December 1, 1933 – February 12, 2022 Rudy’s kindness and quick sense of humour touched so many people in his 88 years. Growing up in Guelph, Ontario, Rudy honed his wit drawing cartoons for the Guelph Collegiate yearbook and spent summers scooping ice cream at the Royal Dairy Bar. His childhood was not without drama: One day in 1943 he slipped into the Speed River and was heroically rescued by an older boy named Johnny Bartok. They became close friends and, fortunately for all of us, Rudy’s story did not end there. He went on to study psychology at the University of Western Ontario and earned his Master’s degree at the University of Toronto, where he met Jane, who would become his beloved wife of 63 years. Following a stint at the Ontario Hospital in Hamilton, Rudy was hired in 1964 as a counselling psychologist at McMaster University, beginning a career at “Mac” that spanned more than 30 years. Initially, Rudy was the only psychologist serving 4,000 students. He persuaded the university to provide funding for additional staff and in 1968 the McMaster Student Counselling Service was born, with Rudy serving as director until 1985. In addition to providing thousands of students with personal and career support, the department was the source of lifelong friendships for Rudy. His commitment to improving the lives of students also extended to leadership roles in external organizations including the Ontario Committee on Student Affairs and the Canadian University and College Counselling Association. Recognizing his profound contributions to student life, in 1986 McMaster named him Dean of Student Affairs, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. Always putting the needs of students first, he was greeted with chants of “Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!” at speaking events. His legacy is recognized by awards including the Rudy Heinzl Award of Excellence, which has been presented annually since 1997 in recognition of an outstanding achievement by an individual who improves the lives of McMaster students. After retiring, Rudy enjoyed painting, volunteering on local boards, travelling, hosting a radio program at McMaster and relaxing at the family cottage in Southampton – a special place for four generations of Heinzls dating back to Rudy’s father, Roman, plus numerous cats and dogs (Rusty, Zoe, Sam, Max, Tom etc.) who were close to Rudy’s heart. Rudy is dearly missed by his wife, Jane, his sons Richard (Carrie), John (Michelle), Mark (Paula), and his grandchildren Ryan, Carson, Curtis, Amy, Jackson, Charlie and Mary Jane. As Rudy would say, “See you next time, if not sooner.” A private family remembrance will be held.
Being a student leader at Mac was made significantly more special because of Rudy. He was a wonderful person, and I am honoured to have had the privilege to call him a friend. My deepest condolences to the whole family.
I am sincerely saddened to learn of Rudy’s death, and grateful to have known him and benefited from his leadership. As a McMaster student during his term as Dean of Student Affairs, I was lucky to work down the hall at the Silhouette, so I saw him often. He was genuinely interested in us and our work, and his warm presence, ready smile and respect for all set a powerful example. Please accept my gratitude and sympathy.
We were so fond of Rudy – he was the counsellor and best friend to so many Mac students – but especially to the MSU Presidents who often sought his guidance. Rudy had a patient way of hearing us out and then talking sense into us young ones – and he had so much fun doing it. We laughed so much on visits to his office, in the hallways and at every Mac event we were at over the years.
A kind and wise soul and a role model of a perfect gentleman. He was awfully proud of his talented kids and he would jokingly wonder where their talents came from… must be Jane he would say.
Rudy was a true blessing to McMaster and a blessing to so many of us student leaders on a very personal level. He saw some of us on our best days, and our worst, and always showed us he cared. I shall miss our long chats and keeping in touch so many years later.
God Bless you Rudy. May you Rest In Peace – you shall forever be our great friend.
Please accept the deepest condolences from the Trull family. We were so sorry to hear the news of Rudys passing.
It was such an honour to have had the opportunity to work with Rudy over so many years at McMaster. He was such a special human being. Always kind, always caring and always wanting the best for everyone around him. He made all of us better people by being his colleague and his friend. His influence on making the University a kinder more caring place was unmatched.
I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with Rudy. Right at the top would be Homecoming 1993 when he and I were co chairs of the weekend activities. Like most homecomings it was full of activity with lots to be concerned about. We walked around campus together until the wee hours of Saturday morning and then started again after breakfast. Saturday nights activity included a sold out event in the main gym featuring the band Blue Rodeo. Toward the end of the show one of the band staff approached us to see if there was anywhere the band could watch the end of Game 6 of the World Series featuring the Blue Jays. Rudy arranged for us to host the band in a room at McKay Hall where we watched together the great Joe Carter home run to win. Rudy and I reflected on that special evening together many times over the years.
My world and that of anyone who knew Rudy was better because of him.
Thank you Rudy. You will be missed by so many.
What a great joy it was to have spent time with Rudy during his time at McMaster. I was often one of those students chanting ‘Rudy’. In fact, I am saying it right now in my head. Rudy’s caring touch was so impactful in McMaster’s residence system for the (at the time) 3500 students (each year!) who made McMaster their home. Knowing Rudy and also the students who lived in residence his very personal approach to helping students was so present in the lives of these students living on their own for the first time. Whether they knew it or not, there are likely over 100,000 students who were touched deeply by the care an attention Rudy put into student life at McMaster. Rudy was also a big supporter of student leadership. Not only did Rudy support leadership development with training and his extremely adept administrative support and advocacy for our role in the university, Rudy also supported all of Mac’s student leaders personally. Providing references, pulling you aside for a personal conversation or observation, asking how you were doing. Whether Rudy was helping 3500 students at a time get through a year in residence, or 13,000 students at a time achieve academically OR he was helping one single student who really, really needed him, Rudy always made the time and knew exactly what was needed. So much of the heart and soul of what McMaster was for the hundreds of thousands of students who attended during his tenure came from Rudy. I am so touched by Rudy’s impact on me during my time at Mac. My wife and I (both Mac grads) think of Rudy all the time, now 30 years removed from our time at Mac. All of our love and condolences to Rudy’s family and thank you for sharing the gifts of this wonderful human being with so many generations of McMaster students.
Our deepest condolences to Jane and family. Rudi was a valued university colleague and a dear friend. He leaves a memorable legacy in support of students at McMaster University. John (Jack) Evans and Stefania Szlek Miller
The last line of the tribute made me flash back to all of the times that I would see Rudy at volunteer committee meetings and events and he would say that as he took his leave and it just made me smile. Rudy was such a welcoming and kind person who while I didn’t know him during my student days at Mac, I got to know him well during his retirement and his volunteer days with the Alumni Association. He was a joy to work with, always with such thoughtful insights and advice as we had the daunting task of selecting alumni for the Alumni Gallery. Rudy was the kind of person we all inspire to be and one of his greatest legacies at Mac is the huge number of student leaders who would chant Rudy, Rudy at Student Recognition Night. Many of them were not students when he was dean of students but got to know him because he loved Mac and was such an active member of our community and they got to love him just as much as those who worked with him. Our collective love and that special twinkle in his eye will live forever. Our deepest condolences to Jane, Richard, John, and Mark and family and thank you for sharing Rudy with us.
I was a student and student leader at McMaster well after Rudy had retired. However, his warmth, authenticity and profound legacy left undeniably lasting impacts on myself, my colleagues and generations of young people to come. His presence at events was still looked forward to by students even decades after his time as Dean, and even after all the generations of students he must have known, he remembered you and still made you feel like you mattered. Please accept the deepest from my wife and I.
Rudy was beloved at McMaster and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. My condolences to his family and the wider McMaster community. He was a kind man and generous with his time and advice.
My deepest condolences to you, Jane, and the rest of your family. I had the honor of meeting Rudy a handful of times during my time at Mac. He was always so kind with a great sense of humour. I used to look forward to seeing him at Student Recognition Night, where he would be found surrounded by students and alumni cracking jokes and inspiring us all like the the grandad we all wanted. He was unparalleled. Sadly, a bright star has gone out and our hearts are heavy. But Rudy lives on in our fond memories of such a wonderful soul.
Rudy was a force of good. It was his reputation amongst my university peers which gave me a glimpse into the person he was. On the rare occasions when I met him he seemed to brighten the room with his signature warmth and kindness, and treated everyone as if they were old friends. I quite envy those who has the pleasure to work and interact with him during his years at McMaster. They always have such fond memories of their time together.
It brings joy to hear that he lived a full life filled with love and compassion all around. Although his departure brings deep sadness, I have a feeling he would be quick to turn it around and encourage us all to celebrate together in remembrance. Rest In Peace dear Rudy. Your impact on the lives of so many will not be forgotten.
Deepest condolences to Jane, and Rudy’s children and family. While my time at McMaster didn’t overlap with his “official” career there, I was able to get to know him very well through his continued involvement in the school post retirement, and more importantly, his care and respect for students. He was truly the Dean of Students. I always looked forward to going back to McMaster after graduation for various events, if only to have the opportunity to spend some time with this special man. God Bless you Rudy, you really were one of a kind.
A kind, caring, wonderful man. Rudy leaves behind a legacy of community, evidenced by the many comments written here and the countless students he has impacted and inspired. His presence in the McMaster community will be missed, but we are all so fortunate to have had the opportunity to be influenced by such a lovely person. Our deepest condolences to his family.
I left McMaster in 1987 after years as residence chair, academic affairs chair, SRA chair and MSU VP. There were many times throughout those years I would seek Rudy’s counsel. I would often think of how a “thoughtful gentleman,” such as Rudy, would approach challenges. I recall when he was named Dean of Student Affairs. There wasn’t a single person within the MSU that did not celebrate that appointment. Incredibly, last week I recalled a conversation I had with Rudy. That was 35 years ago. That is a life long impact. Thank you Rudy. You will make heaven a better place.
Rudy always had a smile and was ready to listen. He was a steady presence, always. I will remember the last time I saw him in person — likely sometime in late 2019. He greeted me with his usual warm smile and handshake — might have even been a hug! Farewell Rudy.
Rudy was always a great advocate for students. He never missed events and he was committed to making the university experience better for students. Some words to describe Rudy: caring, compassionate, distinguished, and a down to earth gentleman. Rudy bled maroon and grey. His advice, guidance and leadership was always appreciated. My thoughts are with Jane and the the children during this time of sorrow and reflection. Rudy lived a great life. May he RIP and his legacy and memories by a blessing. Gary Collins, MSU President 90-91 and MAA President 05-06
Always a gentleman, Rudy inspired all of us at McMaster to remember the joy in helping students reach their goals. The highlight of my career at Mac was to be both honoured and humbled as a recipient of the Rudy Heinzl Award of Excellence. I will keep him in my prayers. Bless you Rudy. Sincere sympathy to family members.
My deepest condolences to the Heinzl family.
Rudy was such a positive influence on McMaster students. He walked through campus, said hi to students by name and you knew he cared.
I will always be grateful for his encouragement to “go for it”.
A wonderful person.
Tim Ormond McMaster ’93
Dear Jane, Richard, John, Mark and Families,
So many wonderful memories:—fun times at the cottage in Southampton, lots of ‘competitive’ tennis, our joyous family weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, delicious Mandarin lunches, enjoyable trips to the Shaw and Florida, our super trip to Cleveland to see the Blue Jays, and of course our ‘early’ New Year’s Eve dinners because we couldn’t last until midnight, (and the special little bags of treats).
Love and memories are forever. We will miss dear Rudy so very much.
We send our love and warm hugs to you all as you mourn his loss.
Grant and Shirley xo
J
Jane and family,
Thinking of all of you and the good times we shared at the beach and on the courts in Southampton. We, along with a host of others, share your sense of deep loss.
Ron and Heather Mulchey
It’s with great sadness that I read today of Rudy’s passing.What a warm humble and giving man he was! I first met him when I attended McMaster as student in need of career counselling in 1968. He made me feel so at home there I applied to work together with him at the student counselling service . He graciously accepted me and ushered me into a career in mental health for youth. I was further fortunate to have the opportunity to work later with his wife Jane who was a gifted psychologist at the Halton District School Board. What an amazing couple and how many hundreds of thousands of young people’s lives they have helped! Their leadership,empathy humility,intelligence,kindness ,and commitment to others has been an inspiration to many of us working in the “ helping “ fields.God speed.
Condolences to you Jane and your family.
I have not know Rudy for a long time, but long enough to know he was a wonderful man. I always looked forward to my morning greeting from Rudy. He always had a smile and a warm greeting. I will miss him, dearly
Dear Jane and family,
In solidarity at the death of a gentle man.
I always admired Rudy, including his work at Mac, about which I learned so much more in the obituary; twas ever thus. Recalling too how proud he was of three sons and their families.
And now part of his spirit abides in your lives, among others.
Perhaps especially at Southampton.
Peace,
John Lougheed
Paul and I send condolences to Jane and the family. It was my privilege to work with Rudy in McMaster’s Counselling Service. He was an exceptional supervisor, mentor and human being. His work and advocacy positively impacted countless students and colleagues. His legacy is immense.
It was wonderful to reconnect with Rudy these past few years when he and Jane moved to Dundas. He had a great sense of humor and always showed compassion for loved ones whether two or four-footed! We remembered a lot of stories from our time as neighbors living in “The Court”. My thoughts and prayers to Jane and the rest of the family.
Sorry to hear of the passing of Rudy. He was a gentleman and wonderful person. I liked and respected him very much.
He was a true and close friend to my father, Les Prince.
“For few among men are those who cross to the further shore. Others merely run up and down the hither bank”
Ross Prince
My sincere condolences to Jane and family. I met Rudy serving at the DVSA Board of Governors. He was very diligent, always curious and kind, with a spark in his eyes. Life well lived.
I used to sit with Rudy at the McMaster Student Union Recognition Night. Over the course of the evening, every past President of the MSU in attendance would make their way to our table to visit with Rudy. Most of them would not have been at McMaster when Rudy was the Dean of Students but all of them knew of him and came by to show their love and respect. Rudy had a great way with students. He was interested in what they were doing since graduating and always offered encouragement. The highlight of Rec Night for me would be the presentation of the Rudy Heinzl Award – or simply the “Rudy”. Rudy himself would read the citation and extemporize as he went along keeping us all engaged. It was my great honour to follow him as a McMaster Dean of Students.
So sorry to see Rudy’s smiling face on the obituary page. The smile was always there – radiating kindness, warmth, interest and enthusiasm. It came from a generous, engaged and engaging spirit. Rudy was the quintessential good guy. He made a huge difference.
We will remember him fondly and gratefully. Keep going, Jane; he’ll never be gone.
Dermot (& Tami)
Jane, Richard, John & Mark. I am saddened to hear of Ruddy’s passing. Although i have not seen you all for many years i have found memories of you as neighbours. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
It would be nice to reconnect. I can be contacted by email marywingate@gmail.com
I remember Rudy Heinzl as a kind man when he and his family were our neighbors. I have many fond memories of him, Jane and the Heinzl “boys” and Rudy’s dad, who had the most amazing ability to float endlessly in our pool.
My condolences to Jane, Richard, John, and Mark and their families.
Dear Jane and Family:
I remember Rudy as a very quiet, kind and friendly man; and so welcoming to the staff as you would open up your home to various events for the “Clinic”.
Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. May the memories of yesterday help you with the sadness of today;
Love,
Helen and Glenn Rusan
(Former Secretary, Child and Adolescent Services)
I have nothing but the fondest memories of Rudy. He was a mentor to me, a father in many meaningful ways, and one of the most important people in my life for so many reasons. He was a friend, a valued colleague, a role model, and was the kindest, most generous person I have had the privilege to know. He had nothing but good things to say about everyone. He treated the cafeteria workers the same as the president of the university. And he displayed integrity of a sort that rarely exists today. He was the greatest champion McMaster students ever had and they knew it and named their most prestigious award after him. He will be missed and there is not a day that has passed since his departure that I haven´t thought of him. A great soul has left this earth and the world is diminished. Long shall he be loved and remembered.
David Lawson
To Jane and your family… I was there when you first started dating. He was different, we thought, but we were not surprised as you were a little different too.
I have thought of you so often as I read John’s columns in the Globe, tempted to email him and ask how you are, now I know. The obituary was so fitting, like remembering an old friend.
I know how so many of the writers have felt as they have written tributes to Rudy. One Saturday, many years ago, my daughter Martha was marching in a parade at a Western V.S. McMaster football game. I called Jane and Rudy to find out how to get to the field. Well…Rudy, not only met me he went to the game with me. A special memory.
I also have good memories of you Jane from University times.
My thoughts are with you as you say farewell to a fine and loving man.
Mary (Mcleod) Henderson (mac)
We are deeply saddened to learn of Rudy’s passing. We have many fond memories of our time at McMaster working with and alongside Rudy. He was a kind and gentle leader with immense interest in and concern for the well being of Mac students. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jane and the Heinzl family
At was my great pleasure and privilege to have worked with Rudy during his Deanship, and to have stayed in touch with him and Jane after his retirement. I can do no better than echo all the comments about his kindness, warmth and concern for others. I have always felt that he, more than most others, revealed his personality in his open, smiling face. I got that feeling again looking at the picture fronting this obituary. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jane & family
Rudy was kind and caring person, He be missed by all who had the
good fortune to have know him We have may fond memories of our
Southampton times
I remember how fondly Bill always spoke of Rudy. A gem! My sympathy to you and your family on a great loss!
Bette Fowler
Rudy was kind, supportive, empathetic and very patient in dealing with Mac students. I extend my deepest condolences to the Heinzl family.
Among the nearly 100 students in the 1952 graduating class of the Guelph Collegiate and Vocational Institute, Rudy was recognized as remarkably intuitive and empathetic.
In other words, a natural psychologist.
So it’s not surprising to see so many respectful and affectionate memories from his former clients and colleagues.
As he started, so he went on.
Audrey and Lee Master
I am quite saddened to have heard the news of his passing. I was a Counsellor at Mac at the time he left Counselling and took on the role of Dean of Student Affairs. He left a lasting impression as a decent, decent man. Always optimistic and cheerful even during difficult times and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone, even behind closed doors. He displayed a genuine interest in people, students, staff and their wellbeing. My condolences to his family and friends.
Rudy will be a person whose legacy at McMaster will live on for a long time. He touched the heart of so many people of so many ages with his sensitive, kind and concerning nature. His door was always open and you were always greeted with a smile. As per the beautifully written obituary, I will never forget being in the room when the students would chant…”Rudy, Rudy”. Everyone was fond of Dean Heinzl. I left McMaster Student Union in December 1993 after 6 years of programming Speakers and Entertainers but always kept in touch with Jane and Rudy with birthday wishes and a Merry Christmas. It was a friendship that started as school business colleagues. Rudy and Jane attended many shows and concerts that I was lucky to be part of and they were always so grateful for the “special night out”. Like Roger Trulls comment above, it was my apartment at McKay Hall as Hallmaster that everyone came to to watch that famous Blue Jays game. Rudy and I spoke of that memory many times. To the Heinzl Family boys that Rudy spoke about on every call to me, and to Jane, please know that Rudy was a treasure, an icon and a leader at McMaster and in everyones life even after they left the University. You will be missed my dear friend.
Dear Jane, Richard, John, and Mark – I am sure you have many wonderful memories of Rudy – may those memories comfort you and bring smiles to your faces. I know I have many fond memories of “Mr. Heinzl”. I picture him with a smile and remember him as someone who always had time to talk to the little neighbour next door. You were all great neighbours – Rudy, his dad, Jane, “the Heinzl boys”, Rusty, Sam and Max …..and I think I am forgetting another one of your dogs ??? 🙂 Thinking of you all with much lovel xx