Bert (Engelbert) Ruf, jr. who wrestled primarily under the name Big Mikey in Canadian independent promotions, passed away on June 18, 2010. He was 44, and succumbed to cancer.

 

Bert was born in Winnipeg on April 29, 1966 and brought great joy to his parents. He graduated from West St. Paul School, where he excelled in Track and Field and baseball, winning a trophy in Grade 9 for All Around Sportsman. He graduated Grade 12 from West Kildonan Collegiate, where he excelled in football and rugby and won again the trophy for All Around Sportsman. Bert played for the Moradas and St. Vital Mustangs and later played for the St. James Rods and Winnipeg Senior Mustangs. He also competed in a local Strong Man Competition, wrestled and played hockey.

 

Bert loved life, his daughters and people around him without reservation. Bert was predeceased by his father Bert Sr., aunts, uncles and grandparents in Germany and Paraguay. He is survived by his precious daughters, Brenna and Kerra and their mother Carla. He is also survived by his mother Toni, brother David (Brenda), sister Elizabeth, nephew Matthew, aunt Sonia Wiens and family, uncle Mike and Eva Ruf and family. He also leaves family in Germany, Paraguay, Australia and Ukraine.

 

He will be missed by his close friend and Godfather to his children, Mike and many other good friends, too many to mention, that he kept close to his heart. Bert was employed at Purolator Courier. He loved the people on his route and always talked about how much they meant to him and how he enjoyed the laughter and discussions.