In Memoriam

To know Kevin, was to love Kevin. He was born in Tacoma, WA and lived his entire life in the same area. Kevin passed away May 5, 2021 with his mother, Brothers, and Sister In Law by his side. Anyone who knew Kevin, knew that his family and his rabbits were his entire world. He is survived by his Mom, Patricia, Brothers Scott and Kyle (Autumn) his 3 nephews that he adored (Travis, Hunter & Reighton), Aunts, Uncles and cousins. He is proceeded in death by his father Floyd, and Grandparents on both sides. Kevin was our gentle giant and we’re so happy that our family was able to share so much of him with all of you. 

Kevin began raising rabbits in 1987, with Gray Dutch. Kevin’s rabbit passion was handed down to him from his father, ARBA Judge Floyd Rudolph. Kevin raised many breeds over the years, but his favorite always was the Crème d’Argent. Kevin as a teenager, started helping run open shows in the State of Washington, setting up, tearing down, Superintending and even Secretary. He never met a stranger, and was always willing to talk rabbits, give advice, or listen to others share their experiences. He obtained his ARBA Registrars license as a Freshman in High School, and then his Judges license (#721) his Senior Year of High School. All he wanted to do was judge rabbits. He participated in numerous ARBA Convention Royalty Contests and made numerous life long friends in these competitions. Fewer things Kevin loved more than judging 4-h and youth shows. His love for the children and desire to teach them kept him moving forward after numerous health setbacks throughout his adult life. His smile is one of the things many of us will miss the most. He was always smiling. 

Kevin lived with his brother Scott, and nephews, Travis and Hunter, who all share in the love of rabbits with him. Scott and he showed their rabbits as a partnership the past 12 years. Their rabbitry, known appropriately, as “Family Tradition Rabbitry” was highlighted by Mini Satins and Crème d’Argents. One of Kevin’s proudest moments exhibiting, was at the 2006 ARBA Convention and earning 2nd place with a Holland Lop Solid Blue Otter Jr Buck. Blue Otter was his favorite color, of any breed, and at the time was the highest placing Otter Holland at a National Convention ever. Kevin was heavily involved for many years in the following organizations: Washington State Rabbit Breeders Association, Evergreen Rabbit Breeders Association, Pierce County 4-H, WA State 4-H, Rebel Rabbit Breeders, Washington State Holland Lop Club, Great Northwest Rabbit & Cavy Show Group, Rabbits Run Wild ARBA Youth Club, Washington State Fair Open Class Rabbit & Cavies. After family and of course rabbits, anyone who knew Kevin knew that he had a diehard love for his Seattle Sports. The Seahawks, Mariners, SuperSonics and he was anxiously awaiting the beginning of the franchise for the new hockey team, the Seattle Kraken. 

Kevin touched many people in his brief 42 years. He had lots of mentors, and was a mentor to his fair share. Kevin was a friend to everyone and had a heart of gold. He orchestrated a number of facebook benefit auctions for friends and even people he had never met before, just to help them out. He certainly was one of a kind and is sorely missed. 

A Celebration of life is planned for Kevin at Frontier Park (Pierce County Fairgrounds) in Graham, WA on August 28, 2021 from 12-4pm. It will be a potluck style gathering. The family asks for those that knew him to please share your favorite stories of Kevin, to help their hearts heal in these difficult times. There has been a facebook auction that has happened already and was set up on behalf of his family to help with end of life expenses, that they were unprepared for. If you’d like to help the family, it can be made directly to his brother, Scott Rudolph via paypal or his Venmo @Scott-Rudolph-4.