Laurie Earl Rupert (Cooter)
August 6, 1936 – August 14, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Laurie Earl Rupert on August 14, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 89.
Born in Union Hospital in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, on August 6, 1936, Laurie grew up in a close-knit community and was involved in numerous sports including soccer, baseball, broomball, and hockey. Some of his fondest childhood memories were of playing for the Kerrobert Tigers.
In 1956, Laurie moved to Calgary where he began working at the CP Rail shops in Ogden. He started in the greenhouse, working with plants, before completing a five-year electrical apprenticeship and earning his Electrical Journeyman certificate. Laurieʼs career at CP Rail spanned 44 years, during which he held several important positions within the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), including Co-chairman of the Shop Safety Committee, eight years as Shop Steward (Local 1033), two years as Shop Chairman, and 17 years as Shop Chairman of IBEW Local 1033. He also served 10 years as Regional General Chairman of the Pacific Region.
After retiring from CP Rail in 2000, Laurie remained actively involved with the CP Rail Pensioners Club, serving as its President from 2020 until stepping down in 2024.
Laurie married his first wife, Lillian Francis Rupert (née Andrianakos), in 1961, and together they raised four children. He was predeceased by Lillian in 1998. In 1999, he met Nettie Sinclair, and they married in 2000, sharing 25 years together.
In his later years, Laurie found joy in bowling, golfing, and cheering passionately for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Calgary Flames. He loved camping in his beloved camper van “The Blue Daniel,” traveling to the Okanagan and Oregon Coast. He also cherished summers spent with family at the Armstrong, BC home of his aunts, Lillian and Jessie Fraser.
Laurie had a special place in his heart for children. For over 30 years, he played Santa Claus bringing joy to countless children and a few adults too! His basement “Santaʼs Workshop” was always open to anyone needing something fixed. He also coached youth soccer and hockey and proudly drove the Zamboni for the Fairview Community Association, where he was known as “The Mayor of Farrell Road”.
Known for his great sense of humour, warm heart, and natural curiosity, Laurie had the unique gift of making everyone feel seen and heard.
Laurie was predeceased by his parents, Percival Redvers Rupert and Margaret Louise Rupert, his wife Lillian, his brother Fraser Rupert, and in-laws Bruce Forrest, Laverne Thiessen, Brian Bosworth, Tony Smith, and Joanne Smith.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Nettie Rupert (Sinclair); sisters Mary Lou Forrest (Bruce) and Glenda Thiessen (Laverne); and sister-in-law Mary Anne Rupert (Fraser) and Evanthia Bosworth (Brian).
He leaves behind his children:Cindy Barr (Ian); Bruce Rupert (Ramona); Twyla Nurcombe; Neil Rupert (Danielle). Grandchildren: Zachary Nurcombe, Matthew Barr, Olivia Barr, Quinn Rupert, Natalie Rupert, Alexandra Rupert, and Taylor Rupert. Laurie also embraced and cherished his extended family: Larry (Mary) Belik – children Carey (predeceased 2023) and Darren (Melanie), grandchildren Abbey & Griffin; Wayne (Joyce) Belik – children Charity, Robin, & Kyle; Calvin Vass – children Eliza, Madeline, & Emerick; Darlene (Paul) Seguin – children Destin (Tess) & Belle (Andrew); Lee Ann (Brian) Valberg – children Jared & Nichole
A special “Thank You” to all the staff at the Rockyview Hospital, South Calgary Hospital and the Southwood Hospice.
Laurieʼs life was rich with love, laughter, and meaningful connections. His legacy lives on in the many people he inspired, mentored, and loved. He will be dearly missed.