Lennard Nicholas “Nick” Rutka
September 24, 1943 - July 29, 2025
Peacefully at Juravinski Hospital, Hamilton on Tuesday July 29, 2025 in his 82nd year. Loving husband of 61 years to Janet (Hoover) Rutka. Dear father of Jeffrey, and Jeremy. Grandfather of Noah, Christy, and Emma. Brother of Shirley (Bob), and the late Sophie (Bill), Alex (Janet), George (Jean), and Vera (Bill). Brother-in-law to Dale (Joanne), Charlie (deceased) (Marg), and the late Dorothy, John (Wilma), Ruth (Alvin), Nancy (George), and Blake (Edna). Also survived by many nieces and nephews, and dear friend Bevey.
Nick raised his family in Tapleytown Ontario, on an acre lot which was part of the original Rutka homestead where they lived for 33 years, the sight of the infamous hayrides and pig roasts.
He spent his entire 35 year career at Stelco, and then retired and moved to Jarvis Ontario to be closer to Janets family, where Nick continued to work as everyone’s favourite umpire in several baseball leagues. His ability to be loud came in handy. He also loved to fish and travel and spend time with family and friends.
The Rutka home was always a welcoming space for walk-ins as they were Block Parents, and many family and friends lived/stayed there throughout the years. Thanks to Careylinski for this loving memory.
He was happy to help anyone in need, and dedicated his life to volunteering where he spent countless hours with Senior Support Services, REACH, and Child and Family Services of Grand Erie.
The family will honour his life with visitation at Hyde & Mott Chapel of R.H.B. Anderson Funeral Homes Ltd., 60 Main St., S., Hagersville on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, where Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday August 6, 2025 at 11am. Cremation to follow.
Donations to, Senior Support Services, Child and Family Services of Grand Erie, or the charity of your choice are appreciated. www.rhbanderson.com
Condolences
Posted by
Alan Byrne
on
Jul 31st, 2025
I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. My deepest condolences.
Posted by
Careylinski
on
Jul 31st, 2025
Love is...having Nick Rutka in your life.
To Jan, Jeffer and Jerbear, my thoughts are with you. My deepest sympathy.
I am so grateful for so many good memories growing up in the Mayor of Tapleytown's household.
To my mentor, my friend, rest in peace.
Posted by
Sharon Fess
on
Jul 31st, 2025
I met Nick when I became a volunteer driver with Senior Support Services. He had one of those personalities that made you smile and laugh when remembering him.
Also saw him umpire a few times. Condolences to the family . Treasure your memories.
Posted by
beverley richardson
on
Jul 31st, 2025
so sorry nick to see you go. your up there some pretty special people and i know they will be welcoming you. tell doug im coming soon . love you nick . beverage
Posted by
Jill Harrigton
on
Jul 31st, 2025
The perfect testament on the impact Nick had on everyone he met. He loved and lived life fiercely. Infectious laugh, knowing when someone needed a joke and smile and above all, loved his family immensely.
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because he happened." All my prayers for peace to surround you all.
Jill
Posted by
Jim @ Nancy Lamb
on
Jul 31st, 2025
Janet and Family. Sending our deepest condolences for your loss.
Posted by
Dennis & Dana Smith
on
Aug 1st, 2025
So sorry Janet and family for your loss. Nick was a very colourful guy and you always knew he was around. I had the pleasure of him umpiring for me for years and he was excellent with the kids and always provided entertainment in a ball game. We were blessed to have him and we will always remember the good times and laughs we had.
Posted by
K. C. Van Marrum
on
Aug 1st, 2025
My sincere condolence to each of you. May the following quotation lighten your hearts during this difficult time.
The creator saw you were getting tired and a cure was not to be; so he put his arms around you and whispered "come to me. With tearful eyes each of you watched you suffer and watched you fade away; although you were loved dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating hard working hands to rest; the creator broke our hearts to prove to each of you, he only takes the best. Author unknown
Posted by
Val Engelmann
on
Aug 1st, 2025
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Posted by
Freda hruska
on
Aug 1st, 2025
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Nick was someone Joe and I were honoured to know. May he rest in peace.
Posted by
Tracy Pagliaro
on
Aug 2nd, 2025
In heartfelt memory of Nick, so sorry to hear of his passing ….Thinking of you Janet, Jeff and Jeremy and all the family and friends at this time of tremendous loss. I came to know you all through Vera, Bill and my time spent with their family and my dear friend Renata. A few times I attended your family reunions at the house on Tapleytown and I was always made to feel welcome as if I was part of the family. Nick was ALWAYS the life of the party. He was so jovial and always cracking jokes and creating smiles. I remember when he would stop by the house at Bill and Vera’s, he immediately would say something funny and get everyone laughing. May his spirit live on and the memory of his greatness help you through the healing of his loss. My heartfelt condolences.
Posted by
Kevin Miller
on
Aug 4th, 2025
I enjoyed umpiring with Nick he was helpful and always cut me up on diamond with his sense of humor
My thoughts prayers are with the family
Kevin
Posted by
Reg Avery
on
Aug 6th, 2025
Sorry to hear of Nicks passing worked with him on the 4 stand back in the 70s great guy R.I.P.
Posted by
Wayne and Nancy Smith
on
Aug 7th, 2025
Janet and family
Please know we are thinking of you all at this time.
Your memories will help you through this tough time.
Hugs
Wayne and Nancy Smith
Posted by
Eileen Jacobs (cousin)(
on
Aug 8th, 2025
Sorry to hear of Nick's passing, may he rest in eternal peace. Nick's work on earth is done. He has now graduated to the heavenly realm to rest until Christ's return. Our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with Janet and her family at this sorrowful time.
Eileen
Posted by
Ed McCarthy
on
Aug 12th, 2025
Condolences to Janet and your family on the passing of Nick. I have made a donation in Nick's memory to Senior Support Services.
