Rudolph Johnson

Rudy was one of the best friends I ever had. He was one of the best bosses too. In both rolls, we never had a single argument, or heated discussion…in all those years! That is amazing!!

He gave good advice, and helped me to learn many things. He helped me to keep my cool at times when I was having difficulty. He was fun to be with. He could always cheer me up!

In those early years both Rudy and his wife Sally, helped to create a home away from home for me. And I will always remember that, and the wonderful way they greeted and treated my visiting family members and friends. Rudy introduced me to the Unitarian Church, the Whole Foods Coop, the Pickwick, the Polar Bear Bar, and many, many, many, very interesting people.

And it was through him I learned about the very unique Sami culture. He researched his ancestry, and wrote a book about it -- in both English and Norwegian. He inspired and assisted with the start of Báiki: the North American Sami Journal , in 1991. Rudy was an intellectual and a scholar. He was a graduate of the Columbia University. Three of his articles have been in the Encyclopedia Americana for decades.

Rudy and Sally were at my wedding, and the christening of my kids. There were so many wonderful parties, excursions and the like. It was fun to explore. What I liked most was his youth. Although Rudy was 35 years older, he was more youthful than I ever was. I admired the way he lived life. Rudy and Sally have great personal values and a great sense of social justice. You can see that in all their children and grandchildren. I am aware of some lives that have not been very successful. Rudy’s life, however, was a true success! As we grieve his loss, we must relish our wonderful memories of him.

To all of Rudy's Family,

I am so deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Rudy. He was a good person and quite funny at times. When I worked at Edgewood Vista, I had cared for Rudy many times and have known him for almost a year. He has given me many memories that I will never forget. He wasn't the easiet person to care for, but he always made me laugh. One day when he was in one of his better moods, I was passing out meds to the residents in the Balasm Lodge unit and Rudy was following me around, up and down the hallways, it was so cute. I hadn't seem him do that to me before. He was so happy that day, all smiles. Rudy lead a wonderful life, 90 years and when his wife would come to visit, I could see how much she loved him. I will miss Rudy and never forget him. Alzheimers is a terrible disease and it is good to know that Rudy is in a peaceful place now and no longer has to suffer. God bless you all during this time, my thoughts & prayers are with you.