Nearly every lunch time for a couple of years, I played cribbage with Rudy. My best memory of him though is when I climbed Mt Fuji with him. He carried all the water made it up to the top, and not seeing the rest anywhere in site (he had left us in the dust), he donated the water and walked back down. On the way down, he met us - no water, we were dying! but then he turned around and walked back up with us. He was older than I, he got to the top in 3 hrs, i was pushed up to the top in 7 hours! Rudy was mentally and physically fit.

Rudy "drafted" me into his Office, was my mentor, then my co-worker, fellow teacher of things related to Safety, but most importantly, my friend.  I will always remember him fondly.

I met Rudy for the first time in 1960 at the Mataripe Refinery,Bahia Brazil. Rudy was sharing a house with Danny Barbosa.One late evening as I was returning from the refinery I spotted Rudy sitting under a street lamp post reading a book.I questioned him on why he was reading at that location and a  typical Rudy answer and a testament to his humanity, which I found to be the case through all the years I knew him"I don't want to disturb Danny with  keeping the lights on in the house.
  Gene Donohue


All my memories of Rudy are great. He was an outstanding Engineer, but was equally outstanding in personal fittness, philosophical outlook and love of nature. Rudy kept abreast of all matters of intellect and yet would take the time to make his thoughts clear to all ears. He will be greatly missed.

Rick and Chisato Parama

From so many years of memories, it is difficult to select the most poignant. Rudy slaying ignorance in Issue "R" (for Rudy, they said) P&ID reviews. Climbing towering steam drum structures in Palembang, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Searching for that ever elusive, perfect slice of Black Forest cake in tiny Singapore bakeries. Stretched out across five seats for the whole of a KLM flight out of Amsterdam. Celebrating 40-years of service at a fantastic dinner in Paris. Being startled by Rudy as he charged up flights of stairs in the office tower, lead weights strapped to his ankles, getting ready for a another trek or climb off somewhere. Or just the simple joy of coming to Houston and spying Rudy once again, crossing the street to the office. Rest well, Rudy, while we enjoy the memories.

I worked on many projects with Rudy during the past 32 years with MWK/KBR and I especially enjoyed the times when we participated together in HAZOP studies of LNG facilities.  We met on projects in various locations - USA, Japan, UK, Australia, Algeria and the breadth & depth of his knowledge was truly awesome.  In addition he was that rare individual - a genuinely good person whose humility was a life-lesson to many of us lesser mortals.  He was a legend throughout our industry and I doubt we will ever see his like again.

When I joined Kellogg in 1990, Rudy was the Chief Engineer. When I came back to KBR in 2008, Rudy was a technical advisor. His job title had changed but Rudy was the same, asking technically challenging questions to the team with him. Rudy's trademark was to encourage the team members to ask questions, challenge them to do the best they can. From the background as a PM, I enjoyed it all. I'll cherish the memories forever.
May Rudy's soul rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

It was my great privilege to work with Rudy in the 80s and 90s when Kellogg was developing and commercializing new ammonia  technologies.  He was the company's technical hammer, and a truly unique and irreplaceable asset.  I learned much from Rudy, and in quiet moments, enjoyed talking astronomy with him.  It was easy to find common grounds with a man who's curiosity  knew no bounds.  Rudy will always be greatly respected, and deeply missed.

I first met Rudy in May of 2005 when I started riding the 131 West Belt Metro bus after when my company relocated many of its offices downtown.  Rudy was a dedicated rider, and I think the only times he wasn’t on the bus was when he was on a business trip; I'm not sure I can recall him taking a vacation.

Most every morning we walked the 7 blocks from our last downtown stop to our offices; KBR is just 2 blocks beyond my office.  However, it was during the rain storms, when we make the trek in the tunnels that I spent the majority of my time talking with Rudy.  It was those quieter times where I learned of is length of service with KBR (amazingly 20 years more than mine).  However, it wasn’t until I shared with him that my son had enlisted in the Marines, that he enlightened me that he was in the Battle of the Bulge with my father.  During these talks it was easy to gleam of his love for his family and his passion for his work, as well has ability to get to the point if he had an opinion to share.

It is amazing to me how a community is formed at 5:30am on a bus, but it happens.  I think I can speak the riders, along with the numerous drivers, on the 5:30'sh 131 West Belt who shared those short 30-40 minutes of time every morning with Rudy, that we have prayed for him and also feel the loss of a friend.

I knew Rudy when I was working for KBR in Jakarta on Ammonia plants.  He can there for the HAZOP and was so very knowledgeable about so many aspects that I was very impressed.  I would walk him back to the hotel and had some very inspiring conversations with him.  A gentleman and scholar

Kevin Pinto

We will all sadly miss Rudy.  I have known him well since I joined Kellogg in 1973.  Without any hyperbole, I can say that he was a genius.  Some may not be aware that he was a math wizard, among other things.  He loved solving complicated puzzles and math problems.  We have had many enjoyable discussions in this area.

We will all cherish his memory.

S. Madhavan
Retired Director, Plant Services
KBR

Having a conversation with Rudy was a rewarding experience.  He was immensely knowledgeable, but never aloof – and always respectful and pleasant.

I am a short timer at KBR/MW Kellogg (only 34 years) compared to Rudy but he was a very special man. He lives in each of us by his soft spoken tone and technical learnings that all have cherished. His expertise at reviewing Piping and Instrument Diagrams (P&IDs) is apart of 1000's of our plants that he guided/designed safely. He was a great mentor, friend and worker. Just remember him for what he loved. Praying for your families.

Rudy Frey was a very special person whom only comes along every once and awhile.  He was a man with great intellect and made an indelible mark on all those who worked with him.  His technical contributions certainly made an indelible mark on the M.W. Kellogg Co. as well.  I always have had the highest respect for Rudy’s opinion and advice (because he was always right on target).  His service with Kellogg-KBR has set a bar for which will not ever be surpassed.  
I have always been in awe of Rudy’s feats of physical stamina.  I have often heard tales of him climbing Mt. Fuji and leaving much younger people in his dust.  I am certain that the many people with whom he came in contact will always carry good and fond memories of Rudy Frey.  He may be physically gone; however, he will live in the memories of many, many people who were fortunate enough to know him.
Godspeed Rudy, and may God bless his family.

Rudy set a great example for us in thought leadership and inter-personal relations.  His influence will be felt for a long time.

I have known Rudy for my entire professional career.  He was a legend within MWK  / KBR.  He was a role model for many and was unpretentious in his dealings with others.  I can recall when we were located at Greenway Plaza, he would climb to the 17th Floor everyday wearing ankle weights to prepare himself for climbing mountains.  Well, in life, Rudy did achieve that goal and reached the top. He will be missed.

I've known Rudy since the 70's. We have never worked side by side, but his kind naturedness will be missed. All these years even up till last month, he always nodded and smiled when we greeted each other passing on the street or hallways of Greenway or Cullen Center. I will never forget him.
I want to extend my sincerest condolences to all of Rudy's family.

You will be missed and never forgotten Rudy!  Rita Maldonado/KBR

I first met Rudy about 25 years ago when I was a much younger engineer. I was amazed at his depth of knowledge. Seemingly any engineering subject. I figured I'd never know that much. Rudy and I would occasionally get into casual discussions in between meetings, and he always had interesting stories about things he'd done and places he'd visited. It seems like not only did he know everything, but he'd been everywhere too. Rudy would also send me articles and ask me about my interests. He wasn't just the smartest guy you ever met, he cared about you too. 

I'm older and more experienced now, but I still have at least 35 years to to just to try to approach Rudy's skills. I will miss our friendship, the anonymous NYT articles on Korea sent in the interoffice mail, and Rudy's spirit and interest in everything. A big part of this company has passed along with Rudy. But we will strive to keep up your level of knowledge, interest, and enthusiasm. 

Thank you, Rudy. It's been an honor knowing you and being your friend.

It was the year 1974 when I met Rudy.  He was the Department Manager of Project Systems and reporting directly to Rudy was Peter Waldheim (my immediate boss (friend).  Rudy always had a ready smile when we would cross paths.  As the years progressed, we would catch a glimpse of each other.  When I retired in 1985 (to be a mommy), I then saw Rudy at the Quarter Century Club and parties thereafter.  He was such a delight to know!  In fact, he would always tease me about my hats - including this last time at the Holiday Party.  As I remembered him often through life, he will still be remembered.

My deepest sympathy for Rudy's Family.
Fondly, Dani Ray (Castorina)

KBR will never have another employee like Rudy or who has the knowledge that Rudy had.  I'll miss him dearly, but have comfort in knowing that he is no loger suffering.  My thoughts and prayers will be with the family. Mary Vranesevich,Admin. for the Office of the Chief Engineer.

Rudy,   What a wonderful soul you were.  You WILL be missed here at Kellogg/KBR.  Go GREEN!!!

I've known and worked with Rudy for 30 years at KBR.  He was a true professional, and had a large heart for ensuring the Process Industries were designed and built safely.  His engineering knowledge was superior to anyone else's I have ever known.  One thing is for sure, when Rudy spoke, everyone listened because they wanted to know what the best design was and why.  Early in my career I learned that Rudy's nickname was "Mr Ammonia".  Rudy was the one person everyone looked to for ammonia technology and plant design in the 1970s and 1980s.  Some repeat clients insisted on having Rudy on their Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) teams to provide safety and operability recommendations.    Rudy was my informal instructor in our chosen business, and a great inspiration.  I will miss him greatly!

My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Rudy, was a very nice individual. He will be missed.

Regards
Carol Charles

I had the pleasure of working with Rudy on several occasions since joining MW Kellogg in 1980. What a great man he was to work with. A true professional who knew his trade inside and out, Rudy represents a huge part of the shape, culture and now history of the company and was an icon who exemplified a lot of the ideals we all strive to achieve in our careers. I am proud to have been associated with someone of his stature.

Please accept my condolences as we all celebrate a life lived to the fullest.  God speed Rudy.

My prayers are with the family at this hour of sadness.

I have not worked with KBR long but I am blessed for having had the chance to work with Mr. Rudy.  I learned so much the little that I worked with him and he will always be remembered in my heart and thoughts.  
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!

I did not interact with Rudy a lot, but when I did, I enjoyed his expertise in almost all technical aspects of plant design.
I will never forget you. Rest in peace.

I shared some great times and adventures with Rudy over the many years we were together. Rudy hired me at Kellogg in 1973, and was a mentor and a friend ever since. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his family.
Burnie Landry

May God bless the Frey Family in the passing of a legend. Rudy was truly an icon.

Dear Edward, Carl, Christine, Theresa and all of your dear father's family,

On behalf of many in my family who knew him and myself, our deepest sympathy and condolences.  When I read the news, I was terribly saddened as if I had lost a father or older brother.
Your father was one of the most special people I had the fortune to know, befriend and spend time with as a colleague.  Your father had a tremendous influence on my life both professionally and personally.  He was the first person at Kellogg to give to give me a management opportunity. His dedication to staying fit led me to follow his footsteps and become a "health nut."  I ran my first marathon with him in 1979 and he "nursed" me in from the 20 mile mark to the finish.
Your father was an engineer's engineer and a very loyal and supportive colleague.  He was not a man of many words, letting his deeds more than his words do the talking.  I would have loved to have spoken at his service if I had been able to get to Houston in time.  
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families,

Blessings,

Peter Waldheim and Family, Highlands Ranch, Colorado

One of the greatest at what he did - a true legend and a remarkable thinker - I enjoyed every bit of my interaction with him - from process design to Ramanujan's number theory. He will forever be alive thru the hundreds of people like me who have benefited from the time we had spent with him. 
May he rest in peace.

We were deskmates in the early 50's and shared many far flung interests ,one of which was violin acoustics.This eventually led to a lifelong hobby.He was a kind and gentle soul and will not be forgotten.

I was Rudy Frey's secretary around 1972.  It was a pleasure being in his department and working for him.  When I left I brought him what he told me was his favorite pie - dutch apple.  Many years later he sponsored me on a 2 day charity bike ride.   Pam Nelson

I met Rudy when I joined KBR in 1990. Since then, I had the honor of working with him many times.  He was a great mentor, a teacher and an inspiration. Now he is a legend. He will be missed.

Rudy was a friend and a colleague. Besides working together at Kellogg he and I shared many mornings for four years rapidly walking from the westside of Manhattan to Kellogg on the eastside. He inspired me to undertake some very interesting backpacking adventures. We are all poorer for his passing.

Having worked for the M.W. Kellogg Company later to become KBR for over 30 years I knew Rudy very well. He was both a great engineer and a wonderful person. It was a privilege to have known him. I will remember him and his family in my prayers

Rudy was a mentor to me and a dear friend.  I rejoice that Rudy knew the Lord, and look forward to visiting with him again one day.

Rudy, was one of the most helpful people I've had the pleasure to work with and he will be sorely missed.

What a great legacy and example you left for us. I will miss you at KBR.

We will miss you Rudy.  October 6th will always be special to the Frey family.

I am a former colleague of Rudy's from M.W. Kellogg.  I am sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow.

OBITUARY

Rudolph C. Frey

October 6, 1925 – July 11, 2010

Waltrip Funeral Directors

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