Vladimir Prudek

Vladimir (Lud) Prudek died at home on August 24th 2017.


He was born at home on January 16, 1930 to Jacob and Rose (Kocha) Prudek. He went to Sunnyside school for 8 years and then to Castleford High School.


He Joined the U.S.A.F. In 1950 working in security and pilot's training. He came home to farm and married Lois West in November 1954. In 1957 they moved to Bow Island, Alberta, Canada for unique opportunities in irrigation farming which was new to the area. They picked up where the original homesteaders left off, raising two children, and developing their place into an excellent farm.


He farmed specialty crops for 43 years; was involved in the development of the dry bean industry, co-founding the original Bow Island Bean Processing Plant and Alberta Bean Growers Ltd. Lud was a founding director of Alberta Soft Wheat Growers Association and the Pulse Growers Commission. He was a founding director of Farming For The Future with the University of Lethbridge Alberta Research Institute. He was the first chairman of the National Agriculture and Food Research Advisory Committee, and local board director for ten years with the Sugar Beet Growers Association.


Throughout his life he worked hard to make agriculture the most efficient and sustainable way of life possible. Canada, his farms, his cattle, and his beloved dog Belle were his passions.


He is survived by his wife, Lois of 62 years; his daughter, Marla Prudek; his son, Mark Prudek, and his sister Rose Hahn. Predeceased by his parents Jacob and Rose Prudek, brothers Jake and Rudy Prudek, sisters Evelyn Reedy and Virginia Prudek and his best friend Jerry Bartosak.

A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Farmer Funeral Chapel in Buhl.