Saul Gavin Rudman

Saul Gavin Rudman passed away Saturday morning, February 3, peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving husband, his sister, and the love of his family and friends. He is survived by his husband, mother, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews – too many to count – through whom his memory will live on.

Saul was born in Welkom, South Africa, on June 11th 1963, to parents Sadie and Harold Rudman. He was an incredibly smart, creative kid with hobbies galore — from making ceramics to dancing with his sister. He loved listening to the stories of the older generations, chatting with the grannies in town. As kids, Saul and his siblings Jack and Lana would listen to radio shows until it was time for lights out, and roll down the hilly streets of Durban on homemade skateboards.

In 1978, Saul and his family moved to New York, where he attended prestigious Stuyvesant High School where he made lifelong friends. Saul then attended the University of Rochester where he received both his Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Education and Psychology.

Throughout his career, Saul impacted countless lives as he helped place young people in educational programs that truly worked for them – including his own school in Costa Rica which he founded – changing their lives for the better. Saul’s creativity, paired with his deep empathy and brilliant mind made him uniquely poised to give young people the support, guidance, and tools they needed to get their lives on the right track.

Saul met his husband, James Herrera, through mutual friends when he moved to Monterey. They have been together for almost 21 years, and were married 4 years ago. Saul and James built a life together with their beloved dog, Monterey Jack.

In the end, they faced Saul’s devastating illness with great strength and courage. Saul left this life in the embrace of his husband James, and knowing he was surrounded by the love of all his family and friends. He was fully aware of the close family and friends sending and showing their love and warmth during his last days. Saul particularly drew great strength from his sister at the end, who had spent the past year beating cancer herself and who could, unfortunately, identify with his struggle.

Ultimately, Saul was able to accomplish his goals of passing peacefully, feeling in control of his fate, at home surrounded by nothing but love.

Graveside services have take place.