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Garland Upchurch Obituary
88, of Woodinville, WA died peacefully on May 1, 2011. Rudy was born November 30, 1922 in Italy, TX, the youngest of 12 children. A graduate of the University of Texas, Austin, Rudy was a USAF veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He married Nancy Block Corneille on December 28, 1950. After becoming Actuary of the State of Texas in 1950, he continued his life's work as an actuary in the life insurance business in Ft. Worth, TX; Lincoln, NE; Holliston, MA; Montpelier, VT; and San Antonio, TX; until his retirement in 1988. Rudy lived for 13 years in Phoenix Arizona with his wife Nancy who were active congregants at St Barnabas of the Desert Episcopal Church in Paradise Valley and as of late, in Woodinville, WA. Rudy is survived by his wife Nancy, children Garland, Bruce (Jesse), and Christine (Reuel), grandchildren Amanda, Jennifer, Michael, Lauren, Branden, Riley, and Kendal, and great grandson Cameron. Services will be held at Church of the Holy Cross in Redmond, WA on Thursday, May 5, at 3PM. Contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association.
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Memories and Condolences
for Garland Upchurch
Jesse Upchurch
June 7, 2011
For 26 years Rudy was my father-in-law and for just as many years he was an enigma. He lived his life balancing the reality of the mundane with the out-take reel of funny and absurd ideas that played through his head constantly. For the grandkids he gazed through his imaginary binoculars for the Indians who lurked behind every chair and sofa. For adults he envisioned invisible bumper stickers. He was a complex man with opinions on every issue. But mostly he was the devoted husband to Nancy, the love of his life. He was proud of his children's accomplishments almost to a fault. And he was a good and honest man. He is much missed by all.
Nancy Martin
June 2, 2011
I have so many wonderful memories of both Rudy and Nancy. Some of my favorites were when they lived in Holliston, MA. When Amanda was born, they were so excited to have a grandchild. I can still see their happiness when they looked at Amanda. One of my favorite funny memories of Nancy was when she came to Sommerville, where Bruce and I lived, to help out with the baby. Since I wasn't producing enough milk for this hungry girl, we all thought a bottle would be something to add on. Well...Nancy got to be the first to give Amanda a bottle and was amazed at how quickly Amanda inhaled the bottle. You know Nancy...she would get very excited and worried about things like this. She had never seen a baby take a bottle so fast!
I have loved the two of them since I met them years and years ago. They are together once again and for that I know they are at peace. Much Love to the entire family.
Jennifer Upchurch
June 2, 2011
We miss you already Grandpa. I feel so blessed that Cameron was able to have some memories with his Great-Grandpa too. You will always be in our hearts. Love,
Julie Teuber
June 1, 2011
It was such a joy to watch them as the former Active Living Director at the Creekside where they resided. Rudy was so devoted to Nancy and she to him. Two memories stand out in particular. It was one of their birthdays and they attended the monthly resident birthday party. They held hands almost the whole time and they would look lovingly at one another often. It was so wonderful to watch. They were like that everywhere. The second I was privileged to be a part of. I asked Rudy if I could take just them on a scenic drive so they could get out and have a little change of view. We went all around the waterfront and into the valleys and they were so happy. It was just for them. We sang and laughed and enjoyed quiet moments of wonder as they lit up over each site. I lit up just seeing how happy they were. They were almost inseparable and now in death they had to find one another. I am thankful for the times we shared. I send my heartfelt condolences to the family. As long as they are together they will always be happy.
Upchurch Family
May 23, 2011
Nancy Block Upchurch (nee Corneille) joins her husband Rudy, passing away on Monday May 16th. Together in death as in life. RIP Nancy.
Marcie Smith
May 18, 2011
Bruce Jesse, Bran and family - I am so sad for your loss - both of them. I hope you have wonderful memories to ease the pain during this difficult time.
Hugs,
Marcie
Sandy Zellers-Tolson
May 18, 2011
As former neighbors in North Richland Hills, Texas, I always have fond memories of the Upchurch home. Much love and comfort to you all. Sandy Zellers Tolson
Orcas Island, Nancy & Rudy, Chris & Reuel
May 18, 2011
Rudy & Nancy, Uncle Lou & Aunt Selma, Dad at Bat Mitzvah
Rudy Upchurch
May 18, 2011
Gayla Grimm-Fogle
May 17, 2011
The Grimm family sends their deepest sympathy and love to all of Rudy's family. Dad talked about the pre-metes all the time and I was always the lucky recipient of many emails that went around the group.
Dad spoke of Rudy with the greatest admiration and affection - as he did of all the pre-metes. God bless the "Kenyon Kids" and blessings to the Upchurch family.
Joyce Clements Reed
May 17, 2011
Rudy & I came to know one another on the internet working on the Clements genealogy. He was very helpful and now seeing his picture makes me very sad that I had not met him in person. He favors my grandfather, his uncle. I feel a kindred spirit with him now. My sincere condolences to you the family and his legacy will live on.
Carl Terwilliger
May 17, 2011
Remembering Rudy fondly from Pre-Mete days at Kenyon College.
Carole Kaufman
May 17, 2011
Rudy was a wonderful father, husband and grandfather. We will miss you, we send our condolences to the entire family.
Tom Crowley
May 17, 2011
RIP Rudy,
You were an important leader in keeping our pre-metes group active and in-touch. We'll all miss you.
Tom crowley
Jesse Browne-Upchurch
May 17, 2011
Rudy, you and my Dad hit it off so well. I'm hoping that Leonard was there for you on the other side, as you'd hoped he'd be... and that he's showing you the ropes right now. If you get a chance give us a sign.
Grandpa and Branden (grandson - circa 1991)
May 12, 2011
Grandpa and Cameron (great grandson)
May 12, 2011
Robert Upchurch
May 12, 2011
Rudy and I were in close contact from 1988 until 2004 working on our shared Upchurch heritage. He was a great guy and will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family and especially to Nancy. Phil Upchurch
Linda Walker
May 10, 2011
Love and comfort to Aunt Nancy and family. I feel blessed to have Uncle Rudy and Aunt Nancy in my life.
Rudy and Nancy Upchurch
Upchurch Family
May 9, 2011
You will be much missed by your entire family.
Rudy and Nancy Upchurch
Rudy Upchurch
May 9, 2011
Amanda Upchurch
May 8, 2011
I love you Grandpa. You will be missed. I know you're with Jesus. Help us if you can.
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