Louis Raymond Rudolph ’51, a lifelong resident of the Monterey Peninsula, passed away on October 8, 2014, at his home with dignity and an amazing sense of humor to the end. Born on March 22, 1930, to Raymond and Edrie Rudolph of Pacific Grove, he was one of the last babies born at the Monterey Hospital on Abrego Street, now the Pacheco Club. Lou often pointed to the tiny second floor window, telling the story of his birth, then continuing to tell of his lifetime membership to the Pacheco Club. Lou attended Sacred Heart Grammar School, was in the 1947 graduating class of Monterey High, then received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Santa Clara. Lou then joined the US Air Force, spending 5 years of service to his country in Korea and Japan as an F-84 jet fighter pilot.
He returned to Monterey to join the family furniture business, creating a well-known high-nd store and staff of professional interior designers. After his family sold the Lighthouse Avenue property, Lou relocated his business to Cannery Row and Salinas, featuring Drexel Heritage and high-nd furniture. After selling both businesses, Lou took on the position of manager of the Monterey Fairgrounds. From his dedication, hard work, and long hours, the fair turned into a family-safe environment earning "Most Improved Fairgrounds In the State of California." Later, Lou was a partner in creating "Country Music Monterey." Then, with a friendship and an idea, Lou and Frank Yohannon put into action the Sea Otter Classic – Laguna Seca Challenge.
Leaving the area, Lou and Peggy moved to Carnelian Bay in North Lake Tahoe, fulfilling a lifelong dream of Peggy’s. Lou became manager of Ennis Fine Furniture and Macy’s Furniture store in Reno. Missing the peninsula, they returned to Monterey. Lou’s final career as a reverse mortgage specialist was another stellar career move. Lou’s life accomplishments, being many, included his membership in the Pacheco Club as Past President, President of the Monterey Rotary Club, City Councilman, Board Member of the Salvation Army, Director/Board Member of the Monterey Jazz Festival, and he was the last surviving member "Flying Fisherman’s Club," enjoying week long trips with his friends in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. Lou loved being a part of the Barbershop Quartet "The Cannery Rogues."
His employment with Met-Life was cut short by a stroke in 2010. Lou lost his battle with lung cancer in his home with his wife Peggy and stepdaughter Muriel by his side. Lou is survived by wife of 32 years Peggy, his brother David and sister Mary Ann, and children Steve, Mark, Daniel, Kate, John, and Matt and 13 grandchildren. He was affectionately known as "Papa Lou" to his stepchildren Audra Branco, Tricia Vessey, and Muriel Lloyd, and 5 step-grandchildren.