Obituary of Martin Ruckpaul

MARTIN RUCKPAUL (1930 - 2015) Sadly, he has left us. Martin Ruckpaul, of great generosity, reliability, steadfast loyalty and gentle humanity, passed peacefully and harmoniously at home, precisely on his 85th birthday. A friend to many, unkind to none, he lived the Canadian dream. An only child, his life began in the poetic East Prussian enclave of Koenigsberg. As a budding teenager, he lost his youth as one of the last to flee its war-torn rubble. In the Frankfurt area, he began as a baker's apprentice, and then emigrated with his parents to Canada, first arriving in Saskatchewan, then moving to and assisting his father in Peterborough in the family bakery. Following the death of his mother, to whom he attended dutifully during her final years, he came to Toronto, rising through the culinary ranks to become Chief Pastry Chef at the Royal York (and a member of the Canadian Pastry Chefs Guild), once delighting the Queen's tastebuds with his skill. The second half of his professional career was spent as a vocational / secondary school teacher in Toronto. Whatever he put his mind to, Martin did with passion and uncontrived flair. Whether as a licensed single engine pilot with a stick, or as a cook with a skillet, or as an artist with a palette in his hands, one could sense he had talent: his culinary creations were quickly consumed with delight by his many guests; his numerous paintings of various styles represent his only tangible progeny, which will live on to gracefully adorn the walls of appreciative recipients. As much a fan of European football as he was of Canadian opera (sometimes performing as an extra), Martin was also a world traveller in fact and in heart until the end. An unfailing partner, gentleman and buddy, his broad, boyish grin will be profoundly missed by his companion of 23 years, Gunhilde, and her son, Alexander, Helen and his neighbours, John and the morning Granite Club crew, Yvonne and the King Eddy reunion group, and his Kumpel, Fred. Deep appreciation goes to Cora, who lastly tended assiduously to him, and to Simcha, who performed a mitzvah. A memorial service for Martin will be held at the Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club, 141 Wilson Avenue, on Thursday, October 22, beginning at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Opera Company would be appreciated. Danke, Herr Gott, fuer sein Leben. Er ruht in Frieden.