Calvin Paul Rudd

Our Father, Grandfather, mentor & friend, Calvin Paul Rudd, peacefully passed away on a sunny afternoon, Wednesday, March 24, 2021. Dad was strong, living on his own until metastatic cancer in the brain was found less than a week before his death.

Cal was born on November 7, 1923 to Charles Pauncefort Rudd and Gladys Marie Harman Rudd in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cal was one of four sons, Samuel Charles (Marge), Glen Larkin (Marva), and Jack Harman (Mary) Rudd. He married LaVon Woods on December 12, 1945 in the Salt Lake City Temple. Cal saw LaVon in the 4th of July East Mill Creek parade, and knew he was going to marry her. She waited for him to return from the war and they celebrated 74 years of marriage together. They had 7 children, 2 sons and 5 daughters.

He had a full and happy childhood with his brothers full of escapades through downtown Salt Lake City. His father ran a poultry business where Cal would work even as a young boy.  As a teen he found a love of horses and guns,  Always a curious learner, though not a great student until later in life, he had a great love of books, particularly history. 

He attended Grant Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High, and South High School. Cal received his bachelors degree from the University of Utah and later received his Masters Degree from BYU. While at the University of Utah, during World War II, he joined the ROTC with his best friend Stan Smith. Cal enlisted and joined the Army Air Corps. He served a little more than 3 years active duty including 1 year overseas in the South China Seas area.  He was part of the 13th Air Force 44th squadron.

After many different jobs he landed what he was meant to do - becoming an educator. He started by teaching seminary at Granite High School and ended up at the Institute of Religion at the University of Utah, which was his dream job.  Cal was a lifelong resident of East Mill Creek and a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The gospel was the driving force in his life. Cal had the honor of having many lifetime friends, many of whom met regularly for years to learn from him in the study group they formed.  He felt it was a great honor that later in life he had the blessing of a great association of younger guys.

As he cared so dearly for our mother during her final years of life, we have tried to care for him. His brilliant mind and wonderful sense of humor, as well as his love for us, was our reward.  We will miss him terribly.

Cal leaves behind what he considered his greatest asset, his family. His son, Robert S Rudd (Pam), his daughters, Carolyn Wallace (Bob), Rolayn Henderson (Al), Cyndi Gardner (Don) and Patti Hodson (John), son-in-law, Tom McKenna, 24 grandchildren, 41 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren as well as many close friends. He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, LaVon, his eldest daughter Marilee, his youngest son Paul, his parents and his brothers.

A viewing will be held on Monday, April 5, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 So 2300 East, SLC, UT.  Due to Covid limitations, the funeral will be by invitation only at the East Mill Creek 15th Ward, 3750 So Hillside Lane, East Mill Creek, at 11:00 am.  A viewing for family only will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 am. The funeral will be available to view via a zoom webinar.  The zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/97959298879

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Glen L. Rudd Foundation at glenlrudd.org.