Obituary of Rudy Ionides

RUDY IONIDES After seventy-eight fulfilling years, Rudolf John (Rudy) Ionides passed away peacefully in the morning hours of Thursday, November 12, 2015 with his cherished wife, son and daughter by his side. Born in Nicosia, Cyprus on January 14, 1937 to Dr. John Ionides and Editta Ionides (née Tröester), Rudy was the middle of three children, joined by older brother Andreas (Riccos) and younger sister Katia. After losing his parents when he was still a youth, Rudy was raised by his grandmother Evelyn Tröester and his Thea Odette Bourgi. He did not disappoint them. Rudy showed his promise as a young man, receiving a scholarship to Glasgow University where he completed a B.S. in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering in 1960. Having completed his undergraduate studies, Rudy returned to Cyprus to start what would become a long and fruitful career as an engineer and executive. His first and most memorable role was with the Cyprus Mining Corporation as an Overseas Consultant in the position of an Electric Engineer. In 1962, Rudy immigrated to Canada to obtain his Master of Engineering degree at McGill University on full scholarship in 1964. Most importantly, Canada is where he met his beloved wife, Jean Ionides (née Charal). On May 29, 1969, Jean and Rudy were married in Toronto. From that day forward they never left each other's side. Together, they raised two loving children - devoted son Rudy Jr. and beautiful daughter Eleni. In addition to raising a family, Rudy dedicated his life's work to the practice of professional engineering. His career included nearly 35 years of loyal service to Bechtel Corp., where he started in the position of Senior Electrical Supervisor and rose to the rank of President of Bechtel Canada. He ended his career as Senior VP for the Middle East and Southwest Asia while working out of Saudi Arabia. Rudy's humility and relentless drive symbolized his desire to provide for his family what his modest beginnings had not allowed him as a youth.After completing his distinguished career, Rudy achieved his lifelong dream of returning to his homeland, Cyprus. His retirement years were brightened by the Limassol sun and, most of all, the arrival of his granddaughters, Olivia and Parker, who he adored deeply. With his wife Jean by his side, Rudy lived a full and rewarding life, surrounded by his cherished family and friends until the end. We love him. We will forever miss him. But we will never forget who he was and what he did for us. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES - NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 15th. A funeral service will be held at ST. GEORGE'S GREEK ORTHDOX CHURCH, 115 Bond Street, on Monday, November 16th at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.