RAINER CHRISTOPH RÖSSING

Rainer Christoph Rössing was born in Berlin, Germany, on April 1, 1939, to Bernhard and Annemarie Rössing (née Wenzel), just five months before the outbreak of World War II. He is lovingly remembered by his older sister, Rosemarie, and reunited in spirit with his younger brother, Ralf Bernd.

Family was at the center of Rainer’s life. He cherished his son, Karl-Frédéric Rössing, his daughter-in-law, Giovanna, and his beloved grandchildren, Matteo and Juliana, who brought him endless pride and joy. They will carry forward his legacy of warmth, generosity, and his remarkable talent for making friends wherever he went.

Rainer spent his early childhood in Berlin and the German countryside. During the bombing of Berlin, he, his mother, and his siblings fled through former Czechoslovakia to the region near the Swiss border, where they remained until after the war. His teenage years were shaped by his time at Herman Lietz Boarding School, where he excelled academically, participated in sports and theatre, and developed practical skills in agriculture and carpentry.

After graduation, Rainer pursued a career in the hotel and restaurant industry, inspired by his love of travel and his desire to explore the world. Following studies at the Hotel Management School in Switzerland, he worked and travelled across Switzerland, France, Spain, the Canary Islands, the United States, and Canada. He also journeyed through Eastern Canada, creating memorable experiences while working for CN Rail.

Rainer was a lifelong learner, always seeking out opportunities to deepen his knowledge and share his passion for hospitality. He completed formal training through the joint vocational and technical program offered by Red River Community College (RRCC) and the University of Manitoba, earning a degree with majors in French and Vocational Education. In the mid-1980s, he taught at several Winnipeg high schools as well as in the hospitality program at RRCC.

In 1988, Rainer joined Assiniboine Community College (ACC) in Brandon, Manitoba, as an instructor in their Hospitality Program. There, he led operations in the ACC cafeteria and later enhanced the program by introducing a more hands-on, realistic training environment at the Grey Owl Restaurant. In 1997, he completed his Master’s degree, writing his thesis titled “Parameters for an Effective, Entrepreneurial, Regional Hotel/ Restaurant Management Training Program in Manitoba, Canada.” Rainer retired from ACC in 2005.

Throughout his career, he was actively involved with organizations including the Manitoba Swiss Club and the Manitoba Chefs Association, and he frequently volunteered at non-profit organizations and community events, sharing both his hospitality skills and his gift for friendship. He also enjoyed skiing on the hills in Minnedosa, MB.

Rainer often spoke with deep affection about the two great loves of his life. The first was Carmen Gaudet of Gatineau, QC, Karl’s mother, to whom he was married from 1973 to 1984. Later, in the 1990s, he found a devoted partner and cherished companion in Joanne Sutherland of Brandon, MB. Together, Rainer and Joanne shared more than 30 wonderful years, traveling widely, building a beautiful cabin, and creating countless treasured memories.

In retirement, Rainer travelled across Canada and Europe in his Winnebago, visiting family and friends wherever the road led. He poured his energy into building his cabin at Clear Lake in Riding Mountain National Park and continued refining his skills in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian. He loved gathering with friends for weekend coffee and took great joy in preparing memorable meals—transforming simple ingredients into feasts made with heart.

Rainer often said that he had lived several lives, each one bringing new experiences, new friends, and new stories. We are grateful to all the people he connected with over the years, for through their memories, his spirit will continue to live on.

“Ein Freund ist jemand, 

der dich kennt und 

dich trotzdem liebt.”

“A friend is one 

who knows you and 

loves you just the same.”

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