Rudy Habijanac

Rudolf (Rudy) Habijanac of Coaldale, beloved husband of Andrea (nee Bebek), passed away peacefully with family at his side on Monday morning, May 28, 2007.

Rudy was born in Southbend Indiana on January 29, 1917, the son of Izidor and Francisca (Svatos) Habijanac. In 1922, the family moved to Daruvar Croatia, as this was their ancestral homeland. In 1927, the family immigrated to Canada. Rudy married Andrea Bebek in 1944 and they resided on the family farm near Coaldale until his passing.

Rudy is survived by his wife Andrea, their four children Donald (Pam) of Calgary, Ronald (Tracey) of Vancouver, Kenneth (Kathee) of Calgary and Barbara (Clarence) Giesbrecht of Lethbridge. Rudy and Andrea are proud grandparents of Carrie, Laurie, Brett (Jen), Tara (Adrian), Nicolas, Sacha and Julie and great-grandparents of Lucien. Rudy is also survived by his two sisters, Kay Spence and Barbara Konigsbauer as well as one brother, Victor. He is survived by four sisters-in-law, Freda Bebek, Manda Lukenda, Millie Ponjavic and Eva Bebek as well numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Rudy's passion was his family, relatives and many friends, his music and farming. He was actively involved in the Coaldale Catholic School Board as a trustee, a member of Knights of Columbus and a driving force in the utilities development in the Coaldale farming area for both rural electrification and rural telephone installation.

His passion for music started at an early age in the family band. From that small beginning, he played in numerous dance orchestras. He could play a variety of instruments, but was best known as a bass musician. The culmination of his music career was his involvement in the Lethbridge Symphony orchestra, where he was a charter member and played the double bass for 43 years.

Rudy was a phenominal example to his family and friends. His love of life, his infectious positive attitude and his tenacious and diligent work ethic are a wonderful legacy to us all.

Rudy will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00PM on Friday, June 1, 2007 at MARTIN BROS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00AM on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at ST. AMBROSE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 - 23 Ave Coaldale, with Father Wilbert Chin Jon, celebrant.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or another charity of your choosing.