A flag waved in the wind outside University Medical Center as family, friends, and community members gathered to honor the life of Taj Rudolph, lovingly known as Tookie.
“If you can look around here, you’ll see how much he was truly loved,” said Kory Dupree, Taj’s godfather.
Taj passed away from Brugada syndrome, a rare heart condition that causes few to no symptoms. Those who knew him remembered him for his kindness, leadership, and dedication to community service.
“Tookie worked for City Hall. In fact, once he graduated out of high school, he went off to college. He always was a giver, not a follower. He was a leader,” Dupree said.
Taj was known for giving back during the community’s hardest times, including serving during the COVID-19 pandemic and on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. He also inspired the next generation of young leaders.
In a video, Taj once said, “You’re not just graduates of the Civic Leadership Academy. You’re neighborhood leaders, advocates, and connectors.”
His final gift was being honored with the Hero’s Walk and Remembrance, as his organs were donated to help those in need.
“Taj was selfless, and he would want me to give the gift of life to someone else,” a loved one said.
“His love… it was always magnetic,” Dupree said. “And I must say this one thing about him: every time I’ve seen Tookie, he always had a beautiful smile on his face.”
Taj’s love, service, and smile will not soon be forgotten.
READ MORE:A hero’s honor: New Orleans man recognized for his organ donation
