Robert Randall Rudge

Robert passed away January 31, 2018 at his home in Folsom, CA at the age of 75. Robert was born in Torrance, CA to parents Robert Randal & Clara Isabel Rudge. Robert attended elementary school at South School (Redondo Beach, CA), middle school at Hillcrest School (Redondo Beach, CA), Redondo Union High School (1956-1957), and graduated in 1959 from San Juan High School (Citrus Heights, CA).

Robert (Bobby) grew up across the street from the ocean in Redondo Beach and had a passionate love for the ocean. He was a junior lifeguard and he loved to surf almost every day. Bobby even earned the Certificate of Merit in Education for Public Safety in 1953 at the age of 11. Robert was also a strong wrestler in school in Redondo Beach and even started the wrestling team at San Juan High School when his parents moved the family from Redondo Beach to Fair Oaks, CA in 1957.

At the very young age of approximately 8, Robert (Bobby) started lifting weights and also developed a love for motorcycles when he used to sit on his father's motorcycle or go for a ride with him. That affection for riding motorcycles and weight lifting stayed with him throughout his lifetime.

When he stopped working out at a gym using free weights, he was disciplined in working out in his garage, pumping iron 3 times a week for over 45 years, accompanied by many of his friends whom he trained. At the age of 70, Robert began competing in power lifting/bench-press competitions in a couple of federations for state, national and world championships. Not only did he break state and national records but he also holds 5 world championships from 2012 through 2016. His highest raw bench press being 363.76 lbs. in 2015. Robert also set the state and national record in March of 2017 at the age of 75 with a raw bench press of 325 lbs.. Ultimately, he was nicknamed “Iron Man” from his family, friends, and fellow veterans from the American Legion and VFW.

Robert served 2 years active duty in the Army and 4 years active reserve in the Army during the Vietnam War. From the U.S. Army Training Center, Infantry, Company C, 5th Battalion, 3d Brigade in Fort Ord, CA, he was eventually transferred and stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington as a specialist with the 6th Howitzer Battalion, 32nd Artillery. Robert also received a Good Conduct Medal.

Robert was a member of the American Legion Fair Oaks, Post 383 and the American Legion Riders, Chapter 383 and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and feeling the wind in his face. He participated and contributed much of his time at veteran memorial services, riding in honor of fallen heroes, escorting and holding flag lines at veteran memorial services. He also enjoyed riding on road trips with Katrina, family and friends to places like Sturgis, Coos Bay Oregon, Lake Tahoe, Monterey, and especially up and down the pacific coast just to be by the ocean to feel and smell the ocean air.

He loved taking road trips and camping, having family get-togethers and barbeques with Katrina and his children throughout the years and always taught his children new things with a hands-on approach.

Robert is survived by his wife of 41 years, Katrina Rudge. He is also survived by daughter Kristina Rist, spouse Tyler, son, John Rudge, daughter Natalie Stone, spouse Tylie, and daughter Debra Machado. Eight grandchildren of which he was especially close to Kaitlyn, Kamryn, and Kharlie Rist of who dearly referred to him as "Pa". Three great-grandchildren. His sister Donna Schultz. Father-in-law, Guy Saladine, Jr., Brother-in-law Anthony Saladine, spouse Anita, Brother-in-law, Guy Saladine III, many nieces, and nephews. Danny Azevedo and Delores Oerman. Robert is predeceased by his sister Mary Jane Jennings.

Services will be held at Mount Vernon Memorial Park on Friday, February 9th at 1:00 p.m. Reception to immediately follow at Lew Howard Park/Robert H. Miller III Rotary Clubhouse, 7046 Baldwin Dam Road, Folsom, CA 95630.