Obituaries

RUFLI, Rene Ernest

With heavy hearts we share the passing of Rene on Saturday, January 14th, 2023, at Kelowna General Hospital. He was predeceased by his daughter Stacey, parents and siblings. He is survived by his wife Sylvia, daughters Vanda, Robyn (Gord), Angie (Mike). Grandchildren: Renee (Mike), and Colton and Great Granddaughter, Janette.

He was born in Kimberley, B.C. and moved with his family to the Okanagan in 1947. He lived and went to school in Rutland and was a member of the sea cadets in Kelowna. He joined the Canadian Navy in 1954, and was seconded to the British Navy for submariners training. After service, he operated an orchard and worked for the school district for many years. He was always active in the community and coached YBC for many years along with other high school sports. Rene was nominated BC Master Bowler of the year. He was also a long time member of the Canadian Legion.

Having many challenges, he lived life to the fullest and was well loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

May he rest in peace.

Memorial service scheduled for Saturday January 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Michaels.

Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services

Link: www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/11108586

Condolence Messages

Jan 29, 2023
Angie, Mike and Sylvia, we are sending you much love and strength in the days ahead. - Paula and Curtis Nyuli
Jan 23, 2023
Our sincere condolences to you Sylvia. Always enjoyed our bus trips with you both, (always sitting in the back)

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Florence and John Wentworth
Jan 22, 2023
So saddened to hear of Rene’s passing. I picked fruit for Rene, and worked on his vehicles! A (fond?) memory comes to mind of Rene mixing me an over proof rum hot toddy to cure a cold I had, cured any desire to drink any rum ever again! My sincere condolences Sylvia and family. Keith Kendal - Keith Kendal
Jan 21, 2023
So sorry to hear of your loss Sylvia. He was as great a person as you are. He will be forever missed and loved. We send you big hugs and if you ever need anything, please call us. Take care. Love Jason, Koreen, Jasmine and Malika
Jan 21, 2023
Our deepest condolences to the Rufli's. I drove down Paynter road yesterday and reflected on what a good life all us children had growing up in Westbank in the 60's and 70's; and of course how hard working our parents were to give us a good life. I spent alot of time at the Rufli property ;which of course included being invited to some delicious English meals, as Vanda was one of my best friends. I remember Mr. Rufli as being so positive and as everyone has said always had a smile for everyone. My dad sends his condolences and was reflecting the other day on his many interactions with Rene esp with agriculture.

the Peter Calissi family - Bianca
Jan 20, 2023
My thoughts are with you and your family Sylvia, sending hugs and prayers - Lisa Berry - Lisa Berry
Jan 20, 2023
Dear Sylvia, Vanda,Robin, and Angie,

Our condolences. We are very saddened to learn of Rene's passing and your loss. I had the good fortunate to work, fish, play bridge, ahd hang out with Rene. He was always pleasant and had great stories to tell. He was a good man and touched many. He will be missed.

Dave and Sami Hamilton

- Dave Hamilton
Jan 20, 2023
My sincere condolences to you Sylvia and your family.Erv would have sent his as well ifhe had been here, Deb Lowry - Deb Lowry
Jan 19, 2023
So sad to hear of Rene’s passing. Worked with him for many years at GPSS. He went beyond being just a custodian when he help with the coaching. Our prayers are with the Rufli family.

Al Larson - Al Larson
Jan 19, 2023
We are so sorry to hear Rene passed away. We will always remember Rene and you for the compassion and kindness you showed Gary and his family back in the 70’s. our thoughts are with you!

Joce Stone

Brent, Carmen and Lonna-Rae
Jan 19, 2023
Sylvia and family. We were so sorry to learn that Rene had passed away. We had some good times golfing with the Divets at Michaelbrook. John first met him when they both coached YBC. Our condolences to you all.

John and Sharon Hallam - Sharon Hallam
Jan 18, 2023
Our heartfelt condolences to Sylvia and the Rufli family. Rene will be remembered by us as a great gentleman with a kind and sincere nature. Always had a lovely smile and something nice to say. Wishing you all strength for the coming days!

Gabriele and Wendy - Gabriele & Wendy
Jan 18, 2023
So sorry to hear of Renes passing. I have great memories of Rene with the YBC program at Valley Lanes in the 80s.

Kim Felty - Kim Felty
Jan 18, 2023
Dear family of Rene Rufli. How often we don't recall "old" school mates until we note their obituary. I grew up in Rutland and remember Rene from elementary school days there. Heis in my memory bank. for sure. May he rest in Peace.

Betty Yarrow (nee Schneider). - Betty Yarrow
Jan 18, 2023
Mrs Rufli, Vanda, Robyn and Angie, Sorry to hear about Rene’s passing. My fondest high school memories include Stacey and Mr Rufli. Take care. _Melanie AKA “Daisy”

( although it was a daffodil in the Carry On Nurse movie) - Melanie Hawes
Jan 18, 2023
Sorry to hear of the passing of Rene. Our thoughts are with you. Ross and Aggie Wightman

- Aggie Wightman
Jan 18, 2023
Dear Mrs. Rufli and family, this saddens me to read. I worked with Rene at George Pringle when it was a secondary school. We had so many laughs and good times. You and Rene were always so gracious and welcoming. I'm especially sorry not to have seen him for many years. Cherish your memories. I know I do. - Bonita Gilbert
Jan 18, 2023
Sylvia, we are so sorry to learn of your loss. May rest eternal be granted unto Rene. And may your family find peace during this time of grief. - Kate Woodman and Gene Krupa
Jan 18, 2023
Rene was my friend all through high school and I worked with him in the orchard. My condolences to the Rufli family. - Darrell Kendal
Jan 18, 2023
Sylvia and family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with all of you Shirley Bach

- Shirley Bach
Jan 18, 2023
Sylvia and family,

I share your sadness at this time of loss. May your faith keep you strong, my prayers

are with you all- Sheila Pontalti. - Sheila Pontalti
Jan 18, 2023
Sylvia and family. So sorry to hear about Rene. Am so grateful that the 1957 Rutland grads got together for our 65th reunion and I had a visit with Rene and yourself. He will be missed. Take care - Joyce Schaefer
Jan 18, 2023
Mrs. Rufli, Vanda, Robyn and Angie

I would like to send my sincere condolences to you all on the loss of one very special guy. Mr. Rufli was a wonderful person who could bring a huge smile to my face whenever I talked with him. He will be greatly missed by many. I have a feeling he will be playing Bridge with my mom up in Heaven. Donna Kneller AKA Sweet Pea - Donna Kneller
Jan 18, 2023
So sorry to read of Rene’s passing.

I always enjoyed Rene’s presence. He was a softy at heart.

Take care Sylvia. Great memories.

Jan & Bill Blower.
Jan 17, 2023
Sylvia and family. I am so sad to read of Rene’s passing. We shared many laughs while working for the school district and I am so grateful that I chatted with him this past summer. May your memories help you through this difficult time. Sending hugs to you all. - Denise Yamabe
Jan 17, 2023
To the Rufli family. So sorry to hear about Rene. I always enjoyed seeing him at the school - always a big smile and friendly chat. I remember bringing a pet lamb for show and tell and him helping with it and the mess it made. Laughed lots about it! He was a kind and gentle man. May you cherish the love and memories he left you.

Don and Sheila Kennedy
Jan 17, 2023
Sending my sincere condolences to all of the Rufli families. I remember Mr. Rufli very well from when he worked at G.P.S.S. May he R.I.P. Leanne - Leanne Buzza-Garcia
Jan 17, 2023
My sincere condolences to you and the family. I remember the great times we had on our cruises and our golf outings My thoughts are with you at this time. Wayne Horning
Jan 17, 2023
Mrs. Rufli, Vanda, Robyn and Angie, so sad to hear of Mr. Rufli’s passing. To many memories to mention but so honoured to consider him a great family friend. Always looked forward to visits with Mr. Rufli. He was one of a kind and will truly be missed. My thoughts are with you all at this time.

Karen Kepes
Jan 17, 2023
To the Rufli family, we are extremely sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with all of you. - The Rolke family
Jan 17, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Rufli family and the many friends they shared wonderful times with. May the memories keep you smiling and help you through this very difficult time. - Kathy York
Jan 17, 2023
Sylvia and girls, My deepest condolences to you all.

Teresa (Teri Stonehouse) Appel - TERESA APPEL
Jan 17, 2023
Mrs,Rufli, Vanda, Robyn and Angie

Many fond memories over the past 53 years we have shared and my heart is with you all at this time with Mr. Rufli's passing. Tia - Tia Comer
Jan 17, 2023
Sylvia, sorry to learn of Rene’s passing. Often think of you and remember the good times when we worked at IMC. May he rest in peace. Jeannette Heinzelmann - Jeannette Heinzelmann [email protected]
Jan 17, 2023
Sad to hear. I had a good time working with him when I could and enjoyed his outlook and humor about work and the world. - Gary Smith