creative methods of building his own gym equipment, propelling him well ahead of his time and keeping the duct tape industry lucrative. He was an active cyclist having toured in Europe and the US, in addition to completing, and winning his age category in his first triathlon at the age of 80.

Rudi’s love of life and zest for adventure didn’t stop at cycling and an intense daily exercise regimen; it was not uncommon to see him loading his car with everything from windsurfers and sail boats to wetsuits and dive tanks. He was always interested in trying new things, whether that was taking flying lessons, riding motorcycles or learning new languages (including Russian, Spanish and Italian in addition to his fluent German, English and French).

We can honestly say Rudi has left his mark on this world and made the most of every moment, whether that was in his many adventures, challenges and devotion to life-long learning, the large and extended family he loved and who loved him dearly, or the countless folks to whom he provided a helping hand. He will be dearly missed by all.

Special thank you to the caring Management and Staff (you all know who you are) at the Hilltop for their care and compassion, taking such great care of our father over the past four years.

Due to COVID restriction there will not be a service; in lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer’s Society of Cambridge (www.alzheimer.ca) or McGill University (www.mcgill.ca) would be greatly appreciated.