Obituary of Rudy Skalaa

Rudy Skalaa Glace Bay, NS Rudolph Guan “Rudy” Skalaa passed away peacefully at home on October 5th. He was ushered out by a beautiful sunset, surrounded by his family in a room full of love and memories that he’d created for the past 79 years. Rudy was a jack of all trades, and his vast and varied skill set was put to good use in his 31 years with the school board. He retired in 2008 as custodian of three schools in Glace Bay. He was also an active and valued member of the Tower Road Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. Of all the skills he had, it was his ability to love that he’ll be remembered for the most. His wife Mimi, their 6 children and their spouses, 8 grandchildren, as well as countless family and friends know and cherish the privilege of being loved and welcomed by Big Ru. He loved all kids and was a father figure to many, and a mentor to everyone he met. It’s possible he enjoyed a drink of good moonshine (perhaps when his blue eyes would twinkle the most) and playing pranks on his unsuspecting targets. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, darts, gardening and raising livestock, German shepherds, and hound dogs. Of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention his hobby of hunting, particularly jacking deer. Many of his children still know how to ‘hold the light.’ He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Amelia ‘Mimi’ (Boutilier) Skalaa, and children Yvonne, Nicole, Colette (Randy), Rudy (Odelia), Monique and Jake (Blair). He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren who worshipped their ‘Pup’- Logan, Tamika, Abigail, Miranda, Madeline, Brooklyn, Rudy, and Hayden. He is also survived by his brother Emile (Patsy), sisters Caroline, Rose, and Betty (Art), sister-in-law Patsy Boutilier, brother-in-law Paul Daly and close friends Al Arsenault, Eackie Cole, Wilf Carlson as well as his special little friend Nora Snow. Rudy was predeceased by his parents Rudolph and Emilda, brothers in law Angus, Graham and Normie, sisters in law Leona and Judy, and special friends Keith MacDonald, Carl MacIntyre, Raymond David, and Gerald Butts. A celebration of life will be held Thursday October 12, 2023, at the Tower Road Community Fire Hall, (2410 Birch Grove Rd.) from 6-8 PM. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. A special thank you to Susie Fricker, VON, the Palliative Care team especially Brett Gillis, Sonya and Barb Hibbs and all friends and family who brought food, flowers and offered their support. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and compassion of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 370 Reserve St., Glace Bay, N.S. 902-849-4199.