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Like so many nature-loving South Carolinians, we were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Rudy Mancke, who dedicated his life to celebrating and sharing the natural splendor of the Palmetto State. In a touching tribute, Land Conservation Manager Chris Starker shared how Rudy’s lifelong passion helped shape his own life...
If you grew up in the public school system of SC, especially in the 80s, you probably watched Rudy Mancke’s NatureScene on SCETV every Friday in science class just like I did. So, for the six years when I lived in Columbia and worked at The Backpacker, assisting Rudy and his production team to get them the right clothing and gear for every excursion was always a highlight of the day. One of the nicest people I've ever met, Rudy was exceptionally humble and treated everyone like an equal despite our collective awe. After all, he was a childhood hero to everyone who worked there.
When the River Network held their annual River Rally conference in Charleston once upon a time, Rudy was the keynote speaker. I took that opportunity to reintroduce myself, but to my surprise he remembered me from those days at The Backpacker many years ago like they had happened just yesterday. I may have embarrassed him that day when I said that like Henry David Thoreau, Rachel Carson, and E.O. Wilson, he played a vital role in shaping the person I am today — such was his capacity for humility.
Certainly, he made the world a better place everywhere he went and with whomever he met.
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