David Rutherford is finally at peace after a long struggle with severe COPD. He died at 79 on January 1st, 2023 at Matthews House Hospice in Alliston. He is survived by his loving wife Lea and his sons, James (Becky) and Chris as well as his beloved granddaughter Audrey. David was the son of the late Albert and Velma Rutherford and will be greatly missed by his sister Karen Given (Larry) and his in-laws Mary Ann and John deChastelain. David had many cousins, nieces and nephews who will mourn his passing. Husband, Father, Grandfather, Teacher, Coach, Singer, Community Volunteer, Scout Leader, Friend, Baker, Fisherman, Problem Solver and Mischief Maker. David had an immeasurable impact on the people he met. He was a giver, always willing to volunteer his time and talents to help others, especially his community. He bore his illness with grace and courage, he never complained, lost his sense of humour or stopped whistling. David was dedicated to sobriety and was a Friend of Bill W. He was very involved in the program and his ability to share his experiences to help others made his life complete. He celebrated his 30 years of sobriety two days before he died.
Our family is so grateful for the fantastic medical care that David received at home, particularly his RN Jennifer who has been his nurse since 2019. More recently he received wonderful support from Dr. Michael Gagnon and PSW’s Bhupinder and Mala.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Friday, February 3 from 4 – 8 o’clock.
Memorial service will be held in the chapel on Saturday morning, February 4 at 11 o’clock. Followed by a reception at the funeral home. A live streaming link will be available on Saturday, February 4 for viewing at the time of the memorial service, or afterwards.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations go to The Hospital for Sick Children http://www.sickkids.ca
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
The Cella Family and everyone at Cella Auto
To Lea and the entire Rutherford family, we express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Dave. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word. We were honoured to have known him and we hope for the family that your memories bring you comfort. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Gladys Fieldhouse
Sincere condolences Lee and family.
Patricia James
Dear Karen and Larry. I hadn’t met David, but after reading his obituary I believe he was a man of courage, strength, resilience and fun- someone I would have liked to know. My sincerest condolences at the loss of David, and please know that my prayers for you and your family are filled with the hope that you find peace in knowing that David is probably whistling a great chorus with the angels in heaven. God bless you as you grieve your loss. Patricia
Isobel Burbidge (Bishop)
Dear Lea and family….
Sending sincere condolences at this sad time as I think of David as a fellow classmate at Vellore School, as a choir member at St. Paul’s and as a kind gentleman to my mother and indeed to all who knew him in recent years.
Know that you are loved and may David rest peacefully.
Duncan MacDonald
Sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. Always enjoyed his visits in the summer when at their cottage on manitoulin island. RIP dave!
Deb and Duncan macDonald
Paul Reinhardt
David will be missed dearly.
David loved his local heritage as his family had deep roots in Vaughan. He was involved in the farm community, the Woodbridge Fair as well as Kleinburg’s Binder Twine Festival. He once said about Kleinburg there was no other place in the world where Big Names of the City and of Canada mingle so affectionately as one of us.
He is remembered as a dedicated teacher who took students on weekend trips on his spare time. His interactions with students was remarkable as he could deal with difficult students with enviable patience.
Our deepest sympathy goes to his loving family. Carole and Paul
Deirdre M Bean
Deepest sympathies to Lea, Chris, James, Becky, and Audrey. May the memories of Dave comfort you through your sorrows. Dave was very active and dedicated some time in the program with Cooperation with the Professional Community I remember that he enjoyed volunteering. He was happy to show the ropes to Dan who took over for him. He truly was a character during Christmas at Woodbridge wearing his Christmas hat, fancy tie with lights and his great big smile. And we cannot forget those amazing butter tarts he made. He will be missed. We are happy that we had the pleasure of meeting and mingling with Dave.
May God bless you and your family as you mourn your loss,
Deirdre and Robert Bean
Lois and Bill Irwin
Condolences to the Rutherford family. Fond memories from High School.
Murray Stewart
Dear Lea and Family
Prior to the onset of the Pandemic ,I enjoyed visiting with David at the Wellness Centre Gym. We would share updates about mutual acquaintances and the Rutherford /Stewart /Black Clans .David would always share history I may not have heard. I had genuine respect for his many interests .
My condolences to your family and the many relatives I have been priviledged to know.
Murray Stewart
Ethel Hawman, nee Burbidge
Sincere sympathy to the family of David Rutherford. My thoughts of David go way back to Vellore Public School, Sunday School and choir at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Vaughan. I remember his father Albert, mother Velma and sister Karen also as being such a vital family in the community of Vellore. Rest in Peace David, you will be sorely missed.
Joan (Constable) Finch
Sincere sympathy to Lea and family. The Rutherford family were well connected to Vellore. His parents Albert and Velma were good friends of my parents (Fred and Bessie Constable.). David was one of us ‘kids’ all through a great one room school house at Vellore and also a part of Sunday school and choir at St. Paul’s Presbyterian church. With lots of happy memories and blessings to all your families.
John and Letty McNeil & family
Dear Lea, James, Becky, Audrey, Chris, Karen, Larry and all other loved ones.
We send you our heartfelt condolences.
John has many memorable moments of David, like the time when they were young boys and David led him trudging through miles of neighbouring fields with knee high deep snow, which was exhausting, and then going airborne as they tobogganed down Evans Hill. Those memories include witnessing David ‘s “Mischief Maker” antics in his young adult years, David helping on the McNeil farm, and assisting David with the annual St. Paul’s Easter Brunch. David always seemed to make everything look easy.
We will also forever be touched by and appreciate all that David contributed to St. Paul’s Church. All his efforts and work to care for the building and the congregation provided a place of immense importance to us, to the community and all who attended.
His commitment to St. Paul’s, his sobriety and his dedication to help others reach sobriety are inspiring.
You are in our prayers and thoughts, and we hope your memories will bring you comfort.
John and Letty McNeil and family
Margaret Ann and Gary McKinnon
The McKinnon (Graham) family mourn the loss of a great cousin with whom we shared many memories, dating back to the adventures at the Rutherford cottage all those many years ago. We note his dedication to his family and his other cousins. There were his civic and masonic contributions that defined the man. Despite his failing health, his conversations with us were always positive. We shall miss him and we know that his family will revere the countless memorable hours they shared with him.
Kathy Peace
Lea and family,
While reading The Star today, I learned of your loss. David and John will be having a great time reminiscing about their days together. Cherish all the great memories of the good times you shared with David.
Lea, it would be wonderful to get together some time.
Sincere sympathies,
Kathy Peace
Kathy Peace
Don Lea and Kathy Lea
Hoping for peace and acceptance of this great loss. We are behind the family and stand ready if there is anything we can do to help. Kathy and Don Lea, Nobleford, AB
Bill and Penny Ashton
Our condolences to Lea and family. I taught at Huron Heights ss With Dave for many years..I not only admired his professionalism but his ability to needle the administration. Dave and family spent the summers on manitoulin island as Penny and I did. Dave and I spent many days on the manitowaning golf course. He always won. May he rest in peace
Patricia Hembruff
Condolences to Lea ,MaryAnne,John and Families
Sorry, Lea, to hear of David’s passing
Always enjoyed your family visits at Wee Point in the summer season while you all where at your cottage on Manitou
David was always eager to get the boat in the waters of Manitou first trip to their cottage each Spring
But took time for a chat and reminiscing of time on Manitoulin .
Rest In Peace,David,You will be dearly missed
Al Gillan
I was very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. I had the pleasure of traveling with Dave on a number of occasions to play golf in West Virginia and Hilton Head. Dave always enjoyed a joke and the camaraderie of a bunch of guys having a good time together. He was an excellent teacher and coach. A very avid supporter of inter school athletics. His support of Alpine Skiing and Track and Field at the OFSSA level contributed significantly to the success of the events.
He will be sadly missed by his many friends and students. Rest In Peace.
Brianna Ramsay
Lea, James and Chris,
Sending you lots of love and support during this difficult time. I have such wonderful family memories with all of you and cherish those.
Love,
Brianna, Dave, Alexa & Malia
Doug and Maureen Ramsay
Lea & family,
Attending UofT led us to a wonderful 59 year friendship of canoeing, golfing, chalet sharing, skiing, camping and recently just spending time together. Our family connection over these years has provided us with such a rich history and cherished memories.
Rest in peace, our dear friend.
Doug & Maureen
Bill Sutherland
It was sad to hear of David’s passing. Ruds and i were colleagues at Huron Heights for many years. He was always interesting (whistling included) and he will be remembered fondly by the staff and the students whom he taught and coached in the many roles he took on.
During his career, David occasionally found the need to Poke The Bear when he thought someone had overstepped. Was he the famous “Red Pen” of Huron lore? We will never know.
Now , I imagine , somewhere, Dave and his friend Bob Morrow are once again playing pranks on each other and having great fun.
My sincere condolences to you, Lea and to your family on the loss of this good man.
Jane (Rooke) Lennox
Dear Lea and family,
Dave and I both taught at Bayview Secondary (1970-72) and Huron Heights (1986-1991) and he was definitely a “presence”. But I have a blood connection with you, Lea, and remember a visit to the Manitoulin cottage in the 1950s with my parents and siblings. You had an amazing dog who would dive off the dock right after your dad! John and I send our sympathy to all of you. May great memories of a wonderful man give you all comfort in the tough days ahead.
Heidi and Jim Sant
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of this great man.
Our deepest condolences to Lea and family.
I am very happy that I got to chat with David just before Xmas when he called Jim.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Al and Laure Lirette
Our deepest sympathies to you Lea and family. The great memories will help you to deal with this difficult time.
Al and Laure
Monisha
My sincere condolences to Lea and family. I feel so fortunate to have met David. As one of his Homecare Respiratory Therapists, I loved my visits with David. We would get side tracked in conversation about life. David gave me some great advise on raising my son. My visits were sweetened by his delicious butter tarts. Lea and David made me feel right at home and I thank them both. David, I will miss you. XO
Kelly Le Ber
I had the pleasure of teaching with Dave at Huron Heights for over 20 years and was hired by Dave for my first teaching assignment at summer school in the summer of 1986. Although he was known to ‘ruffle the odd administrative feather’, David’s commitment to the welfare of students and fellow staff at Huron was unmistakeable.
A man immensely passionate about everything he did, whether it be teaching, coaching, helping out in the community or making mischief, he will be deeply missed.
Lila Wendy Gillcrist
My condolences to Lea and family. I worked with Dave for over 30 years and he was a mischief maker but when things were tough you could always count on Dave. He was a great colleague and l know he will be missed.
Tom C. Newell ( Niagara Falls )
Although I didn’t know Mr. Rutherford personally we both shared a friend in Bill W.
Thank you for adding his 30 years of sobriety to his list of accomplishments.
No doubt a full and happy life.
Stan Le Ber
“Mr. Rutherford” was my teacher and coach in my last few years at Huron Heights 1973-1975. He had a really positive impact on my life and I have reflected on his influence countless times over the years. His kindness, generosity of time and his ability to motivate I have tried to model in my own life since then. My deepest condolences to Lea, his family and friends. RIP Dave.
Jill Ireland
Lea and family, I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a wonderful man. I couldn’t ask for better neighbours. We call him Dr Dave and he helped me with so many of my sports or even gardening injuries. I will always remember that grin on his face while he bandaged me up or gave me heck of whatever I was doing to get injured.
He never ever complained about what he was going through and he always maintained his amazing sense of humour! He was always concerned about others too.
Lea and your family, I am sending you love and peace, Jill
RIP David
Harmina ( Holtrust) Yake
Dear Lea and family and Karen and family,
I am so sorry to learn of David’s passing.
My family has had a long relationship with David’s family, dating back to 1953, when his father sponsored my parents to Canada.
David shared many of his father’s traits – his kindness, respect and his sense of humor will never be forgotten.
Rest in Peace David.
Sending my love and deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Harmina