NEW GLASGOW – Rudy Andrew Knoester, 78, New Glasgow, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 21, 2016 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, after battling brain cancer (Glioblastoma) for several months. Born in The Netherlands, he was a son of the late Andreis and Hertta (Wolff) Knoester. Rudy immigrated to Canada in 1953 with his parents and sisters, Joanne and Louise. As a young man, he and his father were employed in Pulp Mills in Thunder Bay, Ont. and Marathon, before moving to New Glasgow in 1967 when Scott Maritimes opened in Abercrombie. Rudy was a Stationary Engineer (First Class) and had worked at the mill in Abercrombie for over 30 years until retirement. While living in Thunder Bay, he met and married, Rita Happonen of Finland. Rudy enjoyed all sports. Growing up in Holland, he was a highly skilled soccer player and continued playing well into his 40’s in Canada. Rudy Volunteered with New Glasgow Minor Hockey, Youth Soccer, West Side Community Center and Tennis Club. He enjoyed carpentry and working on projects of his own and others. Rudy enjoyed music and an accomplished drummer, who played in bands whenever possible. He was a member of Hudson Lodge No. 77, A.F. & A.M. for many years, where he had served as Master and as District Deputy Grand Master of Masons (Pictou County). Rudy cherished his Masonic family and spent many enjoyable hours in the company of his brothers helping others. Surviving are his wife, Rita; sons, Eric (Donna) Knoester and their children, Hannah and Olivia, Victoria, B.C.; Harry (Charlene) Knoester, New Glasgow; sisters, Joanne (Louis) Toteda and family, and Louise (Dennis) Trevisanutto and family, Thunder Bay; The family will receive visitors 2-5 p.m. Monday, July 25 in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home where a Masonic Service will follow at 5 p.m. Interment will be in Abercrombie Cemetery. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Rudolph Andrew "Rudy" Knoester, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.