Rudy passed away on March 14, 2019 at home in Waipahu. He graduated from Waipahu High School in 1961, attended Leeward Community College in 1994, and Honolulu Community College in 1996. Rudy worked at the Oahu Sugar Company in Waipahu for 28 years, GTE Hawaiian Telephone a few years, and eventually retired from the State of Hawaii-DOT after 17 years. During the 1990s Rudy volunteered at Mid-Pacific Rehabilitation, State of Hawaii-Child Protective Service, and the Salvation Army. Rudy was a pioneer in volleyball coaching. As early as 1961, he studied the sport and shared his knowledge through his coaching and teaching of many young players throughout the State of Hawaii. In 1961, Rudy founded and was most recognized as the head coach of the Ku'uipo Volleyball Club until 2000. His knowledge, commitment, and love for volleyball was undeniable. He attracted many collegiate athletes to play under his tutelage and participate in numerous local, state, and national tournaments under Ku'uipo Volleyball Club. Some of his most notable coaching moments were his selection to be head coach of the Pacific Rim Volleyball Championships teams from 1974 - 1977, and participation in USVBA National Tournaments as a coach and certified national official. In 1975 and 1976 he coached the Waipahu High School Varsity Girls Volleyball teams to consecutive HHSAA State Title Championships. In 1980, Rudy co-established and co-directed the Youth Volleyball Development Program sponsored by CRUSH until 1983. He continued to coach and help various teams until 2017. Rudy's vision and long-range goal was to see youth and adults alike continue to improve on their growth as players and, most importantly, as individuals. Through his coaching, mentoring, and guidance many young women and men were able to become successful adults and are forever grateful. Most of all, Rudy was a loving and supportive husband to Darnelle for 33 years. His greatest joys were his daughter, Raynelle (Justin) Finklestein, and son, Garrett. Rudy loved being "Papa" to three grandchildren, Noah, Malachi, and Lailie. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Bobby (Wilma), Jerry (Sharon), Teddy, Clifford, Steven, Veronica Jackson, and Verna (Gordon) Kekahuna; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. We would love to have you join us in his Celebration of Life on Friday, May 17, 2019, at Mililani Memorial Park, Mauka Chapel. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. with Services at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow the reception.
Rudy passed away on March 14, 2019 at home in Waipahu. He graduated from Waipahu High School in 1961, attended Leeward Community College in 1994, and Honolulu Community College in 1996. Rudy worked at the Oahu Sugar Company in Waipahu for 28 years, GTE Hawaiian Telephone a few years, and eventually retired from the State of Hawaii-DOT after 17 years. During the 1990s Rudy volunteered at Mid-Pacific Rehabilitation, State of Hawaii-Child Protective Service, and the Salvation Army. Rudy was a pioneer in volleyball coaching. As early as 1961, he studied the sport and shared his knowledge through his coaching and teaching of many young players throughout the State of Hawaii. In 1961, Rudy founded and was most recognized as the head coach of the Ku'uipo Volleyball Club until 2000. His knowledge, commitment, and love for volleyball was undeniable. He attracted many collegiate athletes to play under his tutelage and participate in numerous local, state, and national tournaments under Ku'uipo Volleyball Club. Some of his most notable coaching moments were his selection to be head coach of the Pacific Rim Volleyball Championships teams from 1974 - 1977, and participation in USVBA National Tournaments as a coach and certified national official. In 1975 and 1976 he coached the Waipahu High School Varsity Girls Volleyball teams to consecutive HHSAA State Title Championships. In 1980, Rudy co-established and co-directed the Youth Volleyball Development Program sponsored by CRUSH until 1983. He continued to coach and help various teams until 2017. Rudy's vision and long-range goal was to see youth and adults alike continue to improve on their growth as players and, most importantly, as individuals. Through his coaching, mentoring, and guidance many young women and men were able to become successful adults and are forever grateful. Most of all, Rudy was a loving and supportive husband to Darnelle for 33 years. His greatest joys were his daughter, Raynelle (Justin) Finklestein, and son, Garrett. Rudy loved being "Papa" to three grandchildren, Noah, Malachi, and Lailie. Surviving brothers and sisters are: Bobby (Wilma), Jerry (Sharon), Teddy, Clifford, Steven, Veronica Jackson, and Verna (Gordon) Kekahuna; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. We would love to have you join us in his Celebration of Life on Friday, May 17, 2019, at Mililani Memorial Park, Mauka Chapel. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. with Services at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow the reception.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
