Roll Call Tribute

Michael Dwayne Rudin
May 24, 1962- November 7, 2021

On Sunday, November 7, 2021, the world lost the best man we know. Michael Dwayne Rudin was born in Orange, Texas, to Bertha Darlene and Donald Fred Rudin. As the beloved first child and grandchild, he graciously bore the mantle and responsibility of the golden boy of his family. After attending elementary school in Houston, his family moved to Thompsons, Texas, where he attended middle and high school at Lamar Consolidated ISD. As a three-sport athlete, he would be the first to tell you he was best at baseball (until he threw out his arm), adequate as the second string quarterback, and lacked any talent at all for basketball. He enjoyed participating on all of the teams and having his father coach him in Westbury Little League baseball and Westbury Fun Football. He cherished the lifelong friends he made during those years. Michael was co-valedictorian of the Lamar Consolidated Class of 1980 and a President’s Endowed Scholar to Texas A&M University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Economics. His strongest bonds during his college years were forged with his brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where he served several roles, including president in 1983-84. He prized and nurtured those friendships his whole life. He began his consulting career with Arthur Andersen in 1985.

In October of 1985, he met Julia Elizabeth Barrington. He always said that once he saw her she “didn’t stand a chance,” even if she was a Longhorn! Fiercely intelligent, funny, kind, gentle, and a great dancer, he and Julia would discuss and debate everything from current events and American literature to the best cheese enchiladas in Houston. She soon fell for him, too, and they were wed in March 1987.

Michael spent his 20 year career with Andersen Consulting/Accenture where he steadily rose to the position of partner. Michael worked on international and domestic projects, making dear friends along the way. Through the many years of traveling for management consulting, he prioritized his family, flying home midweek to coach his girls in soccer then leaving early the next morning to return to work. He was a devoted father to his children and never missed a game, Father-Daughter dance, or Boy Scout court of honor. He coached three seasons a year for five years for Tulsa’s Green Country Soccer Association; the last year commuting to and from Houston for practices and games. After the family’s return to Houston, he coached his daughters and many of their friends in SBMSA youth soccer and, when his son was old enough, coached him in SBMSA soccer and Post Oak Little League baseball. Though he grew to love and appreciate “the beautiful game,” he was relieved and thrilled to finally be coaching a sport that he thoroughly understood! In all, he coached more than 25 seasons of his childrens’ teams, loving every minute.

Retiring early to spend more time with family, Michael was our fantastic cook, late night listener, devoted son, brother, husband, father and friend. He was inquisitive and loved to discuss theology, politics, economics, sports, history, genealogy, wine, recipes, music, travel destinations, Aggie football, Astros baseball, snow skiing, and hunting. He never stopped appreciating a beautiful sunrise while hunting in Juno, Texas or a sunset over the Gulf in Galveston. He lent an eager ear to whomever wanted to chat, believed the truth should never get in the way of a good story, generously gave advice when asked, and provided wise counsel to many young people on life and career.

After retirement, Michael became a founding board member of SpringSpirit and helped it grow from an idea to an organization now serving almost 500 families. To see an interview with Michael and his mentee, go to www.SpringSpirit.org. Michael was on the Board of Trustees of Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, his daughters’ alma mater, for 6 years. At Duchesne, he was instrumental in acquiring the first school buses and spearheading development of the new artificial turf sports field and complex. He was also president of the Duchesne Booster Club for 5 years. A “professional volunteer” in his retirement, he was on the Board of Positive Coaching Alliance and very involved in re-establishing Pi Kappa Alpha at TAMU. Michael’s impact is a testament to the power of kindness, love, a respect for hard work, and the appreciation of the little things along with the big.

Michael is survived by his parents Bertha and Fred Ru-din, his wife Julia, daughter and beloved son-in-law Caitlin and Heath Gardenhire, daughter Skye Rudin, son Cameron Rudin, grandson William “Sonny” Gardenhire, sister Michelle Rudin Sebesta (Jim), and parents-in-law Carol and Eugene Barrington. He is predeceased by son Gabriel and sister Sharyl. As an enthusiastic host-dad to AFS exchange students, Michael is also survived by his Swedish “family,” the Lodins; and AFS daughters Sara Vietti of Italy and Tilda Skoglund of Sweden.

Service will be held on Saturday, November 20 at 4:30 pm on the field at Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, 10202 Memorial Drive, Houston 77024. www.michaeldrudin.com