Rudolph Wyman Neuser

Rudy Neuser was born in Seattle, WA, on November 1, 1926 to Signy and Charles Neuser. He grew up in the Greenwood/Ballard neighborhood where he caught snakes and frogs where a Fred Meyer now stands. He graduated early from Ballard High School and joined the Navy in 1944 where he honorably served on a jeep carrier. He was on his way as part of the invasion of Japan when WWII ended.

Rudy met his beloved Shirley when they were in the wedding party of dear friends, Frank and Adele Inslee. They met in October, became engaged on Rudy’s next birthday. They married at Zion Lutheran Church on January 8, 1949. It may have been a short courtship, but the relationship has been solid since that first meeting. It is obvious to whoever observes them how deep their love and commitment will always be. What a tremendous example for his children and grandchildren!

Other than his family, Rudy’s great love was for fishing and the sea. In the commercial fishing world he was known as Heavy Duty and well known from Alaska to Mexico. He primarily was a salmon troller, but he also purse seined, long-lined tuna, as well as fishing for halibut and crab. Every bartender near a boat basin knew him and he was well respected and a friend to all.

His other great passion was music. He played the accordion (squeeze box as he called it), sang and loved to dance. He was known for requesting “Proud Mary,” and a schottische of every live band, regardless of their style.

After selling the Shirley N, Rudy and Shirley enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand as well as visiting friends in the U.K. He was a great chef and loved cooking for his family and entertaining. Many a warm evening, he and Shirley would sit on their deck and watch the boats and sunset over Commencement Bay while enjoying a glass of wine or a “jolt.”

Rudy will be deeply missed by his adoring wife of 64 years, Shirley; his daughter Kristine Brynildsen-Smith (Al) of Seattle; daughter Cynthia Barker (Dave) of Homer, Alaska, and son Andy (Joan) of Tacoma. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dave Barker, Jr. (Jeanie) of Atlanta, Georgia; Adam Barker (Jessica) of Homer, Alaska; Erik Brynildsen of Seattle; Zachary Barker of Walla Walla, Washington; Katie Neuser of Seattle; Gregory Smith (Alex) of Seattle; Meg Burnham (Kenny) of Seattle; Aimee Neuser of Seattle and Drew Anna Neuser of Tacoma. His great grandchildren include Julia and Reed Barker, Max and Allie Barker and Oliver Smith. His sister Carol DeLong and several nieces and nephews also survive him. His spoiled Sally dog misses his lap and loving attention. Rudy was known for giving all of his family members pet names, which we cherish.

Rudy passed away on December 30, surrounded by all of his children, grandchildren, wife and most of his great grandchildren. A celebration of Rudy’s life will be held at an open house at his home in Browns’ Point on Friday, January 4 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Please bring a story to tell. Rudy always said, “Enjoy every day,” and “I can go any day because I have had a full and wonderful life and the best wife and family.”