David Frank Rudgers

David F. Rudgers (to the government) - called Dave (by everyone else) - was born on February 12, 1941, in Washington, DC. He was not only highly educated - Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland and Master’s and Ph.D. from George Washington University - but he was a student of the world. His vast personal library allowed him to learn about everything from American History to black holes to medieval Icelandic commerce (we are not making this up).

Just don’t ask him to do any math.

He spent 40+ years in service to his country by working for the federal government. After spending the first decade or so at the National Archives, he moved to the CIA, where he was an intelligence analyst. Known colloquially to his younger colleagues as “Doctor,” he served as a mentor and éminence grise to generations of fellow analysts. In his capacities at the CIA, he was able to travel throughout South and Central America. Along the way, he was able to try Argentinian steak, something he talked about a lot.

Dave was also the author of a history of the founding of the CIA, “Creating the Secret State,” published by the University Press of Kansas. It is an excellent book and you should own it.

Married for 45 years to Bette (Pascoe), Dave loved to travel and see new things. He had a particular love for the Shenandoah Valley and Rockingham County, VA, where Dave and Bette spent many joyful hours. He was an inveterate reader, note taker, record keeper, shutterbug, and goofball. He never saw a statue he couldn’t pose next to and make funny faces at. But he also loved the quiet nights at home, Bette knitting and him reading, listening to classical music, Gordon Lightfoot, or Stan Rogers.

Dave is survived by his wife Bette, sons Kyle and Eric, daughter-in-law Kari, grandchildren Fenne and Sasha, and his brother Anthony. Dave was predeceased by his first wife, Kathleen, and his granddaughter Cathleen. All who knew Dave loved his infectious humor and his gentle nature. He will be missed and loved for all time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the First Presbyterian Church, Arlington, VA (https://www.fpcarlington.org), or the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation (cbtf.org).