R.I.P Larry Rudd i miss you.. i think about you all the time :'(

I never personally knew this man but I am a single mom, and without the sacrifices from soldiers such as him, my children and myself wouldn't have the good life and freedom we have... so to his friends and family my deepest sympathies and my highest respect and THANKS for sharing with Canada this brave and strong man! :-) RIP Trooper Larry Rudd. Canadians all across the country thank you for everything and are saddened by this great loss!!! Kelly Beaul - Hamilton, Ontario

I knew Larry only briefly, but his presence will last a lifetime. He made the ultimate sacrifice for his country and will be a hero in our hearts forever. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family.

As I was on my way to work this morning, I felt ...within my heart that, I just had to attend this morning service in the downtown (Brantford)... which I so concentrated to pay tribute and, pray, for such a "heroic" young man : My heart goes to you Mr and Mrs.Rudd and believe that GOD is with all of you. So, in my own words to such a "hero" :Trooper Larry John Zuidema Rudd... Thanks for your ultimate sacrifice.... GOD be with you for all Eternity.

My name is: Maria Pickard

You gave your life, the ultimate sacrifice, for the freedom of others. May God bless you and may He offer comfort to your family at this difficult time.

No words can ease your sorrow

No deeds can ease your pain

The only comfort we can give

Is that one day you'll be together again

What a sad loss! Our sincere condolences to all of Larry's family and friends. We didn't know Larry, but we were touched by newspaper articles describing what a wonderful person he was. We have a son the same age, so we can imagine how difficult this must be for the family. Our hearts go out to Larry's mother. You raised a wonderful son. Both you and Larry have sacrificed a great deal for all of us and we won't forget. God bless both of you. Rest in peace, Larry. We will be watching the ceremony on Friday. Bill and Arlene Jeffrey - Brantford

To Mr. and Mrs Rudd and family, your son is a TRUE HERO....he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country....may time and memories of such a wonderful man and soldier help comfort you at this time and in the future. Cpl. Nathanael Hughes, USMC and family. Camp Pendleton, California

Dear Helen. Thank you for being so gracious to accept the gift of our "Support The Troops Teddy Bear" today. I didn't want you to think I was there simply for my own purposes but I know Larry has gone on to other things now. Getting acquainted with his little brother. I was there for you. I am hoping the Teddy Bear will help just a little bit. My tears are for you dear heart and may I say that I'm very angry that you have to take this grief journey again. But as I always say, add it to the list of things that aren't fair. The huge numbers of people who arrived today to show their respect to your family must have warmed your heart. If you must know, there were many people crying for you and your son. Your son's death have touched alot of people's lives and it may only bring some small comfort right now ... but one day. One day. I took my two children out of school to attend the cenotaph ceremony as I felt it was very important for them to experience this opportunity to attend a hero's send off. And it was beautiful. When my little girl was killed, a Minister told me "God was the first to cry, he didn't want her to die". It brought me huge comfort and that's why I passed it on to you. I only pray it helped. Take care of yourself Helen. hugs Cheryl

Our most sincere condolences to your family during this time. We thank you greatly for the sacrifice, and want you to know that Larry will always be a Hero in our hearts! God bless you and your Family

I am very sorry for your loss, My heart and Prayers are with your family. My daughter and I had met Trooper Rudd once at the bank, My daughter thanked him for protecting her.. He smiled, patted her on the head and said your welcome sweetheart. It made her feel like a million dollars.. May he watch over you always.

My deepest sympathy to the family of this brave soldier. May he eternally rest in peace and may his family always know that he did not die in vain. As one who lost a loved one in a war, I know that freedom is not free. While all gave some, this fine young man gave his all. God bless his family.

Having just returned from Kingston where we watched with pride our son's graduation from RMC, we were reminded of how important Canada's role is in the world's peace keeping efforts. You will miss your son terribly but be comforted in knowing that your son's improvement in the living conditions of the Afghani people is a living testament to his memory. You should be so proud of him. Bless you

Helen, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we only met Larry once, knowing how wonderful you are means he must have been an incredible young man. Also know that we are grateful for the duties he performed for his country and the people of Afganistan. His sacrifice, and yours, will not be forgotten.

Larry was a good man and a very good friend of mine.i miss him everyday.Today it hit me really hard found myself crying at work.my heart goes out to your family.!! he def will not be forgotten he touched so many people. including myself. miss you my friend xoxox

Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always....your son has made us as Canadians "TRULY PROUD"...thanks for sharing him with us....

My heartfelt condolences to the entire family of Trooper Larry Rudd Zuidema. He was taken too young in a place far, far away. He paid the supreme sacrifice and now he is among the angels. God bless you, and God bless your family in this most difficult time.

thanks you for being a great person and thanks fr the sacrafices that you made for our country you will be greatly missed

To the family of our fallen hero, Trooper Rudd: Thank you for allowing your son, Larry, to be a hero for our city, province and country. We acknowledge and respect the sacrifice that has been made. Our family's sympathy is with your family as you grieve and savour the memories of his life. Amy, Daniel and Faith Groleau

On behalf of Bell City Transport, we would like to send our thoughts and prayers to the friends and family of Larry. We had the pleasure of knowing Larry when he worked for us in 2006. Thank you for your sacrafice Larry!

My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. He was a hero to everyone and he fought for what was right but it was so sad to have been taken from such a beautiful family. He will be in everyone's heart and memories forever.

It is with heartfelt sympathy and utmost respect I offer my condolences to TROOPER RUDD and all of his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace

To the family and loved ones of Trooper Rudd, may you find peace and comfort in the support of the residents in Brantford, and across the Country that Larry served. My thoughts are with you as I join you in paying my respects. I pray that you feel God's peace, which surpasses all understanding. Thank you for giving your life as the greatest sacrifice for our Country, you will not be forgotten. xoxo

Thank you for your sacrifice, you have made your Country proud. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. May God be with you all.

Thank you for your sacrifice for our country! You made your country proud, our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God be with you all.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice. Our prayers are with your family. R.I.P.

Helen, It's been a long time since we've seen eachother and unfortunately I never got to meet Larry but from all I've read and heard he was a great man and a true hero. I only hope that the outpouring of support that you have received will bring you some comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you Helen, Toni and Bill.

My family wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the Family and Friends of Trooper Larry Rudd. The passing of this brave and proud young man brings much sadness in our hearts and minds. May he live forever in our fondest memories and rest in eternal peace in paradise.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time. Larry was an amazing person and an outstanding friend to so many people. Larry will be deeply missed and always remembered.

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Your son's sacrifice is not forgotten by our family. What a fine and brave young man. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies go out to the family of Larry Rudd. Thank you for the sacrifice you have made, it will always be remembered.

our thoughts and prayers are with you on this sad day

From one military family to another. You have given the Ultimate gift to our Country. Your boy. As he has given the ultimate sacrifice for us all. Please know that many hearts and much love is with you today and the days ahead. We thank you for your strength, your courage and your love in allowing us to witness the final Rest of one of Our Heroes. Parent to parent, thank you for the gift of your son Ed and Debby Kellner newport Nova Scotia

Thank you to Trooper Rudd for your sacrafice for our freedom. You made a difference and will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your family.

My thoughts and prayers are with you on the terrible loss of your son. I pray every night for our soldiers and for the ones who have passed away may they rest in peace amd give their love ones the strength that they will need.

Helen, Our thoughts are with you. Peter & Margo Munro

Our most heartfelt condolences on the loss of your son, having sons of our own, I just cannot imagine the pain you must feel. He paid the ultimate price. You are in everyone's thoughts and prayers at this most painful time in your life. Margaret and Gareth Donnan (Friends of Ian Podmore)

Thank you for your Services Private Rudd, your departure was far too early but may god be with you, Sincerly Private Walsh

My thoughts & prayers go out to the family. As part of a military family I know what a sacrifice your family has made. The Time spent raising, caring, loving, supporting,and worrying about a family member in the military is no easy task. Please be aware that not only my family and I are grateful for your sacrifice, but also the country that your son so dearly love. Thanking you So Much

To the Family and Friends of Larry Rudd please accept my condolences for your loss. Although many of us did not know Larry before his death, I can say that I and so many others will never forget who he was and what he did for our country. Larry is very much part of all of our lives now. Through all the media information about this young man, we feel we are all connected to him. He is a true Hero, Brantfords Finest. You will never be forgotten Larry. May you Rest in Peace and have Eternal Life. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

I did not know Larry or do I know his family. I do know that whenever my children wake and are free to go outside and not worry about stepping on a mine or being shot I will think of Larry and all the other soldiers that have died for our sake. Not knowing me or my family he went off to protect us not thinking of himself for this unselfish act he truly is a hero in my eyes. I am sorry for your loss and pray for you all but through all this I hope you can remember the good times and know that he is truly a great man for what he has done. Sorry again and God Bless you all.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rudd,

Our heartfelt sorrow to you and your family. God Bless

Margaret and Bill Ritchie

Over the last day driving down Brant Ave and seeing all the yellow ribbons and Canadian Flags in honor of Larry has brought tears to my eyes, how proud this city is of you Larry for all you have done....and to Larrys mom Helen ....you raised a fine Gentleman, a Hero, a man everyone knew as friend.....I hope this gives you peace in your healing knowing just how much Larry meant to all. It was an honor to have a small part of Larry in my life when he worked as security at the hospital.....he was the one I still see peaking around the corner to see if it was coffee time, the one who teased me about how short I was, the one who I will never forget. God Bless you Helen and family and all his friends. R.I.P. Dear Larry

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, I am sorry for your loss.I never got the chance to meet Larry but I do know people who knew him and from what they've said he was a great man.

For the family Your son was generous and brave and we all thank him.He was your angel . I'm sure but how he is an angel with wings so now he can fly for his freedom.L hope time will help your pain.

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Tropper Larry Rudd. To Larry: Thank you for your courageous efforts. You are a true Canadian hero. God Bless. VM

on behalf of our family we want to thank you for the sacrifice your son has made for our country. May God bless you and give you peace at this difficult time. Our thought and prayers are with you at this time

Thank you Larry for your service in Afghanistan. My thoughts and prayers are with Larry's family and friends.

Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and may God bless you,your family,and friends. We are humbled by your sacrifice to make this Country free. Ex-Navy personnel Ed Parkin

My sincere condelences to the family for the tragic loss of Larry, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As a military Mom I cannot imagine what you're going through, but my heart goes out to you all. One never knows what will happen when our loved ones go off to war. Larry will always be remembered as a hero.

Although I never met Larry, I offer my deepest condolence to the family. Obviously he was a caring and proud Canadian willing to give his life for his fellow Canadians. May God bless him and his family.

What an ultimate tragedy! Often, I read about young soldiers laying down their lives so that less fortunate can live with dignity, respect and peace. Everyday, they defend our values, while they try to make world children’s lives better. At this tragic time, do not think that you are alone. May be over thousands of Canadians have expressed their condolences but there are millions of silent Canadians who stand beside you at this time of agony and anguish. We cannot bring your Larry back for you but we are able to shed a tear in his memory. “The Lord may not appear when we expect Him to, but He is never late in His appointments!” And the Lord was on time when He met Larry on the dusty roads of Afghanistan, embraced Larry and took him away to His kingdom. Larry’s mom, relatives and friends have to understand that Larry is resting in the company of the Lord.

Dear Helen & Family, We would like to send our deepest sympathies at this difficult time. Though we never knew Larry we feel especially touched by his passing. As a military family we are aware of the risks our children are taking with this career path, but respect their committment and dedication. They truly are Heros. God Bless you. Rick & Lesley Lewis, Brantford, parents of Pvt K.R.R.Lewis, 2RCR, CFB Gagetown.

Dear Helen; You have my deepest sympathy. What a shock after you telling me on Sunday how happy you were to hear from Larry that day, and then on Monday we saw the military personnel pull up to your house. My mother and I send you our deepest sympathy and support at this trying time.

I graduated grade 8 at Graham Bell School with Larry...he deserved his reward and when his name was called he had an ear-to-ear smile, and of course went red in the face. I'll never forget Larry's smirk as he was shy in class, but years later when I saw him as a big bouncer, shy was not in his character! He gave great hugs...and there is no doubt he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers are with the Rudd (Zuidema) family. He will always be with us, his heart will live in yours forever!

I cannot begin to imagine the heartache and sorrow you must be feeling right now. I pray that God is by your side to give you strength and comfort to get you through this difficult time. Though I did not know your son personally as a fellow Canadian I am proud that he fought for what he believed in. He made his country proud and made a difference in the fight for what is right over in Afghanistan. I only wish he could have come home safe to you and your family. May you take comfort in all the wonderful memories you have of your son. May he now rest in peace with the good Lord above.

We are so very sorry for the loss of your son Larry. His sacrifice for us will always be remembered in our prayers. The Pettipas Family.

The President and all members of the Royal Canadian Dragoons Association (Alberta Chapter) send their condolences to the Rudd family for their great loss. Larry will be forever in our thoughts. Reg Munden President RCD Association Alberta Chapter

Thank you for your sacrifice!

I wish my sincere condolences to the family of Trooper Rudd.thought I didn't know him He fought for Canada and he from Brantford I supprt the troopsHe was a brave man

My heart goes out to you Helen..Larry will never be forgotten a true Hero

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. People like Larry make us proud to be Canadian. Even though I never knew him his passing has touched us all so close to home.

Unfortunately we did not know this brave soldier, but we wish to thank him for his service to our Country and send our sincere condolences to his Mom and all other family members. God Bless You All

My heart goes out to the family of Larry Rudd. Thank you, Larry, for serving our great country and may you rest in peace knowing there are many people in Canada, and the world, who appreciate your sacrifice. Blessed be.

To the Rudd family As a Vietnam Veteran I salute Larry and thank him for his dedicated service to this country, he gave what many others would not. I wish to extend to you his family my heartfelt thanks for allowing him to serve his country. I would like to extend to you my deepest sympathies in this trying and troublesome time. May God in his wisdom bless you all and help you through these difficult times and may He welcome Larry home. Thank you, Larry, you true and faithful servant

I would just like to send my condolences to your family. I am a proud Canadian and I support our troops and their sacrifice for my freedom. May God be with you all!

Our thoughts and prays go out to you at this time. God bless

Our thoughts and prayers to you in this difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

my thoughts and prayers are with you

It was my Honour to escort Trooper Rudd through Hamilton to his Home, back in the City of Brantford. To his family my deepest sympathy

It is with a very heavy heart that I send my condolece's to your family. As a mother of a Canadian soldier, our son's trained together. My son Trooper Doug Collins was a friend of your son & speaks very fondly of him. You will stay in my prayers & heart forever. God Bless you all Mary Ellen Collins

With heartfelt love we send your family our deepest condolences. We pray for your strength in the upcoming days and months as you struggle to find your way in this world without your beloved Larry. With love and respect, The VanderBeek family

Helen, Bill, and family, May your memories provide comfort and your friends support to help with your sadness at this very difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy, Stuart

Helen, I am so sorry for your loss. I trust that you have many fond memories to help sustain you at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Larry Rudd. He is a true Canadian hero and is a tribute to all Canadians for the service and dedication he provided not only to his community but to his country. Though I never knew him personally I do remember seeing him around Brantford from time to time. He will be sorely missed by all. To young to go but he is in Gods hands now and shining down upon all of us. Rest in Peace Larry. We shall remember you and your service forever.

I did not know this hero personally but that does not ease the heartache I feel each time the flag at my local legion is lowered. It means I know another soldier comes home a hero in death instead of a hero in life. I wish to thank Trooper Rudd for his sacrifice and to his family my deepest condolences. God Bless you all!

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. I never knew your son, but I am very proud that he served this country in Afganistan.He has made a difference and will never be forgotten. You should be very proud of your son for his sacrifice that he has made. I will be attending the Service to show my appreciation for what he has done for this country. Thank You Brian Farrell

My deepest sympathies to the family of Larry Rudd. I am very sorry for your loss. Nothing I can say at this moment will ease your pain and suffering but my thoughts go out to you. Another son lost doing what he thought best for all of mankind. May you rest in peace Larry!

May the Lord bless you & keep you safe in his arms. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice in the name of peace.

God bless you Larry. My sincere sympathies to your family. Living in peace in Canada thanks to our troops!!

my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time . Your son was a true hero god bless you all love and prayers from Hamilton Ontario

You don't know me. but I just wanted to send my condolences to the family. I am a proud Canadian citizen and am deeply proud of all our service men & women. I appreciate everyday that they are out there trying to make the world a better place. I couldn't imagine this world without them. I know that this will not help with your pain and loss, but please know that there a a lot of people that never had the honour of meeting him, but will think of him everyday for what he has given up for all of us! In my thoughts and prayers, Jeannette S

My heart goes out to your entire family at this most difficult time. I felt I needed to send my condolences along to you as I have a 24 year old daughter who is being deployed to Afghanistan June 9th,2010 for 7mos. Your precious son was only two years older and I cannot begin to imagine how this has devastated you. My husband and I will keep you and your family in my thoughts daily and wish you peace and inner strength. There are no words that can ease your pain however just know there are many many Canadians who support you and are eternally grateful for your son's sacrifice.

I am just sending my families deepest condolences. What do you say at a time like this. I hope your family, friends, loved ones give you the strength to get through this horrible time and the worse time which is always after everything is over and done with. I also had a step uncle that was taken too early during the Battle of Sommes. He was 19. I never knew your son but we have to support our men/women in uniform. I have signed the banners every year at the CNE that were taken to Afghanistan. It was such a proud time knowing our fellow Canadians would be reading them overseas. May you all find some comfort. Sincerely, Gaynor Jones and family

My heart goes out to you during this trying time in your life. My Son is over there now, and as a parent i know now how hard it is not knowing that he is safe. My son works the unit that guards against just such IED incursions. I hope he helps all your sons brothers in arms. Regards Gord G.

Canada won't forget your sacrifice Larry. God bless you and your family.

Your life has not been lost in vain, you have made a difference,from an old trooper to you Perseverance Lord Strathcona Horse, Royal Canadians Jim Kelso

Our thoughts and Prayers are with your family at this most difficult time. Kevin & Phyllis Fitzpatrick and family

The Veterans memorial Park held a service on May 29 for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. As part of this service Trp. Larry Rudd had his name written on a Canadian flag and placed in the Garden of Rememberence by a veteran of UN/NATO missions. He will be remembered for his sacrifice. www.veteranmemorialpark.com

To the Zuidema-Rudd families I never knew Larry. But from what I hear, I missed out on a lot. It is an honour to live in the same community where he lived for most of his life. May you know that thousands of Canadians appreciate his sacrifice and your feelings at this time. Yours very Truly Brent Sleightholm Brantford

Helen and family may you always find peace in the special memories you hold in your hearts. May you rest in peace Larry.

Helen my prayers go out to you and your family. I did not have the pleasure of knowing your son, but i have great memories of you, and I am sure Larry must have inherited those great qualities. You must be very proud of him he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. My thoughts will be with you over the next few days and weeks

Dear Larry; You are a nephew that I sadly never met. I wish your family sincere condolences. Maria de Groot [used to be Maria Rudd, Stephen's ex, Stephanie's mother]

There are no words...just broken hearts. Larry, we thank YOU for being so fearless. You served our country well. Welcome home Trooper, it's your time to rest.

I am saddened by the passing of Trooper Larry....Larry was a co-worker, a neighbour and a gentle giant!! When I heard of Larry's passing, it was very hard to comprehend. How could a wonderful person get taken away from us so soon?? He was just starting his service overseas and was taken from us way to soon. GOD must have needed another ANGEL to watch over us, so he took Larry to guard us and protect us from Heaven. May you be a peace Larry, Thank you for all you have done for us here in Brantford. We are very proud of the time you gave for us. You will never be forgotten. RIP dear Larry..