Our dear father Joseph Peter Rutkowski passed away during the early hours of Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, in Richmond, Quebec.
Our dad was loved by all who knew him.
He treated everyone with respect and was ready to help anyone at any time. He was a generous and kind man.
Our dad was born on April 15th, 1935, in Pointe-St. Charles, Montreal to Wanda Kielar and Roman Rutkowski. He was the first born of a family of five children. After him were his sister Barbara (the late Stanley), his late brother Eddy, his late brother Raymond (Linda) and the baby of the family Wanda (the late George). Today, he also has his sister-in-law Judy (Stanley), many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family who love him very much.
In 1959, he married Helen, the love of his life. Together they had me (Robbie) and my older brother Joey. After my mom passed away in 2022, my dad missed her greatly. At that time, he was also dealing with a number of serious health issues of his own. Nevertheless, he courageously continued forward with life and was able to give and receive love in turn.
Our father loved forests, flowers, animals, music, poetry, sports, trains, celebrations, movies, laughter... He thought of all creation as something wonderful and mysterious.
He enjoyed taking walks and preparing breakfast, which often included his famous pancakes, for family and friends.
I will continue to love and admire my father as a hero for the rest of my natural life and into infinity. He gave us so much and I feel his absence deeply. I want to believe he is now reunited with my Mom and I hope to meet them once more in the afterlife.
I would like to extend a very special thank you to all the nurses, caregivers and staff of the Wales Home for looking after my dad during his stay there. More, I would like to thank my cousin Susan and her husband Joe, their children Stephanie, Jacob, Julie and Sam, as well as all the comforting creatures that reside in and around their home for all their support and help.
The family would like to have a service to celebrate Joseph and Helen’s life together. More information will be forthcoming.
‘’Goodbye Dad and thank you for everything. We love you and miss you. May the circle be unbroken.’’
In lieu of flowers, a donation towards the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/, the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca/, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Messages de sympathie
Love you always Uncle Joe
You were one of a kind
Very special and loved by us
- Danny and Liz and family, le
9 janvier 2026
Our deepest condolences Robbie.
Uncle Joe was a great man.
Lots of fond holiday memories down in your mom and dad’s basement playing rings.
He will be missed.
- Corey, Kelly and family, le
9 janvier 2026
Sending my Sympathy, Courage amd Strength to All The Family.
" Perhaps they are not Stars in the Sky but Rather Openings in Heaven where Our Loved Ones Shine Down to let us know they are Happy xxx
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Tina Raimondo , le
9 janvier 2026
Je suis sur que beaucoup de membres de la communauté de Pointe-au-Pic et de Charlevoix offrent leur sympathies a toi et ta famille. La façon dont tu décris ton père te ressemble beaucoup aussi.
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Claude Harvey , le
9 janvier 2026
Rob, our thoughts go out to you. We will miss Uncle Joe tremendously. He was kind, funny and one of a kind. So many memories to cherish and think back on. He will forever be in our hearts. Xox.
- Michael, Tammy, Jordan & Justin, le
9 janvier 2026
My deepest sympathy for your loss Rob, Uncle Joe was an amazing man and I have many fond memories of him. Both he and your mom were very special people.
Un arbre est planté à la mémoire du défunt
- Karen Amos, le
9 janvier 2026
Robbie,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Your dad and mom had a very special love story and he is united with her once again.
My deepest condolences to Robbie, Joey, Barbara and Wanda
- Sharon Beliveau, le
9 janvier 2026
Our dear Rob, we send our sympathy to you and join in your grief as this compassionate journey with your Dad comes to an end. He and your Mom certainly taught you how to sacrifice and be a loving son not only after your Mom’s death but throughout the years. How well we recall the
memories we created and enjoyed for so many years and how your Dad reminisced about those even in conversations while he was at The Wales.
Fortunately he was in a good frame of mind when we talked to him at Christmas time.
We send our sympathy to Joey .
May God reward Joe with peace!
- Stan and Judy Topolniski, le
9 janvier 2026
Our deepest condolences to you Rob and family. Many positive thoughts linger with Joanne and I about supper meals shared, outings in restaurants and watching hockey games. Your Dad had a strong passion for life and had astute insights into politics which he shared with enthusiasm. Above all the love for your Mom was very evident and was displayed on many occasions. These are thoughts that will remain with us .
Que mon soutien réchauffe votre coeur
- Gerry, Joanne and Alaya Mikalauskas, le
9 janvier 2026
Though we were neighbours for a short time, Joe would wave a hello and have a chat when it was possible. It is, at this time in life, we wish there had been
more time to accumulate memories with those that have left us. Our thoughts of him will always be there, every morning that we walk out the door.
- Mike and Zandra, le
10 janvier 2026
My deepest sympathies Robbie and Joey for the loss of your dad. Uncle Joe was such a welcoming soul. Always telling stories and making everyone laugh. I feel very lucky to have known him and will cherish the memories I have of both him and your mum.
- Cheryl Martin, le
10 janvier 2026
my deepest sympathy
Connie and i always enjoyed there company
they were always full of fun
mike iacovelli
- mike iacovelli, le
11 janvier 2026
Robbie and Family,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our deepest sympathy our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Joe was such a true gentleman and wonderful person. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace reunited with your mother. He will always be your hero and forever in your heart. xx
- Rita Nugent (Wales Home) and Family, le
11 janvier 2026
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