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DR. ROODAL (RUDY) RAMCHANDAR
Born: Dec 09, 1943
Date of Passing: Jun 27, 2025
Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. ROODAL (RUDY) RAMCHANDAR
Surrounded by his family, Dr. Roodal “Rudy” Ramchandar passed away peacefully at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg on June 27, 2025, at the age of 81. He had lived a remarkable life.
Born in Spring Vale, Trinidad & Tobago (T&T) on December 9, 1943, Rudy was the eldest of six children. Growing up he attended Presbyterian and Catholic mission schools and then Queen’s Royal College in Port of Spain. At 19, with an Island Scholarship and courage in his pocket, he left T&T for Winnipeg where he would attend United College (later University of Winnipeg). As fate would have it, there he would meet Janet, “a beautiful, poised young lady…with a wholesome smile”, whom he would later marry. In 1971, after completing his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, he and Janet moved to Kenora, ostensibly as a first stop in his career. They fell in love with the town where Rudy would be an active member of the community for four decades. He loved being a classic “old country doctor” which allowed him to practice family medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics, anaesthesia and perform minor surgeries throughout his career. He and Janet raised four children and Rudy always found time to attend their recitals, competitions and events. Tragically, Janet suddenly passed away in September of 1997.
Rudy had many interests throughout his life. In his younger years he enjoyed cricket and was an avid soccer player. As a new Canadian, he was an inspiration, teaching himself to ice skate, cross-country ski, and then, in his 40s, learning to downhill ski. He enjoyed boating, cycling and had a keen interest in travelling and seeing the world, particularly in his retirement. Throughout his life he was very active in the church - Knox United Church in Kenora and later, the United Church in Meadowood in Winnipeg.
Rudy was thankful when he found Audrey, an operating room nurse with whom he had been professionally acquainted throughout their careers at Lake of the Woods District Hospital. In 1999, Rudy and Audrey were married at Knox United Church in Kenora. After retirement in 2011, they moved to Winnipeg to begin a new chapter in their lives. Throughout their 26 years of marriage, they enjoyed attending the theatre, spending time at their summer home on Lake of the Woods and travelling to a variety of countries around the globe. Rudy loved giving boat tours of Lake of the Woods in his vintage blue boat, sharing his extensive historical knowledge of the area. Boat rides with Grandpa were the highlight of the summer for all of his grandchildren.
Rudy was devoted to lifelong learning and was an avid reader about a wide range of subjects. He researched each of his many trips, educating himself about the geography and history of India, China, Egypt, the Holy Land, many parts of Europe, and the Panama Canal. He attended the Reh-Fit Centre regularly for many years where he enjoyed chatting with staff and friends.
How will we remember our dad, husband, brother, grandfather and friend? Kind and hardworking are the first words that come to mind. He always had advice and a helping hand for anyone who needed it, and he had an adventurous spirit, always willing to try out something new with his family.
Rudy was predeceased by his first wife, Janet; his youngest son, Keith; mother, Margaret; father, Mawah, and two brothers, Ruben and Ramish.
Rudy will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Audrey; children: Lorraine (Andy) and her children, Luke and Drew; Lorna (Sean) and their children, Roisin and Maeve; and Kevin (Kristi) and their daughter Kailyn; stepdaughter Laura and her children, Tuesday and Axel; stepson Randall; his siblings, Ralph (Pat), Tara (Kris) and Krishna (Rita); many nieces and nephews and his beloved dogs, Bambi and Bella.
Rudy’s family would like to express their gratitude to the Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Alexi King and the staff on the GH6 Respiratory Ward for the exceptional care Rudy received during his illness. We are also very grateful to Dr. Casey Woo who gave Rudy excellent and dedicated care for many years.
Please join us for a celebration of life on Saturday, August 9 at 1:00 p.m. at the United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota Street in Winnipeg. If you have a memory or story you would like to share about Rudy, please write it out and bring it to the service. We will be collecting these in a book of memories. To view the service live stream, please go to ucim.org
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2025
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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I've never met Rudy personally but heard many touching stories about him and felt like I had been in the presence of his likeness through his sister Tara who is a very dear friend of mine. When I read Rudy's obituary it reminded me of how much like him, Tara is. I asked her if her whole family had the same sterling qualities of kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, a loving and giving heart and a zeal for life in all God had created? While attending the celebration of life and hearing all the sharings from family, friends and Pastor, it affirmed my question that indeed it was true. Although none of us are perfect, when the heart of living in this life is to Glorify God and love and serve others, the essence of the Gospel is evident! May memories that bring joy, laughter, tears and healing resonate with gratitude for a life well lived. Blessings in Christ Jesus Pat - Posted by: Pat Siwik (Friend of his sister Tara) on: Sep 03, 2025
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My Dearest Friend Tara, I first met Tara when I was hired by Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce late 1978. A true friendship was forged 46 years ago. I also worked with Tara’s brother Ramish in the early 80’s. I read this amazing tribute several times and each time felt like the first. I want to think that Tara had a “hand” in writing Dr. Roodal’s “life story”. I came to know Dr. Roodal through this explicit writing. He lived life to the fullest. My heartfelt condolences to Tara and family. - Posted by: Pamela Kadan (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2025
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God had blessed me with a smart, witty, super extraordinary beautiful human called brother-in-law ….may your soul journey to another body of higher spiritual life… will missed your jokes and always loved you. Rip Rudy, - Posted by: Sharon Ramchandar (Brother in law) on: Jul 22, 2025
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Deepest sympathy to thee entire Ramchandar family. I Will always remember "Boy"as a role moodel forus the younger ones. We were happy to hear of his achievements. Om Namo Bhagawatay Vasudeva. From him we came and To him we shall return. Surely aatma shall merge with parmaatma . - Posted by: Indra Ramlogan (Neighbour from our homeland in Trinidad) on: Jul 22, 2025
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My wife Sarah and I extend our sincere condolences to the entire Ramchandar family for the loss of Dr. Roodal. May he rest in peace and may you all find the strength to carry on. Many blessings 🙌 🙏 - Posted by: Bickramsingh Ramjit (Neighbour from our hometown) on: Jul 22, 2025
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To Tara and the rest of the family, please accept our heartfelt condolences from the Rampersad/Lackhee Family. It was a distinct honor to have interacted with him at one of our family day. May God be with you in your time of bereavement. - Posted by: Michael Rampersad (Cousin) on: Jul 22, 2025
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It hurts to see you go. Love you all the same Dear Cousin. Our childhood days still lingers in my mind and heart. RIP,the prayers of those whom you were privileged to assist along life's journey will surely accompany you to our Father in Heaven. Good Bye and farewell. Thanks for being part of our family. You will always be remembered as my cousin, Boy. - Posted by: Ivy Ramdeen (Cousin) on: Jul 22, 2025
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Had such a good time with Rudy re our last visit to Winnipeg... mom, me and Krysta. Such a nice guy. R.I.P Rudy. To Tara, Krishna, Audrey, Rudy's kids and the entire clan... we are thinking of you at this trying time and praying for God's blessings to see you through. Sending xoxoxo! - Posted by: Vena Ramsaran (Sister in law’s brother and friend) on: Jul 22, 2025
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My wife Sarah and I extend our sincere condolences to the entire Ramchanda family for the loss of Dr. Roodal. May he rest in peace and may you all find the strength to carry on. Many blessings 🙌 🙏 - Posted by: Bickramsingh Ramjit (Neighbour from our hometown) on: Jul 22, 2025
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It was my sincere pleasure to have known Rudy from the clinic days, through the Church community and as a neighbour while living on Valley Drive. His gentle manner, beautiful smile and twinkle in his eyes always felt so warm and welcoming. He truly had a zest for living. I know that all of you will miss his presence but he will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. I hope that all your fond memories bring comfort to you in the years ahead. Sincerely Linda (Casey) Mitchell - Posted by: Linda Mitchell (Friend) on: Jul 14, 2025
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I am so sorry to hear of Rudy’s passing. I worked very closely with Dr Ramchandar, as I was a surgeon and he was the anesthesitist and family doctor at Lake of the Woods Hospital Kenora, Ontario, with many critical cases over the years. He was the ultimate physician in respect to ability, availability and affability. I will treasure those critical times I spent with him as a colleague and my friend. - Posted by: Jack Spielman and Ellen Spielman (Friend and colleague) on: Jul 13, 2025
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I loved to listen to his stories. I could listen to him all day. Such a caring, doctor and employer. He told me once that he liked to see me since I was always smiling. He made me smile! RIP Dr Ram! - Posted by: Zoe Archer (Employee) on: Jul 13, 2025
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I worked with Dr Ramchandar at the Kenora Medical Centre for years. He had the best sense of humour. He was also my dad’s doctor and was so kind and caring. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Maureen (Friend) on: Jul 13, 2025
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Another Kenora great gone. I met Dr. Ramchander while nursing at Lake of the Woods Hospital. Always the gentleman. He was one of the best and will be missed by many. - Posted by: Carla Northcote-Brewer (Basso) (friend) on: Jul 12, 2025
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Grew up in the same village of McBean. His nickname was "Boy". Would regularly go to purchase groceries at the shop run by his father "Changar". His mom always had a pleasant smile. My mother said that she was related but I have no idea as to the link. One of the few scholars of our village. May he rest I'm peace and our prayers for him and his family. - Posted by: Simon Bedasie (Fellow villager at Mc Bean) on: Jul 12, 2025
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Wow my friend, Tara. Indeed a very beautiful tribute. I was very small while he lived in 🇹🇹 but when he visited somehow the whole village knew that “Boy” was home. One of the first to succeed academically in our small village and all parents used to use him as motivation for their own children. I know for sure he was an inspiration to our home when my brother Khem also went to study abroad at University of Winnipeg. We as neighbours go back a long way and for sure much thanks to our parents who had the wisdom of educating us. Reading this tribute surely told me that he lived a very fulfilling life. I extend my deepest condolences to you and the entire family for this loss and wish that the Almighty gives you all the strength to continue in good spirits. Much love to you my dear friend ❤️stay strong 💜 Salma - Posted by: Salma (Parbatee) Rajab (Neighborhood in our home town in Trinidad) on: Jul 12, 2025
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Rudy was a med school classmate & friend. I took his wedding photos in 1971. So Sorry to hear of his passing. A very smart, easy-going guy & I always heard excellent "reviews" from my many Kenora friends who loved and praised him as their physician. Although we were widely separated geographically we remained friends thru the years. Condolences to Audrey and the family. - Posted by: Arnold Zeal (friend, classmate) on: Jul 12, 2025
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In my early years, we grew up as neighbours and was more acquainted with his younger siblings. Had great respect for the family. Rudy left for studies when I was a kid but the village was so proud of him all I remember was how everyone respected him with great pride and joy for all his successes in life. My sincerest condolences to the family. - Posted by: Seela (Neighbours/like family) on: Jul 12, 2025