J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Homes

Rudy, Oliver D."Skitch"

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Oliver D. “Skitch” Rudy passed away on March 13, 2007, at Johnston Willis Hospital in Chesterfield County, Virginia. The family he loved was by his side. He is survived by his wife, Jill, the love of his life. He was preceded in death by his mother Ernestine W. Rudy and his father Oliver W. Rudy. Survivors include his daughter Lynn Rudy Garner and her husband Gary Garner, his son, Richard Andrew Rudy and his wife Alexis Felts Rudy, grandchildren Katherine Garner and Elizabeth Garner, his brother Jerry W. Rudy and his wife Julia Rudy, his sister Rosemary Rudy Kilhoffer and her husband Carl Kilhoffer, his brother-in-law John Hesse and his wife Katja Hesse and nieces Sarah Rudy, Jamison Reed, Kathleen Canales, Kathleen Hesse, Ashley Wilson and nephews Cleave Marthinson, Dawson Kilhoffer, and Tim Wilson. He was born on May 3, 1937, in Petersburg, Virginia and excelled in academics and athletics at Petersburg High School and later at Duke University. After a brilliant career in football, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers. He declined their offer and enrolled in the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond where he graduated with honors and was a member of the McNeill Law Society. His legal reputation led him to Chesterfield where he practiced law with Gates & Rudy, and he served as an assistant Commonwealth’s attorney. He became Commonwealth’s Attorney on July 1, 1966, and served until December 31, 1979. He was counsel for the School Board of Chesterfield County and he represented the Board in litigation involving the consolidation of the school systems of Henrico, Chesterfield, and the City of Richmond. The School Board won this suit in the Supreme Court of the United States. After leaving the Commonwealth Attorney’s office he practiced law with J.J. Jewett, John Daffron, Jr., and Thomas Winston, and they will always be remembered for the gourmet lunches enjoyed after winning a big case. Judge Herbert C. Gill, Jr. practiced with him prior to Gill becoming a Circuit Judge. He was known for his keen legal ability, integrity, and steadfastness in representing his clients. He was considered a profound student of law. He was Commissioner of Accounts for the Circuit Court of Chesterfield County for many years. In recent years his practice was representing land developers and builders before the various County Boards and Commissions. At the time of his death he was practicing law as a senior partner at Rudy & Mikula with Ned M. Mikula and Carrie E. Coyner. He directed the Variety Show for the Chesterfield Lions Club for many years writing the music and programs. He coached little league football with the Chesterfield Quarterback League. He was a member of the Chester Presbyterian Church where he sang in the choir. His ministries included working with the children of his church with Junior Choir since 1990. He was involved in many civic endeavors, but his greatest love was his Church and family. The family will receive friends at the Chesterfield Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Friday, March 16, 2007 from 6 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be held at Chester Presbyterian Church on Saturday, March 17th at 11 am. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Chester Presbyterian Church, American Cancer Society, or American Heart Association. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.

Jill and Family:
I have just learned today (3/28) of Skitch's recent passing as we were preparing for a meeting regarding new development. I was excited at the prospect of seeing him and remembering old times at PHS but deeply shocked and saddened at the news. I've been away from the area for many years and have lost touch but remembering you as our cheerleader and Skitch as our star football player is as clear as if yesterday. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Kindest regards,
Pat Burton Hopper

Posted by: Patricia Burton Hopper at March 28, 2007 05:03 PM

Dear Jill,
As I read through the article about Skitchy's life, I was awed by the gifts that God gave to him, and how he used them all! Not many of us can say that. Also, he impacted so many lives. I am sure that you have many, many memories of your 50+ years together.

I have one strong memory of him. It was the night that Lynn was born. Some of us girls went to the hospital and waited and paced with him. After she was born, they said we could all go and see her in the nursery. None of us would look at her until he had a chance first. We watched his face as he looked at his daughter for the first time. I will never forget the look of pure joy on his face. Then he encouraged us all to look. She was so beautiful! Not red and wrinkled like most babies, but just perfect! I know that she has been a joy in your lives and will continue to support you in the days ahead.

I know that these past years and months have been difficult for you. I have been there, but after the initial shock has passed, cling to the wonderful memories. Your grief will come and go, so just let your body grieve when it needs to.
I would love to hear from you some time.
With love,
Kay

Posted by: Kay Trischman at March 22, 2007 11:35 AM

Bob and I will always remember the way Skitch first welcomed us to his Church during the first Weekend of Music. We knew then that this was the Church for us if we ever moved to Chester. When we did move, Skitch welcomed us warmly and helped us fit in. He made music a joyful experience. As we got to know him, we felt lucky to count you and Skitch as our friends. It was a privilege to sing for him and the famiy Saturday. Lovingly, Mary Jennie and Bob

Posted by: Mary Jennie and Bob Bates at March 19, 2007 05:47 AM

Dear Mrs. Rudy, Andy and Lynn,
It doesn't seem that long ago that Skitch was trying to teach us the fundamentals of football or I was peddling to your house as the last stop on the evening paper route. I know Skitch has been in a tough fight over the last year or so. His loss will certainly be felt at the church and community. You are all in our prayers.
Carter and Sheila Burkey

Posted by: Carter and Sheila Burkey at March 17, 2007 09:04 AM

Mrs. Rudy and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family in your recent loss. Even though we weren't close personal friends, I enjoyed chatting with you and Skitch as you drove up Winfree Street and I was in the yard, or visiting John and Katja. Please take solace in knowing that he is in the greatest place of all at this time, arguing his best cases and winning. Carlton

Posted by: Carlton Lowry at March 16, 2007 07:50 PM

To the Rudy family,
I am so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers. I wanted to let you know that I had many meaningful conversations with Skitch over the years and he shared a lot of his great wisdom. I thought a whole lot of him and I'll never forget him. He was a great example to us all. Brian Bowe

Posted by: Brian Bowe at March 16, 2007 07:02 PM

Jill and Family:

My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of Skitch. Time will help the pain and sorrow, but your good memories will always be present for you! I will miss him deeply.

Posted by: David Sowers at March 16, 2007 06:07 PM

I was sorry to hear of Skitch's passing, he truly was a unique and wonderful man! He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Posted by: Rebecca Hughes at March 16, 2007 04:47 PM

I was raised up with Skitchy from grade school through high school. He was one very nice gentleman and friend. He will always be remembered. My condolences go out to Jill and his family. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by: Wilfred Rowlette at March 16, 2007 02:24 PM

To the family of skitch rudy
I am truly saddened by the loss of skitch. He was a lovely man and a good, good person. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will miss him.

Posted by: peggy schott at March 16, 2007 01:10 PM

I, my sister Gayle Wilkerson, and brother Wayne Wilkerson, have many fond memory days together with Skitchy, Jerry and Rosemary, when we live only 4-5 houses apart on Washington Street, in Petersburg. Each of our mothers were close friends. Skitchy and I were in the same high school classes together. My thoughts are with all of you.

Posted by: Patsy Wilkerson Bergerstock at March 16, 2007 10:58 AM

To the family of Skitch: I had the pleasure of knowing Skitch when I served on the Chesterfield County Planning Commission and in my current position on the Board of Supervisors. Skitch appeared on numerous zoning cases and he was always in good humor. He was a person of great integrity who cared about doing the right thing and always represented his clients fairly. I will miss his kindness and good humor very much. May God bless all those whose lives he touched.

Posted by: Art Warren at March 15, 2007 10:12 PM

To The Family Of Skitch Rudy,

We are so sorry for your loss. He was a very kind man. Over the years he has helped our family and his kindness will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed.

Rudy & Nancy Thurston

Posted by: Rudy & Nancy Thurston at March 15, 2007 09:17 PM

Jill
A finer man has never walked the face of the earth. Although I have known Skitch for well over 30 years, my biggest regret is that I did not know him even better. The community will miss his sharp wit and his true compassion for the human spirit. No man could turn a phase or quote a scripture quite the way Skitch could at the appropriate moment. My sincere condolences go out to you and your family. He will be thought of often and sorely missed.

Posted by: Jeff Collins at March 15, 2007 06:01 PM

Dear Jill, I was very saddened to hear the news of Skitch's death. I don't know if your ramember the late night bridge sessions we had as two of the young married couples on the team. Bev and I certainly do and we both extend our deepest sympathy on your loss. Bev and I are still very much married with four children and 12 grandchildren scattered around Wisconsin and Minnesota. Like Skitch, I ended up in law school and practiced law in Burlington, Wis. until 2004. Now we spend most of our time spoiling the grandkids, one of whom has just applied to Duke for entry this fall. Its so unfortunate that we made so many friends at that time in our lives and then went our separate ways.It did give me great pleasure to hear of Skitch's accomplishments though and of his wonderful family, which I am sure will sorely miss him. I'm sure that they are all much reicher in mind and spirit for having had him as a father and grandfather. Sincerely, Milt Konicek

Posted by: Milt Konicek at March 15, 2007 03:45 PM

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Rudy. He was so kind to help me years ago when he was the Commonwealth's Attorney. And later we spoke by phone pertaining to our ancestors and a link in our ancestry line. He has left a great legacy for his descendants as he has been a servant to all, and is well respected throughout his community. May God bless each of you as you adjust to this loss. Respectfully, Cheryl Wilmoth Whittle, RN

Posted by: Cheryl Wilmoth Whittle, RN at March 15, 2007 01:31 PM

I played basketball against Skitch over fifty years ago! He was pretty good! We came to the bar together and he was an honorable and fair adversary when he was Commonwealth's Attorney. Equally important, he was a friend.
When I would run into him at the courthouse we always talked about Duke sports. I wanted to talk about football - for some reason, he preferred to talk about basketball.
I will miss him. My sincere condolences to the entire family. You will be in my prayers.

Posted by: Murray J. Janus at March 15, 2007 12:21 PM

Jill,Lynn, Andy, Jerry and" Rosey-Rudy Mary"

Our love and prayers are with you. My memories of Skitchy are so vivid and I know the memories you have will be a great comfort. He was such a strong but gentle man.

Love,Susie

Posted by: Susan and Jim Heckman at March 15, 2007 11:44 AM

I worked on several real estate transactions over the years for which Skitch served as the borrower's counsel. He knew how to keep things moving, and he knew who to go to when we needed somthing. But the best thing was, I could get him on the phone!

Ed Lawhorn
SunTrust Bank

Posted by: Ed Lawhorn at March 15, 2007 10:09 AM

Jill and family,
Skitch was such a friend to me and to all. His launching into recitations of poetry and prose... his devotion to good music and good singing... and his paintings. Skitch validated it's okay to be unique and a serious servant of the community as well. He inspired me to study and ultimately be proud of my Cogbill roots, saying "Teddy your family was here before the they sailed up the James, in fact, Cogbills were waiting on the banks of the river." Ahh Skitch, what a master of words and ideas. You two were like peanut butter and jelly - good to the taste apart, but the best when together. And Warren and Skitch together were like two little boys playing in the backyard, all silliness and prankishness. When I would see them at concerts or such, I'd walk away amused at how they fed each other's humor. I feel privileged that Skitch and I were good friends for so long. He was one of the very few who I allowed to tell me what to do. But there was no denying his wisdom and common sense. Herbie, Skitch and I enjoyed building The Cogbill Law building together - he often playfully said that his "office required more variances to build than any other building in Chesterfield ever", another testament to his artistry and tenacity. I will miss him greatly as you and your family, the multitude of friends he had and all of Chesterfield County will too. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love, Teddy

Posted by: Teddy Cogbill at March 15, 2007 09:22 AM

To all the family of Skitch,

May he always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and humanitarianism. No matter how busy he was, he would always take the time to listen. He will be missed by all. May God keep his soul in peace.

Brenda Garnett

Posted by: Brenda Garnett at March 15, 2007 09:12 AM