Harold Arthur Pudewa

Hap was a loving and beloved son, grandson, father, husband, sailor, and friend. Except for being born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, he spent his entire life in the LA Area not far from USC. His Mother, Gladys Wanke, and his Grandfather, Lewis Wanke, basically raised him. His Stepfather, Joseph Tye, was also a great roll model for him. After graduating from Jefferson High in Los Angeles, Hap earned a degree from USC in Mechanical Engineering. Hughes Aircraft sent him on to Grad School at USC where he became a heat transfer specialist. During that time he married Marcia J. Keets. They had two children, Andrew and Pam, who are now in their 50's. He and Marcia divorced in 1978 and she passed away on March 03, 2012. Hap spent 35 years with TRW and he enjoyed being part of the many Apollo Projects and the later Space Shuttle ones. Hap met his current wife, Kathleen G. Raab, in the early 80's. Always an avid sailor, he took her sailing on their very first date and to dinner at Ports O' Call Village in San Pedro. They have shared a very special love for each other for over 34 years. When Hap retired in 1989, he joined Kathleen in her Long Beach home. He raced Tranpac to Hawaii on SBOC in 1985, crewed on several Mexican Races, and delivered three boats back home with Bob Stuart. Wes Stone joined them on one extended cruise up the Mexican coast. Hap spent many years being active in the Buccaneer Yacht Club, Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club, and many local yacht racing events. He also served as Race Committee Chairman for both Clubs. Each September he and Bob Stuart chaired the cruise to the Channel Islands off the coast of Santa Barbara. Hap's quiet and gentle guidance, his welcoming smiles, and his love of life will not be forgotten.