Udo Rauk: 1945-2010

The Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre today issued the following notice today regarding Udo Rauk, former Ward 2 City councillor (1987 to 1996).

Rauk was the founding president of Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie and was involved with Rick Lacell in bringing back the Santa Claus parade after a two-decade absence.

He ran unsuccessfully for the Progressive Conservatives in the 1987 provincial election and for mayor of Sault Ste. Marie in 1997.

Rauk worked at the Queenstown Association and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

************************* RAUK, Udo - July 16, 1945 to Thursday, October 7, 2010 - It is with a heavy heart that we announce Udo’s peaceful passing into God’s loving hands.

Born in Lund, Sweden, July 16, 1945, to wonderful and proud Estonian parents, late Aliide and Artur Rauk and immigrated to Canada in September 1948.

Best friend to wife Marvey.

Devoted and ever loving Daddio to daughter Heidi Zagordo (Rob). Much loved Papa to his beautiful little princesses, Gabriella and Gracee.

Brother to Dr. Arvi Rauk (Sheana) (Calgary, Alta).

Brother-in-law of Richard and Pat Annett and Paul Annett.

Dear uncle to Alan Rauk (Laurie) (Calgary, Alta) and Aili Rauk (Vancouver, BC).

Great uncle to Sydney and Christopher.

Dear uncle to Tom Annett (Alisha) and Gabe Annett (Amber) (Edmonton, Alta.).

Great uncle to Kaiden and Koen.

Respected and loved son-in-law of the late Margaret and Harvey Annett.

Udo will be missed by the Estonian community and for his past involvement in the Estonian Lutheran Church in Sault Ste. Marie.

Udo graduated from Sault Collegiate, Waterloo University with a BA in l969 and Lake Superior State University in 1993 with an MBA.

Udo began his work career with Manpower and Immigration in SSM.

He married Marvey on May 31, 1969 and moved to Thunder Bay to work with the Federal Government.

With adventure in his heart, Udo and Marvey moved to Yellowknife, NWT where Udo worked with the territorial government as a liaison officer.

In 1974, south to Edmonton to work with the Department of the Secretary of State.

Then the difficult but ultimately the best decision to return home to Sault Ste. Marie and family in 1977.

Over the next several years, Udo was sssistant manager of the Chamber of Commerce, manager of Algoma Kinniwabi Travel Association, and manager of the new Queenstown Association where he reveled in all the changes in the downtown core and delighted in participating and helping to develop a new positive “downtown” image.

While working with the association, Udo became acutely aware of the need for community involvement in safety in the downtown and in Sault Ste. Marie in general.

He was co-founder and founding president of the much valued Crime Stoppers of Sault Ste. Marie.

For five years Udo was the director of operations and manager of education and outreach for the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP).

In 2005 he was enticed back to the new Downtown Association as chief administrative officer and most recently, project manager for the Downtown Development Initiative, when he retired in May 2009 due to his illness.

Udo proudly represented Ward 2 as City councillor from 1987 to 1996.

Udo’s past involvement in numerous committees/ boards, represents his passion for a community he was so proud to be a part of and so willing to go the extra mile for.

In keeping with Udo’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.

Cremation and a private family celebration will take place.

A heartfelt thank you to Ruth McLellan who will give the graveside eulogy and gently assist us in allowing our grandchildren to say goodbye to their Papa.

Udo’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Warren Mason and Maureen Daniels from the Princess Margaret Hospital/ Pencer Brain Tumor Clinic (Toronto) for their constant support and expertise.

The Sault Cancer Clinic, especially Dr. Sharon Beuhner for her care and compassion, and the hard working teams on 2nd Floor Complex Care, and the outstanding nurses on Palliative Care for all their kindness and support given during this immeasurably difficult time.

If you wish and in lieu of flowers, donations will be greatly appreciated by the family, to the wonderful Princess Margaret Lodge, 545 Jarvis Street, Toronto, On M4Y 2H8 or the new Sault Area Hospital Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 759-2522.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.

Of touching a hand – and finding it God’s

Of breathing new air – and finding it celestial.

Of waking up in glory – and finding it home!

You are finally home, my love……

*************************