Noel Aloysius Rhudd born March 3rd, 1959 to Mr. & Mrs. Harold Rhudd Sr., died on May 16th, 2008 leaving Wife Sandra, Partner Tessie and children Shacara, Sasha, Deshawn and Devaun, Granddaughter Gabriel, Sisters Juliette, Jean, Rosie, brothers Harold, Richie, Larry, Marlon, Tony, and Rory; Nieces Roxon, Diane, Cecile, Claudine, Georgia, Shelly, Karen, Jackie, Keisha, Marla, Marsha, Camel, Soroya, Toniann, Kenisha, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and his beloved Kingston College “Fortis” Family.
Noel attended Kingston College from 1971 – 1978, and established himself as the premier footballer of his era. Starting from Form 1, he represented KC for 7 outstanding years. He captained the undefeated First Form All-stars, Second Form All-stars and Colts Champions of 1973. He then represented KC in the Manning Cup for four years from 1974 – 1977 with KC going to the final of 1974 losing to JC, KC winning the Triple Championship crown in 1975, and the Walker Cup in 1977. His goal scoring ability was phenomenal, his dribbling skills unmatched and he brought fear and frustration to all defenders.
While still a schoolboy he was called to the Jamaica Juvenile and National Teams. Noel also played for the great Cavalier teams of the 1970’s & 80’s in the Major and Premier Leagues in Jamaica, and the Kingston Port Workers Business House teams of the 1980’s. Despite his all star fame, Noel remained a very humble student on campus.
After leaving school, he worked at the Life of Jamaica Insurance Co. (LOJ) and the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ). In 1986, he came to US to joint his brother Marlon “Brando”. Shortly after arriving in the US the fainting spells and dizziness that had become part of his life in Jamaica was diagnosed as a brain tumor. He underwent his first surgery in 1988 and sustained several similar procedures through 2006.
Noel could have understandably been bitter or indulged in self-pity, but he would not have been a true Fortis if he had taken that route. Rather, he remained brave, positive and strong, never yielding to the severe adversity he faced and was thankful to God daily for the love of his family and friends.
Noel came to know Christ as his savior and lord, baptized at the United Destiny Ministry where his worshiped. Noel was a reserved, quiet man, who loved life, his family and his many friends.
However, Noel is not in pain today. His long ordeal is over and he has left us some wonderful memories. The challenge is ours today, to guard, protect and ensure the success of his legacy.
MAY GOD COMFORT AND PROTECT YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT PERIOD.
FORTIS CADERE CEDERE NON POTEST, THE BRAVE MAY FALL BUT NEVER YIELD
