Former Ceres Unified School District administrator Jack Rudd has died.

Mr. Rudd passed away Tuesday, August 7 at Hood River, Oregon, where he moved with wife Jene after retiring. He was 77.

“I consider Jack Rudd to have been a mentor and a role model, and I am deeply saddened by his passing,” said Ceres Unified School District Supt. Scott Siegel. “ I had the pleasure of working closely with him in the spring of 2002 as he prepared to retire. Jack instituted many of the systems and procedures that CUSD continues to use today to ensure operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility for the district. I often hear that Ceres is a well-run school district, and I attribute a great deal of the credit for that to Jack. I will always be grateful for his leadership, professionalism and guidance.”

Jack was born on May 6, 1943.

He began his career with CUSD in 1967 when he was hired as an agriculture teacher at Ceres High School. He remained in the classroom until 1975. Rudd served as the district’s Vocational Education Coordinator from July 1, 1975 to Feb. 28, 1989. From March 1, 1989 to June 30, 1991 he was director of CUSD’s Business Services until he was promoted to assistant superintendent in Business Services. He retired June 28, 2002.

During his tenure as business manager, Rudd and Supt. Bruce Newlin dealt with the aftermath of the devastating Jan. 11, 1991 arson fire that destroyed the CUSD offices in the former grammar school on Lawrence Street. Rudd helped to oversee the rebuilding of a new brick building on the same location.

Jack enjoyed horseback riding and running cattle drives on his rural property in eastern Oregon.

Arrangements are being made under the direction of Anderson’s Tribute Center.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.andersonstributecenter.com.