Obituary of Rutger Albert Toering

Rutger (Rudy) Toering, 71, of Northwest Cove Nova Scotia, passed away Tuesday September 6, 2022 at QEII Hospital in Halifax. Rudy was born in Ter Band, Friesland, in The Netherlands. He was the son of Syberen Toering and Roelofje Wind-Toering. Rudy immigrated to Canada with his family in 1958. They settled in Pierrefonds, Quebec where he later attended Riverdale High School followed by Concordia University. In 1970, Rudy met the love of his life, Petra. They were married in July of 1971 and began their 51-year journey together. From planes, to his beloved Harley Davidson, Rudy had a love for anything with an engine. This led to a long and illustrious career in aviation. Rudy began his career as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in 1971 in Chibougamau, Quebec. During his time there, Rudy and Petra welcomed two of their three children, Tanya and Dana. Rudy’s career then took them to Niger, Africa, where they lived until 1975. Upon their return to Montreal, they welcomed their third child, Michelle. Rudy adored his children and was so incredibly proud of them. He continued his career in aviation for the next 11 years with Air Canada as the General Manager of Aircraft Maintenance. In 1989, Rudy joined Petra in the Real Estate industry and worked alongside her for the next eight years. However, his love of aviation came calling back in 1997 when he began working for Flight Safety International as the Managing Director for Business Development. For the next 10 years Rudy’s career had them living in Holland, France, and England. In 2007, Rudy and Petra returned to Canada and settled in Ontario where Rudy worked for CAE as the Director of Aviation Training Services. He was happy to be back and loved the time he was able to spend with his expanding family. Rudy spent the last five years of his career before he retired as the President and CEO of the Canadian Business Aviation Association. He had an infectious smile and a zest for life that always made everyone feel welcome, heard and loved. When he wasn't heads-down in his work Rudy could be found fixing engines of all kinds in his garage, riding his motorcycle, playing with his grandchildren, or travelling across Canada and the US with his partner in crime, Petra, in the famous Miss Independence. He was adored by his children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, and so many nieces and nephews. In 2018, Rudy and Petra retired in Northwest Cove, Nova Scotia. The Cove, as he lovingly called it, was his dream home. Rudy touched the lives of so many people throughout his life, he will be greatly missed by everyone who had the opportunity, and privilege, to know him. Rudy is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife, partner, and best friend, Petra of 51 years; his son, Dana Toering; and daughters, Tanya Woods and Michelle (Nick) Sanders. Rudy will be deeply missed by his brother, Albert (Susan) Toering; and his sisters, Geesje (John) Van Eyk, Hinka Toering, Helen (Charley) DeSchiffart. He leaves behind his legacy, his most precious seven grandchildren, Taylor Woods (19), Ryan Woods (18), Sam Sanders (15), Will Toering (14), JJ Sanders (13), Anna Toering (11), and Peter Toering (8), who lovingly referred to him as their crazy goofy Opa. Rudy will also be thoroughly missed by his many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, colleagues, and friends. He left an impact on so many people throughout his life. Arrangements have been entrusted to T. J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Halifax, 71 McQuade Lake Crescent, Halifax. A Celebration of Rudy’s Life will be held on Saturday October 15th, 2022 from 2-5pm in Montreal at Innotech-Execair Aviaton Group (Celebration will be held in the hangar, 10225 Avenue Ryan, Dorval, QC., H9P 1A2. Parking & directions: https://bit.ly/rudyscelebration. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ecology Action Centre (Aquaculture), The Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia, or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. If you would like to write a tribute for the Celebration of Life, please send your messages to rememberingrudy1950@gmail.com. A special thank you to the nursing staff in the Cardiovascular ICU at QEII. The care and support our family received during this difficult time was above and beyond. We love you Rudy, Dad, Opa. Spread your wings as you soar into your final adventure.