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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
LAUZON, Rudolph Joseph (Rudy) - passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents, Grace and Edas Lauzon; siblings, Jimmy Lauzon and Marie Watkins; daughter in law Philippa Lauzon; and grandson, Kyle Lauzon.
A devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, and dedicated Naval Officer, Rudy lived a life defined by love—love for his family, for the Catholic Church, for the current sports standings, and for his wonderfully dry sense of humour. He was a loyal (albeit perpetually disappointed) Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers fan, never missing an opportunity to tease anyone wearing a rival team’s logo. He would want it noted that at the time of his passing, the Red Wings sat comfortably ahead of Montreal, Toronto, and Boston in the NHL standings.
Born on St. Ann’s Island, Kent County, Ontario, on April 29, 1935, Rudy grew up in Wallaceburg, Ontario surrounded by his family. In 1953, at just 18 years old and determined to forge his own path, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. It was the beginning of a distinguished 28-year career that took him around the world and helped shape the husband, father, leader, teacher, coach, and mentor he would become.
In 1960, Rudy married his soul mate, Margaret (Rankin). After completing officer training in Victoria, BC, the two returned home and settled in Fairview, Nova Scotia, where they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and an unshakeable sense of family. They raised five children—John (Mina), Bruce (Angela), Leeanne (Tom), David (Kim), and Rita (Laurie)—and were later blessed with grandchildren (Ryan, Kyle, Catherine, Alasdair, Conall, William, Gavin), bonus grandchildren (Kristoffer and Jessica), and great-grandchildren (Morgan, Taylor, Meadow, Everleigh, and Harrison).
To his children, he was simply “Dad”—a steady and proud presence; an unwavering fan; a firm believer in winning fairly and doing things right; an armchair referee; a fierce card player; and a devoted caregiver, especially in the years he spent supporting Mom.
Rudy’s naval career—from Ordinary Seaman to Lieutenant Commander—was marked by grit, intelligence, and relentless work ethic. He trained aboard HMCS Cape Breton, surviving hammocks, early-morning runs, constant drills, rough seas, and an astonishing range of trades training. He served on numerous ships, including HMCS St. Laurent, Algonquin, Buckingham, Huron, Crusader, Bonaventure, and Assiniboine, and completed demanding engineering and electrical postings both at sea and ashore. He often joked that he was seasick the first day of every posting—yet never once slowed down. After retiring from the RCN in 1981, Rudy began a second career as a Contract Administrator with the Department of Supply and Services, overseeing naval refits. He worked there for 14 years before consulting on a Y2K project and finally retiring “for good” in 1999.
Sport was a constant in Rudy’s life. He played football for the Cape Breton Zulus, the Stadacona Sailors, and the Shearwater Flyers; hockey and baseball throughout his youth; and senior fastball for Stadacona. He collected championships along the way but always insisted he “wasn’t a star—just filled a slot.” In later years he took up golf, where—true to form—he found more balls than he lost.
His greatest sporting legacy came through officiating. Over 19 years, Rudy served as Referee-in-Chief of the Maritime Provinces, President of the NSCFOA, and instructor for countless clinics. His contributions to officiating mechanics continue to influence the sport today. In 2009, he was inducted into the Nova Scotia Football Hall of Fame, an honour he cherished deeply.
Rudy believed in service—to his community, his church, his country, and above all, his family. He volunteered in hockey, church committees, and naval apprenticeship programs, always quietly giving more than he ever expected in return.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive, Halifax, on February 24 from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place on February 25 at 12:15 p.m. at Saint Benedict’s Parish, Halifax. A reception will follow in the parish hall.
Rudy, in his unmistakable way, wanted the last say. He left this message for all who loved him:
“ENOUGH BS. I have had a good life, married into a wonderful family and with a blessed lady, my soul mate, whom I treasured every day of my life. I had a wonderful family, all of which I am extremely proud of, including the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” (J. A. Snow Funeral Home)
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