Obituary of Richard Rutka

RUTKA, Richard Stanley Died peacefully at Hospice Niagara on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 in his 78th year after watching his last Raptors basketball game. Loving husband of Velma, father of Michael Rutka and Pat (Colin) Robinson, grandfather of Michael and Benjamin, brother of Rosalie (Jim) and Robert (Jean). Brother-in-law of Gilbert (Simone) French, Joan (Barry) Teske, Ann (Bill) Price, Michael, Claire Becolay and Philip (Rita Bleau). Predeceased by his parents Mary (1990) and Stanley (1999). Also survived by Mike and Pat’s mother Arleen Rutka (Bob) and cousins in the St. Catharines area. Richard was born in Churchill, Manitoba in 1937 and moved with his family to St. Catharines in the early 1950's. He attended St. John’s Public School and St. Catharines Collegiate, where he played basketball, football and baseball. At the age of 20, he became a pilot in the RCAF flying jet fighters. While in the air force, his two children were born, Mike while stationed in North Bay and Pat while stationed in Ottawa. Once discharged from the air force, Richard took up beef farming in the small town of Buckingham, Quebec. During this time he was also a long distance trucker, driving across Canada and the United States. Upon retiring, Richard and Velma spent their winters down in Florida, escaping the cold in Quebec. In July 2014, Richard and Velma moved to St. Catharines to be closer to his family. Whether it was baseball, basketball or hockey, Richard was a diehard Toronto fan, who loved to hate the referees. He enjoyed curling, bowling and golfing and was a member of the Canadian Legion. He also played the banjo and accordion. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines on Saturday, February 14 from 1-2:30 p.m. A Celebration of Richard's life will follow in the funeral home chapel at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Niagara. Reception to follow the service at 278 Vine Street, St. Catharines (Jubilee Place). Please park along northern side of fence in St. Alfred's Church parking lot. To access the hall, come to the front doors and turn right down the first hallway which goes right into the hall.