RUDY BRUYERE

Rudy Bruyere of Couchiching First Nation passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on Sunday, July 10, 2011.
Rudy was born Dec. 23, 1944 to Bella and George Bruyere.
As a young child, Rudy attended the Indian Residential Schools and later attended Mackintosh School in Kenora, Ont. and Assiniboine High School in Winnipeg, Man.
Rudy loved hockey, and played with the Fort Frances Royals and Kenora Thistles. He also 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 TV.
Rudy also loved watching the monthly Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-view events with all of his sons. His favourite NFL team was the New England Patriots and also loved professional boxing days back, when his favourite boxer was Muhammad Ali.
Rudy lived to fish, and cherished setting nets with his grandsons, Galan and 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 also was a talented musician, who 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, working in the Sapawe sawmill, and guiding at various tourist camps, where he was the #1 guide on “The Manitou.”
On June 19, 1965, he was united in marriage to his best friend, Shirley Ann Bruyere (Labott), who survives with their seven sons, Curtis and wife, Glenda, of Winnipeg, Man., Tim Sr., George, Barry (Michelle), Rudy Jr. (Camille), Cory (Renee), and Sandy (Dianna), all of Couchiching First Nation; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rudy also is survived by his siblings, Lary and wife, Eilleen, of Sudbury, Ont., Shirley and husband, Charlie Sollen, of Fort Erie, Ont., Lyle and Joan Bruyere of Arkansas, U.S.A., Frank and wife, Peggy Bruyere, of Grimsby, Ont., Karen Chaboyer of Toronto, Ont., Lila Johnston of Sarnia, Ont., and Doug, Sterling, and Sidney Bruyere of Couchiching; sister-in-law, Leona Atitise of Lac La Croix First Nation; and various nieces and nephews of Lac La Croix, as well.
Rudy was predeceased by his parent,s George and Bella Bruyere; brothers, Marvin Bruyere and Arnold Bruyere; nephew, Preston Atitise; grandson, Gilbert Mainville; and great-granddaughter, Sapphire Rose Bruyere-Morrisseau.
Rudy had disabilities that would not stop him from doing his yardwork throughout the year. He kept his lawn and 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 and fish frys on the open fire. He liked to watch his grandkids roast their hotdogs and marshmallows, 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 and 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 and ever. . . .
A funeral wake will be held Thursday, July 14, 2011 from 4 p.m. at 106 Rainy Lake Boulevard, Couchiching First Nation.
A traditional burial service will be held Friday, July 15, 2011 at 9 a.m. at 106 Rainy Lake Boulevard, Couchiching First Nation, with Elder Steve Johnson officiating.
Interment will follow in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Couchiching First Nation.
The 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 unit at La Verendrye General Hospital c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Franceses, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com