Robert F. Rudd of Traverse City, MI passed away on December 17, 2016 at the age of 83.
A graduate of Michigan State University and the University of South Dakota, Bob taught chemistry at NMC for 35 years. He was a constant presence in his volunteer work for the college, including the NMC Barbecue, and many other community organizations, including the Dennos Museum. During his time at NMC, Bob received the Imogene Wise Award and the NMC Fellows Award.
Many knew Bob for his creation of handmade Shaker boxes. Bob also built many of the benches along the North Country Trail and was a longtime trail steward. He was a regular volunteer on Isle Royale, first visiting the island along with a group of three friends when he was 17.
Bob met his wife of 62 years, Grace Ann Wood, in high school trigonometry class. Together they had three children, Cheryl Phelps of Holland, MI, Michele Rudd (Roger Putman) of Traverse City, and Rob Rudd of Philadelphia, PA, and four grandchildren, Christine, Patrick, Tyler, and Elliot.
A memorial service will be held April 1, 2017 at NMC in Traverse City, MI. Memorial contributions can be made to the Dennos Museum, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, or to the charity of your choice.
Bob lived his life in tune with Loren Eiseley’s philosophy that “we love the earth but cannot stay.”