Sending my deepest sympathy to Lola and family.  Rudy was a happy go lucky, kind person. He will be greatly missed.
Ruth Gasporra

Kind, honest, hardworking, funny, and loving are a few words that describe my dad. He loved inspirational sayings and would post inspirational quotes throughout his house like “Live all you can, it’s a mistake not to, the right time is anytime that one is still so lucky to have.”
My dad loved nature, and in his younger years loved long distance running and mountain climbing.  He took me backpacking in Sequoia National Park and taught me how to swim in the Colorado River. He spoiled me as a child and that did not stop as I got older. My dad bought me a car at 17 and for the first year I never put gas in it, he always did that for me. I remember having to go to the gas station for the first time (after having the car for a year) and not knowing how to put gas into it since I had never done it before. The station attendant had to show me how.
I feel so lucky to have had so many years with my dad and I will forever be grateful to be his daughter.

To my best friend, my mentor, and the smartest man I know, you will be missed so much.  I will miss picking up the phone and talking to you, and getting advice on any issue I asked you about. You made everyone around you better, which is the trait of a real leader.  You came from humble beginnings, and achieved so much for being the son of immigrants. There are so many stories I could share, but a favorite one as a newly licensed driver, you told me that if I ever found myself in a situation where I couldn't drive, just call you, and you would pick me up, no matter what time of the day or night it was.  No questions asked, just never drive impaired.  Your favorite saying to me was "No matter what you might do, or even think about doing, don't think that I could fool you because you have probably already done it yourself".  All my friends thought you were the coolest adult because you treated us all with respect.  I will forever remember our summer backpacking trips in the High Sierras as a young man. You were a tremendous positive influence on my wife and kids, and they all loved and respected you.  I will see you again dad, on that Navy ship in a favorite port of call.. we will laugh and cry, and have that beer on at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel where we met in our Navy days in the 1970's.  Rest in peace my beloved father!

I cherished my time with Rudy. I loved listening to stories and drinking a few beers with him. My only true regret is that I never followed his career advice. Yes, Rudy. I should have become a roofer. 

Oh Father Rudy as I have affectionately called you since I met you nearly 40 years ago. I am sincerely going to miss your words of wisdom, hearty laughter, and your insistence to all of us to "do it now". Your advice over the years will stay with me always. I always appreciated your reminders: "Suz - P-M-A!" (positive mental attitude) it's good for your robot!" (brain) I will also forever cherish our time together in Alaska when the four of went on a cruise. You will agree that Hoonah was our favorite spot! Boy did we get a lot of mileage out of spelling that name! Thank you so much for being such a beautiful influence in my life and for bringing Rudy into the world. I feel so honored and lucky to call you my  father-in-law. Rest in peace, Father Rudy.

I was born 3 days after Rudy & Lola were married.  My Nino always teased that he and my Nina baptized me for superstitious good luck Mexican voodoo.  They said  if a couple baptized a baby soon after their wedding day the marriage was more likely to be happy and successful.  They were together for 65 years so the voodoo worked but it was I who was the lucky one!  It was a privilege and a gift having such kind, loving Godparents.  My Nino always enjoyed greeting  guests with a warm smile and a cold beer.  I imagine him in Heaven  dressed in full Navy gear smiling, drinking a cold one, listening to mariachis and bellowing gritos with his Brothers keeping the party going and the beer cold until we all get there to join in.  He is in my heart forever!

When Ruben, Rudy and I were in our 20's Uncle Rudy took us back packing in the Sierras.  The return  hike  to the car was about 24 miles. Uncle Rudy said if we hiked just 10 miles that day we could camp & rest for the night.  Instead he made us hike 20 miles!  He laughed when we called him a sadist and complained about having blisters on top of our blisters.  He was actually encouraged by it. He loved every minute and said he may have been old  but was still "fresh as a daisy." He said that since we traveled that far we might as well keep going the last 4 miles.  I told him he was crazy and if he wanted crazy, I would show him crazy!  I then put 2  giant rocks in my pack and started running full speed ahead.  I guess I passed out from dehydration and exhaustion on the trail.  When I regained consciousness and looked up from the ground the three of them were standing over me laughing hysterically.  
My Uncle Rudy was a smart, fun, Crazy guy who was a great influence in my life!


When FMC in Visalia closed Rudy transferred to the FMC in San Jose. He came to stay with Rose and I in in San Jose until  he could arrange to rent a house.  One night he said he would make tuna sandwiches for dinner for me and him.  He opened a can of tuna packed in oil, put it in a bowl oil and all and slapped it on two pieces of bread.  We both started to eat them and after the first bite I  through my in the garbage but he ate the whole thing. It didn't take long  for it to come back up.  I realized how much aunt Lola had spoiled him. We shared many fun times and a lot of beer together. He was a special guy and I'll miss him.

Rudy will be sorely missed.  He was a kind man with a big heart and bigger love of country and the Navy.  Fair winds and following seas.

I was very fortunate to have Rudy as my Father-In-Law.  We spent so many holidays, birthdays, family events, and BBQs together.  It has been a true blessing having Rudy and Dolores close enough to have shared so many things together over these many years.  I also can't begin to count the number of times he helped me around the house whether installing water heaters, routing gas lines, plumbing, drywall, fencing, concrete work...the list goes on.  There was nothing he couldn't do or fix around the house.  Most of all, Rudy was truly a role model and friend.  One of the most generous and patriotic people in my life.  Although he is no longer in body, he is still with me and still with all of us.  Of that, I am certain.

I will dearly miss my Brother-in-law, Rudy. I was LUCKY enough to grow up with you and my sister Lola and your children Rudy Jr., Ruben and Lisa in my younger years. I will cherish all the wonderful times we had and will have great memories forever. I salute you Rudy, for the wonderful life you lived and the great kind man you were.

Rest in peace now.  

Love always,
 Ernest (Netos) Mejia and Family

Our compadre was a very kind & generous man. As a young married couple back in the 1970’s we were very fortunate to become first time home owners, we met & made everlasting friendship with  our wonderful neighbors Compadre Rudy & his beautiful wife. I recently lost my husband & in my heart, I know without a doubt Heaven has acquired two wonderful Angels. 
Always a friend,
Cory Stearns 

Rest in Peace Uncle Rudy, 
    Michael Villegas & Family 

I will always remember the discussions we had about our military experiences. My fellow Veteran Brother & Cousin. My mom would always be so very happy when she would see Rudy at the birthday parties .  We will truly miss your presence at family gatherings, but will always remember you & drinking a cold beer..   With love Always, Joey and Suzanne.
                                                                               

We are extremely sorry for your loss!  May the beautiful moments you shared with Rudy help you through this tough time. 

With sincere sympathy, 
Eric, Martha, Maritza, Marlina, and Marta


My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Thank you Rudy for all of the great memories that we shared in family.
Love always,
Your cousin Tony Marquez

He was a simple man, a sincere man, a good man.  He needed only 2 things to be happy in life , work and beer.  I will miss my sitting down in the backyard of Trailview house drinking beer with him. By the time we finished our second glass of beer, we had solved most of the problems of the world. 
  Rudy has a new companion now. He is drinking beer not with me but God. 
I will miss him very much. 

I wanted to add some memories of Rudy
He was our neighbor and from the very start he was friendly and always would give advice and help when asked.
I remember when an water pipe into our house was broken and a plumber was asking for a huge amount to fix it.
Rudy came over, looked at the problem took me aside to tell me it needed a $4 part.
Rudy and Delores house had a big flag pole outside and for several years they allowed us to gather neighborhood kids for flag salutes and even parades
In return they came to every party our family held bringing delicious food and boy did Rudy love to chat
My son and I will miss our New Year tequila shots but our whole family intends to continue this tradition 
Cheers Rudy

Nino you will be greatly missed, I am so glad I got to FaceTime you and Nina around Christmas! All I have is memories that will forever be in my heart! One thing for sure I bet you and daddy are having the time of your life in Heaven! Nina, Little Rudy my thoughts and prayers are with you both, love you all! 

I first met Mr. Saenz growing up in San Bernardino when I believe I was 10.  His son Rudy and I were involved in little league and lived only a street apart. I remember he and Delores introducing me to what an authentic burrito was like   HOT!!!!!! oh my gosh.  I remember Mr. Saenz as forever rebuilding a vintage auto.  More than that he was a man of honor who taught me much about being accountable .  He was a proud family man, unselfish ,but always at the helm steering his family through the travailes of life.  He always kept his chin up even later in life when medical issues were present making sure his family would always be cared for. God broke the mold in Mr. Saenz.  I will truly miss him until we meet again.  May God bless him as he carries on his journey.  Knowing Mr. Saenz he is probably already forging the way for all of us when we come. 

He was the best neighbor I ever had
He bonded with my whole family especially my son Drew who invited he and Delores to his wedding 
He was a good man and special man who will be receiving special treatment in the hereafter 


OBITUARY

Rudy Saenz

October 9, 1932 – January 22, 2021

El Camino Memorial - Encinitas

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