Browse the obituary of residing in the province of Ontario for funeral details
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Rudy Sparkuhl passed away on March 8, 2024, after a long struggle with dementia. Rudy was an artist, a loving son and brother, and a man who lived life on his own terms.
Rudy was born in Speyer, Germany on September 4, 1952, son of Gunther and Lisa Sparkuhl, and younger brother of Joachim Sparkuhl. He emigrated to Canada in May 1957, and settled with his family first in Montréal, Québec, and then in London, Ontario.
Rudy was an incredible visual artist, specializing in photorealism. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University in 1975 and, a year later, earned his Master of Fine Arts from Concordia University. In 1976, he was awarded a Greenshields Foundation Grant for emerging artists. In 1977, Rudy began exhibiting his art professionally, and his paintings have been featured in solo and group exhibitions in galleries in Toronto, Montréal and London (Ontario and England). Rudy’s art is displayed and admired in homes, galleries, and workplaces across the country. Rudy loved to paint, making masterpieces with his camera, an airbrush, acrylic paint and lots of masking tape. His paintings featured subjects varying from gourds to vintage cars, street scenes (especially streetcars) and iconic buildings. In his own words, “I try to make well-crafted, accessible paintings that are interesting to look at; sometimes I succeed.”
Rudy was intelligent and widely read, enjoying everything from science fiction novels to Shakespeare plays. While he was often a solitary and reserved person, he loved his family deeply. He had a particular fondness for the family dogs, grooming them and walking with them daily. Rudy lived with his parents throughout their lives, and, with quiet fortitude and gentleness, took care of both his parents in their final years. Rudy was close with his brother Joachim and was deeply saddened by Joachim’s passing.
Rudy is survived by his friend Shelley Birenbaum, her daughter Sarah Sharp (Vlad) and granddaughter Lyra. He is also survived by cousins in California and in Germany. We are so grateful to Rudy’s devoted caregiver and constant companion, Vivian Fosu, who brought joy and love to Rudy’s last years. In addition, special thanks to the wonderful staff of 147 Elder Street for the care Rudy received, especially nurse and friend, Celda Daguio.
A memorial reception will be held at the Morley Bedford Funeral Home, 159 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto (2 stoplights west of Yonge St.) on Saturday, March 16th from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. with words of tribute at 2:30 p.m.
If you wish to remember Rudy, please consider a donation to the Royal Ontario Museum Foundation www.rom.on.ca/en/rom-recollect-keywords/rom-foundation or the London Public Library www.lpl.ca/donate-online, where Rudy spent many happy hours.
2024
Morley Bedford Funeral Services Ltd
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
death notice Rudolf Rudy Sparkuhl
obituaries notice Rudolf Rudy Sparkuhl
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Rudolf Rudy Sparkuhl and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
