Michael Gregory Rudzinis, 50, of Whitney Point, passed away on Friday, July 4th, 2008, at Strong Memorial Hospital due to complications from his liver transplant. His family surrounded him with love and support during his extended stay in the hospital. He is survived by his loving fiancée, Stacey Calvo; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeremiah and Jessie Rudzinis, Moscow, Idaho; his caring mother and stepfather, Lucia and William Murtha; his understanding father and stepmother, Wilson and Linda Rudzinis; a devoted sister and brother-in-law, Karen (Rudzinis) and AllieWoodcock; nephew, Jesse Woodcock; and niece, Brittany; also caring ex-wife, Elizabeth Rudzinis. He graduated from Maine-Endwell H.S., the State University of New York at the Agricultural and Technical College at Morrisville, AAS in Natural Resources Conservation and Agriculture Engineering Technology. He was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Fraternity. Michael loved the outdoors and living at his grandparents' farm, Frank and Margaret Rudzinis. After leaving the farm he continued his quest to become an Outfitter and Guide for hunting and fishing in the Bob Marshal Wilderness, Mont. His love of life, animals and the wilderness brought him into a lifelong career in Taxidermy; Artistry in Wildlife, Taxidermy Specialties. Michael obtained distinguished recognition at the National Level winning over 5 times. He was elected President of the United Taxidermist of New York in 2006. Michael made personal goals annually for achieving World and National Bow hunting record achievements. He hunted Big Game worldwide, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Hungary, and Canada. He hunted in 45 of the Lower-48. He holds 10 Safari Club International Record Book Trophy Animals, 7 are in the top 10. Michael was sponsored by the 2008 Platinum BowTech Hunting Pro-Staff and the 2008 Easton Arrows Shooting Staff. Mike was a dedicated 25 year Key Technician and friend of the 21st Century Pools and Spa of Vestal, and the funniest and hard working partner of Gregg Driscoll of Thomas Bread. Mike will be missed by all his friends, locally and worldwide, because friends are what he cared about most.