Russell C. “Rudd” Rowan III, a carpenter who owned a remodeling business and was a well- loved Sunday school teacher at Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church, died Aug. 23. He was 70.
Rudd was born Nov. 17, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Springdale and Wilton, Conn., and lived more than 50 years in Lewisboro.
He graduated from Wilton High School in 1971 before attending Fairfield University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a young man, he volunteered doing Christian outreach with students.
A carpenter by trade, Rudd owned Entasis Woodworks Inc. and worked as a general contractor, woodworker and furniture maker. HIs family said many homes throughout Westchester and Fairfield counties have been enhanced by his attention to detail and unrelenting work ethic, though perhaps his proudest work was the home and custom pieces he built for his family.
In earlier years, he enjoyed playing ice hockey, backpacking, and performing in community theater. Rudd participated in Infinite Roots, a culture-building drum group, learning to play West African drums and performing at schools and other venues.
Rudd was a member of Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church for many years, where he was a Sunday School teacher and youth leader.
His family said Rudd will be missed for his compassion towards all people, silliness, dedication to recycling, and deep love for his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan Downie Rowan of Vista; his daughters, Shana (Geoff) of Canastota, N.Y., and Thea (Steve) of Taunton, Mass.; his brother Hayes, of Cleveland, as well as many cousins, extended family members and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Russell C. Rowan II; mother, Genevieve Gallagher Rowan; and sister, Tracy Rowan.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. with a service following. All will be located at Stevens Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 8 Shady Lane, South Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org.