Rudolph "Rudy" Strand

Rudolph "Rudy" Strand, 69, of Longview, Washington died December 1st,

2005 at the Hospice Care Center. He was born December 31st, 1935 in

Longview, Washington to Arnulf and Jackie (Hood) Strand. He lived in

Longview his entire life. He graduated from R.A. Long High School in 1954.

Rudy began his career at the Long-Bell Mill. He later worked as a mail

carrier and window clerk at the Longview Post Office, until his retirement in

1993. He enjoyed watching sports on TV; his favorite teams were the

University of Washington Huskies and the Los Angeles Rams. Rudy

traveled frequently to the Reno/Lake Tahoe area to bet on games and

play the slots. His favorite hobbies included swimming, golfing and laying

in the sun. Rudy was a charmer. He easily made friends with his postal

customers, Safeway clerks, bank tellers and gym partners. Rudy worked

out at the YMCA every morning. He continued his exercise program even

during chemo and radiation treatment these past eight months. He was a

wonderful grandfather all of the grandkids called him, "Papa". He loved his

grandchildren and worried about then constantly. Over the last 21 years,

he rarely missed a school program, dance recital, or sporting event. He

also traveled several times a year to visit his two grandkids that are in a

military family. He made trips to Germany, South Dakota, Guam,

Wyoming, and Illinois to spend time with them. He was an excellent

mentor to his grandchildren, giving them advice on all aspects of their life.

Rudy is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Steve Linn of

Longview, Washington, son and daughter-in-law, Rudy and Elizabeth

Strand of Olympia, Washington, grandchildren, Angela and Shaun

Campbell, David and Jordan Gomez, Andrew Strand, Christopher Gomez,

Alisha Strand, Jacob Linn, David Linn, and Jesse Gomez. One great

granddaughter, Lauren "Lulu" Campbell. Brother, Delbert Gilkerson,

brothers and sister-in-laws, Arnold and Shirley Strand, Jack and Dottie

Strand and his best friend for over 40 years Steve Stevenson. Also

numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by

his parents, Arnulf and Jackie Strand, brothers, Eddie and Bobby Gilkerson

and two great-grandsons, Hayden and Camden Gomez. A memorial

service will take place Tuesday, December 6th at 4:00pm at Steele Chapel

at Longview Memorial Park. Everyone is invited to attend. A time to share

memories and stories about Rudy will be provided during the service.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions can be made to

Community Home Health Hospice, P.O. Box 2066, Longview, WA, 98632.

STEELE CHAPEL AT LONGVIEW MEMORIAL PARK AND CREMATORY IN

CHRAGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.

Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits