Rudolph Hermanus Snel

Father - Grandfather - Teacher - Miner - Footguard - Skydiver - Sailor

Rudolph (Rudy) Hermanus Snel, 80, passed away peacefully in Ottawa the evening of Tuesday, December 9, 2025. He was born January 23, 1945, in Ysselsteyn, Netherlands to parents Herman and Johanna Snel (née Dogterom), as the middle of three brothers.

Rudy began his life as a fighter, having to struggle to survive as a sickly infant during the waning days of the second world war and the Netherland’s Hunger Winter. With no food or medicine, he was not expected to live and his mother was encouraged to simply let him go. This enduring spirit served him well as a miner in Sudbury, Ontario, where he worked in challenging underground conditions for two years to earn university tuition. He faced danger as a skydiver dealing with life-or-death situations while plummeting to earth, and as a retired public-school teacher who yearned to sail across the Atlantic but encountered an unpredicted hurricane at sea resulting in a dramatic and noteworthy rescue.

The never-give-up spirit served him well again these last months as he battled illness and physical limitations. He did not relent in his zeal to complete what he set out to do, especially if his efforts led to a delightful favourite drink – a strong and flavourful coffee.

Rudy is survived by his three sons Phillip (Annette) (granddaughter Audrey), Jordan (Shujun) (grandson Caspian), and Nicolas, as well as son-in-law Rick Lagerstrom (widower of late daughter Petra) (granddaughter Jo).

He is predeceased by his second wife, Angela (née Aitchison) and two brothers – Robert (late wife Margaret, daughter Cathy), the eldest, and Donald (wife Sandi, sons Darren and Donovan), the youngest.

A special thank you to United States Coast Guard (USCG) for saving Rudy and his two sailing companions on a daring rescue at sea, in astoundingly dangerous conditions, on May 7, 2007. Your efforts and spectacular bravery that day, recognized by medals, ceremonies, letters, many, many news and television stories and even a book – though appropriate and well-deserved recognition – cannot fully convey our family’s profound sense of gratitude. You gave us the incredible gift of time – an extra 18-and-a-half years with Rudy. During this period there have been family celebrations, unions of marriage, births of grandchildren and times of mourning too. These last 18-plus years have been a blessing we would not have otherwise enjoyed together. Thank you.

Some say a Dutchman is born stubborn and refer to the saying, “Wooden shoes, wooden head, wouldn’t (wooden) listen.” But we’d like to think that Rudy’s stubbornness served him well.

Family and friends may gather on Monday, December 15th, 2025, after 1:30pm at Tubman Funeral Home Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel at 3:30pm. Reception to follow.

For those wishing to attend Rudy’s Celebration of Life virtually, please pre-register for the livestream here.