Rudolf (Rudy) Nijenhuis

July 22, 1927 - March 9, 2023

Rudy was born in 1927 in Amsterdam and had an adventurous and interesting life. In 1951 he graduated, in the Netherlands, with a Mechanical Engineering Degree, which he soon followed up with courses in Marine Engineering and Business Administration. This allowed him to sail the world working in the Heavy Oil, Petrochemical and Nuclear industries. In 1979 he married Peggy Pittman (Bord) and in 1992 he immigrated, with her, to Canada. They settled in St. Catharines and soon became very active members of the Dunlop Seniors Association. Rudy was first treasurer and then president, for a total of six years. Rudy also served two terms on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee for Seniors and was City Volunteer of the Year.

Rudy is survived by his wife, Peggy Nijenhuis. He leaves his sons: Frank Nijenhuis (Yolanda) and Wouter Nijenhuis (Anneke) of the Netherlands; stepsons: Robert Pittman (Heather) of St. John’s NL, Russ Pittman (Cathy) of St. Catharines; grandchildren: Nils, Gwenda, Nick, Mike of the Netherlands; Heidi Story (Shawn), Matthew Pittman (Laurie), Russell Pittman (Clare) all of St. John’s NL; Adam Pittman (Julia) of Port Hope, Sean Pittman (Laura) of Kitchener; and great grandchildren Twan, Owen and Jente of the Netherlands, Paige and Luke of St. John’s and Mabel of Port Hope. Rudy, aka Opa, aka Pop, will truly be missed and we will forever keep his memory in our hearts. As per Rudy’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Cremation will follow a private family gathering. Arrangements entrusted to Considerate Cremation & Burial Services, 26 Nihan Drive, St. Catharines (between Lake Street & Scott Street), 289-362-1144. Online condolences may be made at CCBSCares.ca