Kit Landon Rudd
September 06, 1961 - August 04, 2024
Midlothian, Virginia
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Kit Landon Rudd
September 06, 1961 - August 04, 2024
Midlothian, Virginia
Obituary
Kit Landon Rudd, 62, of Midlothian, VA, departed this life on August 4, 2024. He was born in Lufkin, Texas, to the late Weldon Eugene “Gene” and Faye Richardson Rudd. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Sharon; daughter, Jade Yu Kurosawa Rudd; sister, Cinda Taylor (Randall); nephew, Wes Taylor (Sarah); and niece, Mollie Taylor Meagher (Matt).
After graduating from high school, Kit attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, graduating in 1984. Upon commissioning he attended flight training and flew the C-130 while stationed in the Philippines. His car remains buried under the ashfall of Mount Pinatubo to this day.
After leaving the military, Kit obtained a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. He spent several years working in the private sector until life brought him to Washington, DC, where he began a career with the U.S. Department of Commerce and met Sharon.
Kit was an avid cyclist for many years, completing long distance endurance rides in Australia, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, an area he called home for several years. He was a fierce competitor and had many hobbies throughout his life, in addition to cycling, including competition BBQ, competition chili cooking, and photography. He even competed as a contestant on the game show, Win Ben Stein’s Money.
Early in 2022, Kit was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Kit approached his diagnosis as he did everything in his life, with strength, focus and the desire to win. Kit invested himself fully in everything he did. Never dabbling, but always going all the way. His room full of awards from barbeque and chili competitions to cycling Alaska’s Iditarod Trail attest to this. Not to be limited by what he could no longer do after his cancer diagnosis, he set out to explore what he still could do, from exploring the cuisine, denim, and photography cultures of New York, even to tracking down a rare Poloroid Box Camera like that used by Andy Warhol. After his cancer diagnosis, however, he said he’d lived his life for his own personal goals and achievements, and he realized he wanted to strive for others who shared his condition.
Engaging with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), he raised tens of thousands of dollars for that organization’s Richmond VA and NYC chapters, and spoke at their events. No longer able to ride the challenging Appalachian Mountaineer gravel race in SW Virginia, he still attended and presented a hand made trophy belt to the rider who best exemplified the spirit of the ride. And throughout all of this, he made it a point to share what he found and include his friends in his discoveries, having a young milliner he’d befriended in New York make custom hats for all his team who came to attend the PanCAN walk in NYC, and arranging a Peloton ride at the studio there. All the while, not lamenting what was lost, but looking for what was still to be found. Kit will always be remembered as energetic, loyal, and compassionate.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024,at 3:00 p.m. at Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23234. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment to be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Duck Run Natural Cemetery, 1886 Windswept Lane, Penn Laird, VA 22846.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center — New York, NY
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: August 14, 2024 (3:00 PM)
- Venue: Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service
- Location: 6500 Iron Bridge Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23234 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (804) 275-7828
Interment
- Date & Time: August 15, 2024 (2:00 PM)
- Venue: Duck Run Natural Cemetery
- Location: 1886 Windswept Lane Penn Laird, VA 22846 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (540) 432-8650
Visitation
- Date & Time: August 14, 2024 (2:00 PM)
- Venue: Morrissett Funeral and Cremation Service
- Location: 6500 Iron Bridge Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23234 - (Get Directions)
- Phone Number: (804) 275-7828
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
- Address: 1500 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 200 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://pancan.org/
- Email Address: info@pancan.org
- Phone Number: (310) 725-0025
- Description: PanCAN was the first organization dedicated to fighting pancreatic cancer in a comprehensive way. For more than two decades, we’ve grown a nationwide movement tackling the disease from all angles. Our mission is to take bold action to improve the lives of everyone impacted by pancreatic cancer by advancing scientific research, building community, sharing knowledge and advocating for patients.
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center — New York, NT
- Address: 132 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001 - (Get Directions)
- Website: https://www.cancer.org/support-programs-and-services/patient-lodging/hope-lodge/new-york-city.html
- Phone Number: (212) 492-8400
- Description: The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room. Patients staying at a Hope Lodge must be in active cancer treatment.
14 responses to Kit Landon Rudd
Karen Prechtel says:
August 7, 2024
Kitt, we’ve never met face-to-face, only in a Facebook group. I was in awe of your strength, fight and determination throughout your battle. This disease took my mom too and I promise to continue to fight and raise much needed funds for cancer research. Rest in peace warrior ❤️
shelle shaw says:
August 8, 2024
so sad to lose a fellow Peloton rider. Kit was such a WARRIOR!!! I loved his passion and his drive to survive. you will be so missed my friend.
David Cordell says:
August 8, 2024
Kit: you fought so hard and never gave up that sparkling energy. I loved going with you to the World Series and seeing you enjoy the astros beating the nationals. You taught us all how to fight. My heartfelt condolences to your family and friends.
Cheryl Clark says:
August 9, 2024
I didn’t know Kit. But after reading his obituary, I can tell he was a great and courageous soul. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sharon.
Christopher Keen says:
August 26, 2024
Dear Sharon and Jade,
Lori and I send our condolences as I’m just now hearing of Kit’s passing into eternity. I empathize with your loss. As you go forward in the next chapter of your life please don’t forget to fill the void with beautiful memories and be as he would want you to be. “Goodbye” is actually a contraction of the phrase “God be with ye”. Until we meet in Glory.
Chris