Milutinovic,
Radojica “Rudy”
September 15, 1921 –
October 22, 2006
Rudy passed on peacefully - in his sleep - at the age of 85 in Campbell River, BC. He was born in Rudovci, in the former Yugoslavia.
He is survived by his five children: Sally (Scott), George (JoAnn), Susan (Andrew), Helen, David (Dorrie). His treasured grandchildren Jasmine and Nick, Julia and Anton, Liam and Matthew will miss their dear ‘Deda.’ Rudy is also survived by his brother, Milorad and nieces, nephews, and family in Serbia. Predeceased by his wife, Dobrisava.
Rudy was the oldest of 7 children and was especially loved by his grandfather, Lubomir. As a ‘Freedom Fighter’ Rudy left Yugoslavia in the mid - 1940’s and walked (4 months in the cold) through Yugoslavia and Austria to Italy. He wound up working in a VW plant in Germany, made his way to the coalmines in Mansfield, England and finally headed to Vancouver, Canada. He heard of opportunities at the CZ mill in Ocean Falls and that became his home until 1972. During this time, he corresponded with Dobrisava and returned to Yugoslavia to marry her.
Rudy made many dear friends along the way and had an ability to re-connect after many years and many miles.
His memory for stories and details is legendary! Those friendships formed when he was a bachelor and then a new father in Ocean Falls have created a beautiful circle of friends that have been like an extended family for Rudy.
In 1972, he and Dobrisava moved to Campbell River with
Sally, George, Susan and baby Helen. They settled on Alpine Road and their family was complete when David was born.
In his prime, Rudy enjoyed fishing at the Argonaut wharf, making and drinking wine, working in his garden, and walking to buy his lottery tickets. He had a solid reputation in the Ocean Falls and Campbell River pulp & paper mills as a reliable hardworker. Rudy could still split and stack a load of firewood well into his eighties. He was tough and strong and yet kind, generous, and hospitable. He loved having
his friends over for ‘a little drop’ and hosting (with Dobrisava), the best January 7th Christmas parties.
The last decade was hard for Rudy. Dobrisava died prematurely (at 58), and he later battled cancer and diminishing health. Still, he adapted wonderfully to the move to the condo and carried on best he could.
He valued family and took great pride in his children and their children. He will be missed by his family, friends old and new, neighbours and all of the many
people he greeted with his friendly, deep-voiced, “Hel-lo.”
The family would like to thank all the doctors and nursing staff who cared for Rudy over the years. Rest in peace, Dad.
Sutton’s in charge of arrangements. Celebration of Rudy’s life will be 1:00 pm Friday, October 27, 2006.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the CR Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Sutton’s In Care
of Arrangements
287-4812