jdrake

My avatar says it all. Bought the car from Rudy in October 2018. Every time the car placed in a car show, I would text him to let him known "WE" won in another show. I have always viewed my Zenith Blue 993 as "OUR" car even though he sold it to me. His last text message to me a few weeks ago said "Anything for a car brother". We were "Car Brothers". RIP Car Brother.

Chris M.

What an incredible guy. I sold him my 4S in November 2013 then watched its life over the years on Instagram keeping in touch with him sporadically as the "Rudyfication" took effect. In January 2021 I PMed him here asking if he'd consider selling it back to me. He said text me in 6 months and I'll see how I feel about selling. I texted in June and he said I'm gonna hold onto it, I said OK no problem brother.

August 7 he PMed me here and said "hey Chris I'm ready, call me middle of next week." I was so excited, looking at flights, etc. I called Wednesday the 11th, texted the 12th, then learned of the horrible news. I feel awful I didn't even know he was hospitalized, he must have sent the August 7 PM from the hospital. Even in his final days he was still thinking of his Porsche family.

Thank you Rudy for inspiring all of us to go after the things we love and to make the most out of them when we get them.

Khloesdad

Very cool.

911-TOUR

I wish I could find some pictures of the times Rudy and I got together for a drive and to "shoot-the-bull" on aircooled 911s and 993s in particular. The last time was shortly before I sold my 993 for the Carrera T. I grew up with these cars and worked on them through HS and college - Rudy always knew something about the 993 (and the 964!) that I'd never heard - he was an amazing reservoir of knowledge and so generous with his time. One of the pillars of the Houston (and global) P-Car community.

We probably talked for hours after that last drive. Rarely have I ever met someone as passionate and genuine about his life and his hobby. It's taken me a few days to write this, I've lost several friends over the last weeks to COVID here in South Texas. I'm not one to preach - but please tell everyone you know to consider the risks - at this point we all need to get vaccinated. Do it for your friends, your family, and yourselves.

I will dearly miss you, my friend. Keep the garage lights on for when I get there - we'll have another drive. Farewell in Heaven.

Khloesdad

On a lighter note. I'm sure if it were up to Rudy, he would have taken all those cars with him.

RC DOUBLE

What a great guy he was!! He will be missed for sure!!

ThePhanatic

RIP Rudy

Wanted to include old photo of my car. Not directly related to Rudy but given his reputation I had to share this old plate in his honor.

BrotherNature

Gutted. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Rudy, I was always surprised by how connected he was with everyone in this community. A number of years back, I had broken down in Oklahoma, between Amarillo and OKC, and called a friend for advice. He recommended getting in touch with Rudy - but ultimately I never got to make the connection as Rudy was on the far side of Texas IIRC.

Vandit

His services were earlier today. His family streamed them for those who could not attend.

Grapeape

Very nice service, thanks for posting. Prayers for strength to his family.

oalvarez

Thank you for sharing this......uplifting but sad nonetheless.

I didn't know Rudy, I did follow him on social media, he was a good (family) man by everyone's comments.

Wow that collection of 993s.

Rest in peace, Rudy.

RJT

We watched the live stream this morning and we are not embarrassed to say there were tears.
Rudy was a good man and a good friend.

We first met Rudy here on Rennlist. When he became interested in a 911 here in Arkansas he reached out to us and asked if we could go see it and if it passed inspection then he and Paula would drive up to see it. Rob checked it out and gave it thumbs up.
Rudy bought it and said they would drive up with their trailer and turn around and take it home. We insisted that they stay with us that night because it was getting too late to drive 9 hours back to Katy.
We had a wonderful dinner where we exchanged life stories and Porsche stories and there was a lot of laughter. Later that night we heard Rudy's testimony and how he came to love the Lord. There was something so special listening to Rudy. Just think about all the people he has touched in his short time on this earth. People from all the world and from all walks of life. This does not happen unless you are a light in this world. Rudy was more than a light, he was a beacon!

Rob and I have been around Porsche people for 35+ years. We have made so many great friends, but with age, we have started to lose some. But Rudy?
His passing has affected us like no other. I know we are not alone feeling this way. I can't tell you the countless number of people we have told Rudy's story to and they have all been amazed at what he has achieved and his crediting all of it to his faith in God. Rob and I may not be a bright beacon like Rudy, but we will continue telling Rudy's story. It is a story that needs to be told so we can continue to add the light from his bright beacon back into this world.

Rest in peace dear friend.

Grapeape

The story told by the Pastor of the Arkansas trip stood out for me. A great story of a simple transaction turning into a life long friendship.

RJT

That is us. It definitely is a very special friendship and will always be.

fsa

It is sad, it is telling, after the tragedy felling lovely Rudy, a man whom I met on several occasions, that despite his terrible death, no one was wearing a face mask during his memorial.
We must do better, now, masking and vaccination, before this pandemic and others results in many more unanticipated memorials.

FSA, M.D., Co-Director(retired), 3rd busiest Emergency Medicine facility, L.A. County