Gerald RUTHERFORD

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RUTHERFORD: Sadly after a courageous fight Gerald Rutherford passed away surrounded by his family at the Personal Care Home in Glenboro, Manitoba on June 16th, 2012 at the age of 70. Gerald was born at Stockton, Manitoba September 16th, 1941 to George and Florence Rutherford.  He completed his schooling at Stockton, Manitoba and farmed with his father.  On August 11, 1962 he married Shirley Campbell.  They were blessed with 5 children, Laurie, Corinne, Darren, Kelly-Ann and Ryan. In 1987 Gerald left the farm to work at MLK Construction.  He was employed with them for 10 years and then moved on to work at McLaren Farm Ventures. In 2000, Gerald and Shirley moved to Glenboro where Shirley still resides today. In 2008, Gerald was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).  Gerald worked at Cypress River Potato Growers until his illness forced him to retire. He loved the outdoors and spent many weekends and holidays camping and fishing with family and friends.  Many countless hours throughout the years were spent participating in his children’s sports and in most recent years it brought great joy to him to be able to watch his grandchildren at their sporting events. Gerald battled his disease with courage and strength, never complaining and still managed to retain his sense of humour.  He often brightened our days with his smile and laugh. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, sons Laurie (Lorraine) of Wawanesa, Darren (Corrine) of Stockton, Ryan (Kristi) of Glenboro, his daughters Corinne (Les) of Cypress River and Kelly-Ann (Herb) of Langley, BC, as well as grandchildren Megan, Mitchell, Reese, Bree, Amy, Reid, Kaylee, Shalyne, Riley, Mikayla, Conner, Kallum, Marlie and Bretton.  Also surviving him are his sisters Annabell Barnett of Grandview, Manitoba and Mary-dell (Tom) Findlay of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and their families. He was predeceased by his parents George (1991) and Florence (1993), and by in-laws Fred and Lillian Campbell, brothers-in-law Bob Harrod & Edward Barnett. A celebration of Gerald’s life was held at Milford Cemetery on Thursday, June 21st, 2012.Dad,You were always there when we needed youNo task too great or small,With a loving heart and a willing handFor us you did them all.Thanks for the years you gave us,And for the times we shared,We only pray when you left usYou knew how much we cared.God saw you getting tiredWhen a cure was not to be,He put His arms around youAnd said, “Come unto Me.”

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 14, 2012