Obituary: Rudy, Lloyd William Jr.
Age 77
RUDY, Lloyd William Jr.
Lloyd William Rudy Jr., a wonderful husband, father, brother, grand-father, and friend passed away on Sunday, April 22, 2012.
Lloyd was an exceptional cardiac sur-geon who dedicated his life to helping those around him.
Lloyd was born in Spokane, WA on June 21, 1934 to Lloyd and Mildred Rudy.
He is survived by his adoring family which includes his wife Kathi, his twin brother Leslie, his six children: Kelly, Scott, Kurt, Brett, Kristin, and Alex, and his grandchildren Tucker and Grace.
Lloyd grew up in Wenatchee, WA and attended Wenatchee High School, Washington State University, and the University of Washington Medical School.
He was inspired greatly by his uncle Leslie Hildebrand, a physician and war veteran.
Lloyd completed his medical internship and residency at the University of San Francisco Medical Center.
He was then called to serve as a physician in Vietnam, earning the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army.
He saved the lives of countless soldiers under his care in his M.A.S.H.
unit.
Upon returning from the war, Lloyd became a Board Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeon and taught and researched at the University of San Francisco Medical School, and later as Dean of the heart program at the University of Georgia School of Medicine.
Lloyd was the youngest member of the first heart transplant team at Stanford University.
Lloyd entered private practice in Spokane, WA as a heart and lung surgeon.
He was a pioneer in quantifying surgical procedures that led to drastically increasing the survival rate of heart patients.
The national and world-wide attention resulting from the procedures led to an appearance on the 60 Minutes television show and speaking engagements around the world.
After practicing medicine for decades at Sacred Heart and Deaconess Hospitals in Spokane, and showing a special bedside manner, compassion, and humor for his patients, he was called to Great Falls, MT to start a heart surgery program there so patients in Montana would not have to travel to Spokane for surgery.
A grateful group of patients established the Dr. Lloyd Rudy Jr.
Fan Club and a day in August has been dedicated as Dr. Lloyd Rudy day by the governor in Montana.
In retirement, Lloyd continued giving his time as medical liaison for the Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention Clinic, traveling and speaking about the connection between dental and heart health.
Lloyd also continued his intellectual passion and shared his unique life stories and experiences with friends and family.
He most enjoyed his times at his Priest Lake cabin, a place he truly loved.
Walking his dogs, skiing, reading, and being with his family is how he filled his days.
Lloyd had an immense energy and love for life that is truly rare.
We have all been touched in a positive way by him and we will miss him dearly.
A Memorial Service for Lloyd will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 3:00PM.
St. Mark’s is located at 316 E. 24th Ave. (on the corner of 24th and Grand).
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association at 140 S. Arthur St., Suite 610, Spokane, WA 99202.