I got a call this afternoon from Ann Rudich that Bob had passed away last
Friday.  We knew that he had been battling leukemia since it was discovered
last summer, but seemed to be doing better as of late.
 
For some of the old timers on the FML, Bob and Ann were among the founding
members of MAFF, and in fact were active writing letters and calling the
State House to legalize ferrets in Mass long before we were organized.  Once
we all discovered the internet (and each other), the movement really took
off as we began to trade ideas and divide up the work.
 
Most all of us posted anonymously back then, but Bob soon became known far
and wide as "Rudy the ferlosopher" and one who had some great ideas (and
opinions) on everything from "butt dragging that takes place after litter
pan visits", to ferrets being stolen from an automobile -----> "Sometimes,
it's not the heat but the humanity."
 
Always the punster (he and Bob Church had some great exchanges), ...
I remember a posting or two in French with some Canadian members as well.
Bob had a Phd. in Psychology, and some might be surprised that he also
worked for the U.S.  Government (Dept of Transportation), and loved to ride
motorcycles.  Can't begin to tell what a great guy he was.  For those of you
who knew him, there is no need.  Perhaps it is best to let him speak one
more time, from the FML back in 1995:
 
>Date:    Wed, 15 Mar 1995 12:07:00 EST
>From:    Anonymous Poster <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: KIDS AND FERRETS
>
>The recent postings about kids learning to respect animals (and others) from
>ferrets make some good points.  However, there are greater lessons that can
>be learned from ferrets.  These are attitudes that are sometimes hard to get
>from adults.  They certainly can serve well and are taught the best
>way.....BY EXAMPLE.
>
>Persistence - Once a ferret gets something in its head, it will not be
>denied!  The fiftieth try at something is as vigorous (or more) than the
>first.   Let it succeed once and it can never be deterred.   Discouragement
>is an unknown concept.  Try and keep them out of cabinets once they get in.
> Put their toys away and see where they are 5 mins. later.   Is this
>something I want a child to imitate?  You bet (well not the toy part
>exactly).
>
>Creativity - Some ferrets love to climb.   They try one way and after a few
>trys that don't work, they try something different.  No "if I just do more
>of what doesn't work, maybe it will."  They also don't obey rules that
>nobody said had to be obeyed in the first place.  You can't get up on this
>table by climbing on that shelf way over there.  Whoops, I guess you can if
>you're gonna include that jump. I've seen some real "Rube Goldberg" ways to
>get things done that just amaze me.   Adults especially tend to get locked
>into mental sets that constrain creativity.  Kids don't start out that way,
>but society can change that.  Ferrets are living proof that it doesn't have
>to be that way.
>
>Joy-of-Life -  Ever seen a depressed ferret?  How much Prosaic is Rx'ed for
>ferrets?.  Live in the moment?  Find a ferret that doesn't.   Take joy in
>the simple things in life (a new plastic bag), no self-help book needed to
>point this out.   Worry....what is that?   Is there a better lesson than to
>enjoy whatever comes your way?
>
>Tolerance of others  - Play with ferrets of other colors and ages, gotta
>love it.   Live with dogs, cats, birds, etc., no problem.  New people
>visiting, can't get enough.  Figure out how to have fun with others, that's
>my raison d'etre.
>
>This only scratches the surface of  traits that ferrets display that I would
>want anybody to learn.   A live-in guru to teach these to your kids would be
>invaluable.  Here is how to do it and avoid that Social Security withholding
>oversight that can kill your next cabinet nomination.
>
>               'Till next time........Rudy the ferlosopher
 
That was Bob.  He is survived by his wife Ann, their six ferrets, and many
members of his and Ann's families.  Not only just the ferret community, but
the larger world too, is much poorer because of his loss.
 
He will be waked at the O'Connor Funeral Home, 592 Park Ave (Route 9) in
Worcester Mass, from 6 to 9 PM July 14th (Monday).  The Funeral will be held
at St Spyridons Greek Orthodox Cathedral, on Russell Street which I
understand is off of Park Ave at ten A.M. on Tuesday July 15th..
 
If anyone wishes to make a contribution in lieu of flowers, Ann specified
the Leukemia Society:
 
    Leukemia Society of America, Massachusetts Chapter
    180 Rustcraft Rd
    Dedham  MA 02026
    (617) 329-9944
 
Cards and other condolences may be sent to Ann Rudich c/o Mass Ferret
Friends; P.O. Box 3123; Wakefield, Mass 01880.
[Posted in FML issue 2001]