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For those who were in the 70's Generation of Camp Zama, we just got tragic news that Rudy Teshima passed away this week at home unexpectedly. Rudy was preceded by Joey in death, both much too soon. We will miss him, his joyfulness and fun-loving, devil may care attitude. RIP in Rudy. He leaves behind his mother.
- Post by Fred Esch on February 1st, 2015
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Michele Carrigan (Heppler) (1974)
RIP Rudy! You were a good friend and neighbor for many many years!
Michele Carrigan Heppler
Jeff Scott (1974)
Farewell my friend. Though it was 1969 when I saw you last, you were a great friend I never forgot, and I have many golden memories ouf our times hanging out, playing baseball, and just goofing off. And yes, you were a sucker for the high outside fast ball :)! Rest in peace.
Barbara Ashe (MacDonald) (1975)
Rest in Peace, Rudy. You were always such a sweet guy. Say hello to my daughter, Christiana.
Thomas (Tom) Hall (1975)
This is the guy who stalked the freshman hallway occasionally shaking us (me) down for lunch money, but you know what?, I felt like it an honor! It seemed Rudi only got to you if you were well-liked by upper classmen. There was never any physical damage or abuse and it gave me bragging rights amongst my peers (how goofy was that)! I don't mean to take anything away from Rudi, he provided me with another great memory from my Zama days, and I appreciate him for doing that. I only regret never having the opportunity to share this with him, which I would have liked to have done.
Mike Woodson (1973)
I played football with rudy on the camp zama titians. Been a very long time but rudy was ruff and ready to play.Gary Yanamura (1974)
I smile when I think about Rudy.
I met him when we were in 7th grade at the old Zama Middle School at the bottom of Generals’ Hill. Even then he was larger than life and smart in a street-wise sort of way. He was friendly and gregarious and attracted attention in whatever he did. He could be sweet and disarming. He could be intimidating but was not mean. He had fun, cracked jokes, talked a lot and played tricks on people.
He could throw a football a mile and his long, soaring bombs were things of beauty. Lunchtime football was the high point of my day. That’s when I found out that I had good hands and the speed to get under and catch his passes unless, of course, they ended up in Atsugi. He wasn’t the type to join in organized sports, although he would have been a star in Youth Activities baseball, basketball and football leagues, but he seemed to always be around watching, sometimes cheering, other times cajoling, often offering “constructive criticism” and always generally carrying on.
After high school and college I moved to California and saw him again. He was still the same Rudy and he greeted me with a grin, a wisecrack and a “birthday punch” on the shoulder. I’d heard that he got busted - not doing anything seriously illegal, just a victim of bad luck. Oh Rudy, what have you done now, you big bakatare!
I smile now more broadly, but with a tear in my eye, reminiscing about Rudy through the ages. I remember with deep respect, admiration and affection this warm and “if-you-met-him-you’d-never-forget-him” guy who was entertaining and fun to be with and ever loyal to his friends.
It was great to know you, Ru-day. With a big hug and sad farewell, thanks for being you.
“May God bless you and keep you,
May his light shine upon your face.
May his eyes turn toward you
And fill you with peace and grace”
Amen
-Gary Yanamura