Rudolf (Rudi) John KOKAI

On March 8, 2020, Rudi, beloved husband, dearest Dad, and cherished Papa/Grandpa, left us to be with the angels - and probably go fishing, each day, at every secret spot that must exist beyond the veil.

Rudi will be loved, and remembered forever by his wife of 43 years, Harriet; his daughters Eileen (Clayton), Julie (Bob, RIP), and Elaine (Howard); and grandchildren Melody (Scott), Caitlin, Gareth (Olivia), Aidan, Ian, and Erin. Rudi was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Julianna Kokai, and his brothers, Bela, and Joseph, all of Budapest, Hungary.

We will miss our Rudi terribly: his charming Hungarian accent, his divine cooking and baking, his wonderful sense of humour, his tenderness, his love of babies – especially his own grandbabies, any and all cartoons – Bugs Bunny being a favourite. His choice of country music, the countryside, fishing; his beautiful singing voice when he let us hear it; his strong opinions – of which there was never a shortage. His dreadful sense of fashion. His love of flea markets, good scotch, and Dobos Torte; his way with dogs, and how much they loved him back; his complete and utter joy at Christmas time when everyone was together; his silly birthday cards, and mugging for the camera when you just wanted to take a “nice one”. His unprecedented renovation skills at the trailer; his life-long aversion to swearing in front of us. Lotto tickets; Tim’s coffee, and KFC. His love of driving and the open road, any opportunity to go somewhere; his funny stories; his wide and welcoming hospitality to everyone. His unending loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs, no matter what. And for all of us who knew and loved him, always being at the centre of his heart.

Rudi’s family was truly his pride and joy. He was so proud of his children’s and grandchildren’s successes, but he was also always there to console them, or make them laugh over their sorrows, or disappointments. The love of his life was his beautiful wife, Harriet - and he reminded her of that every day, either with flowers, or notes, or simply saying, “I love you”. Theirs was a love story for the ages.

God speed, Rudi. We will always remember and love you.