Rudolph Elmer Bruyere

Rudy Bruyere of Couchiching First Nation passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 10th, 2011. Rudy was born on December 23rd, 1944 to Bella and George Bruyere. As a young child Rudy attended the Indian Residential Schools and later on attended Mackintosh School in Kenora, Ontario and Assiniboine High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Rudy loved hockey, he played with the Fort Frances Royals, The Kenora Thistles, and enjoyed hockey throughout his time in the I.R.S. system. Whenever there was hockey on television, he would tell a family member to push him to “Rink Side” where he would enjoy the game on his flat screen television. Rudy also loved watching the monthly Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view events with all of his sons. His favorite N.F.L. team was The New England Patriots and also loved professional boxing days back, where his favorite boxer was Muhammad Ali. Rudy lived to fish, and cherished setting nets with his grandsons Galan & Timothy Jr. Rudy was an avid outdoorsman and spent many nights with his wife camping on “our” island on Rice Bay and hunting with his sons during hunting season. Rudy was also a talented musician, and shared his love of music with his brothers and was known for his favorite song “Dynamite Woman.” He worked various jobs throughout the district which included work as the Health Policy Analyst at The Grand Council Treaty #3, and working in The Sapawee Saw Mill, and guiding at various tourist camps, where he was the number #1 guide on “The Manitou.” On June 19th, 1965 he was united in marriage to his best friend, Shirley Ann Bruyere (Labott) who survives with their seven sons; Curtis & wife Glenda of Winnipeg, MB, Tim Sr, George, Barry (Michelle), Rudy Jr (Camille), Cory (Renee), Sandy (Dianna) all of Couchiching First Nation, along with numerous grandchildren & great grandchildren. Rudy is also survived by siblings Lary & wife Eilleen of Sudbury, ON, Shirley & husband Charlie Sollen of Fort Erie, ON, Lyle & Joan Bruyere of Arkansas, U.S.A. Frank & wife Peggy Bruyere of Grimsby, ON, Karen Chaboyer of Toronto, ON, Lila Johnston of Sarnia, ON, Doug, Sterling, & Sidney Bruyere or Couchiching and sister-in-law Leona Atitise of Lac La Croix First Nation and various nieces & nephews of Lac La Croix as well. Rudy was predeceased by his parents George & Bella Bruyere, brothers Marvin Bruyere, and Arnold Bruyere, nephew Preston Atitise, grandson Gilbert Mainville, great grand daughter Sapphire Rose Bruyere-Morrisseau. Rudy had disabilities that would not stop him from doing his yard work throughout the year. He kept his lawn & yard beautiful, which enabled his grandchildren to run around bare feet and play their game Diddy-Diddy. Rudy loved it when his family would come together for barbecues, & fish fries on the open fire. He liked to watch his grandkids roast their hotdogs & marshmellows, and also enjoyed sharing his stories around the fire-pit. His grandchildren were very, very special to him, and always brought a smile to his face whenever they were present. Rudy drew strength from his grandchildren and never allowed his kidney failure or amputations stop him from enjoying life. He was a trooper & strong spirited man, who took pride in his sobriety, which he maintained for 31 years. Rudy would enthuse that the one thing he was most proud of was “The Sober Life” Love you Rudy, Love you Dad, Love you “Pa-Pa” Forever & Ever…

A funeral wake will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 4 p.m. at 106 Rainy Lake Boulevard, Couchiching First Nation, Ontario.

A traditional burial service will be held on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 9 a.m. at 106 Rainy Lake boulevard, Couchiching First Nation, Ontario with Elder Steve Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Couchiching First Nation.

The active pallbearers will be Curtis Bruyere, Tim Bruyere Sr., George Bruyere, Barry Bruyere, Rudy Bruyere Jr., Cory Bruyere, Sandy Bruyere, Timothy Bruyere Jr. and Galan Mainville.

The honourary pallberears will be Larry Bruyere, Doug Bruyere, Sidney Bruyere, Sterling Bruyere,

Lyle Bruyere, Frank Bruyere and Ron “Magoo” Bruyere.

In memoriam donations may be made to the dialysis at LaVerendrye General hospital in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Franceses, Ontario P9A 3M8.

On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com