Tribute

Rudolph (Rudy) Safroniuk passed away peacefully on April 30, 2025 in Hospice Care in Penticton.

Rudy will be missed by his wife of 61 years, Grace; children, Lynn (Schalk), Brent (Erica); his brother John (Norma), his sister-in-law Patsy, his brother-in-law Barry (Annabel), his brother-in-law Bruce and sister-in-law Joy; grandchildren, Ava and Noah; step grand-daughters, Ella, Kaelyn, Sofia, Olivia and Maya.

Rudy was born on December 31, 1933, in White Fox, Saskatchewan. He came from humble beginnings like so many children whose parents immigrated from Ukraine. But he was ambitious and hardworking. He was the first to graduate from High School in White Fox. Also he was the first in White Fox to have degrees both in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan (graduated in 1961.)

He was an excellent administrator and was Principal of Mackenzie Elementary School at CFB Cold Lake for 30 years. He was nicknamed “Surf” by his pupils instead of calling him Mr. “Surfroniuk” He taught grade 6 science and math.

He always had a dignified presence and a dry sense of humour. The family has many fond memories of Rudy.

Many thanks to family and friends of Cold Lake who have been supportive during this time of sadness.

Memorial Service will be held on May 14, 2025 at 4:00PM, at the Nunes-Pottinger Funeral Service in Oliver, BC.

Memorial donations may be made to Penticton & District Hospice Society P.O. Box 1105, Penticton, BC V2A 6J9