Laresser, Rudolph Karl
Rudy was a well-known baker and businessman in the East Kootenays and the Okanagan for many years. He was born December 4th, 1935 in Graz, Austria, and started baking at an early age. His family immigrated to Regina, Saskatchewan in 1953 and he baked his way thru Prince George, Dawson Creek and settled at Dominion Store on Mai in Vancouver, where he met his lovely wife Valerie. In 1964, they moved to Invermere, BC and bought their first bakery, along with his mother and step-father. They successfully ran Quality Bakery for 17 years and made many friends from Calgary to Cranbrook to Revelstoke. In 1983, Rudy created Specialty Bakery in Kelowna, first on Bredin Road, then the Tea Room on Gordon (1987) and now at Finns Road (1998), where his legacy continues with his son, Chris. Rudy was a very good businessman, and was always happy to help people get started on their own.
Rudy was a strong a competitive athlete in downhill and cross-country skiing, swimming, tennis, cycling, golf and triathlon. Together he and Valerie cycled the Hope-Princeton pass and a favourite holiday was a three month cycling tour of New Zealand.
Rudy considered himself a “Philosopher Baker” and always enjoyed a good argument. He will be greatly missed by Valerie, his partner in work, life, love and play, so happy to have recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary; his children Cindy (Glenn and their son Leonard) of North Vancouver, Wendy (Brian and their children Elizabeth, Brody, Cade & Rylan) of Peachland, and Chris (Brenda and their children Jessica, Amanda and Ethan) of Kelowna. “OPA, WE WILL MISS YOU!”
He will also be missed by his brother Max (Gail) Tritscher of Kelowna, Eddie (Lucy) Tritscher of Whitehorse, and his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Ros and John Walker of Victoria. Over the course of his life, Rudy was blessed to have many longtime friends and his presence will be deeply missed. He has many cousins and relatives in his home country of Austria. Rudy’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Auret Van Heerden for his friendship and professional influence.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at Specialty Bakery on Finns Road in Kelowna on Saturday, December 4th, 2010 from 2pm to 5pm. On this Saturday, it would have been Rudy’s 75th birthday, the day he came into this world and this is the day we have chosen to gather and celebrate his life with family and friends.
“Work was his religion – the bakery was his church”. By son-in-law, Glenn
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com. Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, (250) 762-2299.