John Rutsey

John Rutsey

John Rutsey Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from May 15 to May 23, 2008.
RUTSEY, John Howard - It is with deep sadness that John's family announces his untimely passing due to complications from his lifelong affliction with diabetes, at age 55. Donations may be made in John's memory to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 7100 Woodbine Avenue, Suite 311, Markham, ON, L3R 5J2 (online: www.jdrf.ca, by phone: 905-944-4631). Online Condolences: [email protected].

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Rutsey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 14, 2008

Linda Williams posted to the memorial.

May 27, 2008

Barry posted to the memorial.

May 27, 2008

Barry posted to the memorial.

54 Entries

Linda Williams

June 14, 2008

Thank you for your contribution to music lovers. You will be remembered as a strong role model for those who struggle to overcome the adversity of diabetes. Heartfelt sympathy to those you leave behind.

Barry

May 27, 2008

Thanks for helping to create the greatest rock-n-roll band in the world!! You will be missed. Rest in peace.

Barry

May 27, 2008

Thank you for helping to create the greatest rock-n-roll band in the world!! You will be missed. Rest in peace.

Bruce Fuester

May 26, 2008

Thank you, John, for helping to start the band who has had the greatest influence on my life. My deepest sympathy goes to your family and friends at this sad time.

Graham Platt

May 24, 2008

You will always be part of RUSH history & part of the RUSH family.
My condolences go to your family & friends.
Rest In Peace John.

Peter Durrant

May 18, 2008

You were a kind, warm, down to earth and funny guy even though you were in a popular band. Nothing at all pretentious about you. Have thought of you often over the years since those days at Georges Vanier S.S. Drop In Centre. Lots of laughs. God Bless you and your Family.

Scott

May 17, 2008

your time in the band and in life were unfortunately short, but your impact in both are long

Dan Riley

May 17, 2008

Thank you for a wonderful beginning.
You will be remembered and God Bless.

larry spencer

May 17, 2008

Thanks for help getting it all started. May you rest in peace. "Rush" is still my all time favorite!

Thomas Brice

May 17, 2008

My heart goes out to the Rutsey family, and all those who touched upon his great life.

Tracy Green

May 17, 2008

Thanks for helping Rush on their way- we'll remember you always.

Ben Redmond

May 17, 2008

R.I.P. John. You helped form the biggest influence in my life. I am a big fan of the RUSH album and the beats you laid. God rest your soul!

dave

May 16, 2008

He left behind a wonderful legacy that will never be lost.

Steve May

May 16, 2008

You helped form one of the greatest influences on my life. Thank you for the music. You will never be forgotten as long as Rush fans are around.

Drew Botcherby

May 16, 2008

My condolences to his family. I hope they know how much he means to so many of us.

Flávio Assis

May 16, 2008

R.I.P. John.

Patrick Sundin

May 16, 2008

RIP John, Your memory and your music will last forever

Scott Forster

May 16, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rutsey family. You will always be in the hearts of so many.

Ted Karambelas

May 16, 2008

Rest In Peace and thanks for giving me some great music back in the 70's. You were part of something big and you did it well!!

Gary

May 16, 2008

Thanks for the music!

Christopher Carr

May 16, 2008

Thank you, John, for giving us this wonderful, powerful, musical legacy, all around the globe. Your spirit will live among us, and you'll always be remember as THE DRUMMER who started one of the biggest and greatest band ever...

Steve Stakem

May 16, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family & friends ... He will not be forgotten.

John Gerring

May 16, 2008

Thanks for playing a part in something that means so much to a lot of people.

E.M

May 16, 2008

May you rest in peace.
Rush fans please support the cause to beat diabetes.

Cort Stricker

May 16, 2008

My sincere & heartfelt condolences go out to John's family & friends...John's great drumming & music will live on forever in our hearts,minds,& airwaves.
Cort Stricker

Anthony Halterman

May 16, 2008

R.I.P John loved your drum work on the first Rush album. You always be remembered by us Rush fans.

Raymond van de Ruit

May 16, 2008

R.I.P. John Rutsey

Sure you will be Finding Your Way, somewhere out there.

Jim Pritchard

May 16, 2008

May you rest in peace, you have been part of my for over 30 years, for that I thank you!

Brett Pugsley

May 16, 2008

THANK YOU JOHN, YOU ARE FOREVER IN MY HEART...

Jacqui Hughes

May 16, 2008

Suddenly, you were gone from all the lives you left your mark upon...... Thanks John for helping to start Rush, the greatest rock band ever!!

John Ladds

May 16, 2008

We will NEVER forget! RIP.

Tom L

May 16, 2008

My heartfelt condolences to John's family in their time of great sorrow.

John was a founding member of the greatest rock band of all time. But, more importantly, I've also heard he was a good, decent man. RIP.

João Johnny Carvalho

May 16, 2008

I am here on Behalf oft4e.com.br, fan club of Rush to Brasil, to express our sorrow and offer our condolences to John's Family. We are extremely proud of his contribution to RUSH music and his fight against Diabetes. May he rest in peace and jam eternally with the greatest musicians in the Grand Stage.

Thank you very much, John.
João Johnny Carvalho
(Recife/PE- Brazil)

Ty Robben

May 16, 2008

My condolences go out to the family and friends of John. My best friend Kenny turned me on to the music of Rush and he too was a victim of diabetes many years ago. May John’s passing remind everyone to help find and fund a cure for diabetes. Thank you John Rutsey for creating the original lineup of what was a real "working man’s" band.

Neil Cladingboel

May 16, 2008

Heartfelt wishes and sincere condolences to John's family and friends from all RUSH fans in Australia.

rushinoz.com

Danny Wadsworth

May 16, 2008

Thanks for the memories John, RIP.

tom g

May 16, 2008

Rest In Peace

the part of Working Man right before the second verse where John bangs on the drums as the music heightens always gives me chills

Treven Irey

May 15, 2008

I'm sure by now you are jamming to WORKING MAN with Jimmy.

Tim Shlang

May 15, 2008

Hello, is this thing on? My heartfelt sympathies go out to John Rutsey's family in this time. He made good music and we love him

TRF
Tim Shlang

Vickey A. C.

May 15, 2008

RIP

Matthew Harris

May 15, 2008

You will be forever remembered as a founding member of the greatest band in the world.
Thank you.

steve k

May 15, 2008

While I've only known John through that first 'Rush' album and through various stories of others I don't know, I am saddened by the sudden loss of a man still so young. Having lost my mother in January to cancer I can sympathize with the loved ones of John at this time - especially his kids if he had any. My thoughts (& countless others) are with you during this awful time.

Jon Reidford

May 15, 2008

Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord,
And let perpetual Light shine upon him.

A (sad) Rush fan

Matt K

May 15, 2008

Words cannot describe the impact that John has had on my life. May he rest in peace.

Diego Coutinho

May 15, 2008

I am here on Behalf of RUSH FAN CLUB Brazil, to express our sorrow and offer our condolences to John's Family. We are extremely proud of his contribution to RUSH music and his fight against Diabetes. May he rest in peace and jam eternally with the greatest musicians in the Grand Stage.

God Bless you all and Thank you, John.

D G

May 15, 2008

May our prayers resonate with the music you blessed RUSH with.

My condolences to the family in this time of loss.

Graham Rickers

May 15, 2008

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Rutsey family in this time of their sad loss. I and many Rush fans worldwide will remember John for changing our musical lives forever.

Charles Kelly

May 15, 2008

My sincere condolences to John's Family and Friends.

May he rest in peace.

Anthony DeSena

May 15, 2008

Rest in Peace and thank you for the music.

Mark Salowitz

May 15, 2008

For Best Results, Pray at Maximum Volume. Rest in Peace, and Thank you.

Eric Wayte

May 15, 2008

Thanks for helping give birth to Rush.

Richard McEntee

May 15, 2008

I extend my condolences to the family of John Rutsey. I only knew him through his work on a rock & roll album but the product of that work and the talent he displayed has provided me lifelong joy.

Ravi Nair

May 15, 2008

John made a mark on my life...
may he rest in peace.

Showing 1 - 54 of 54 results

Make a Donation
in John Rutsey's name

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Rutsey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Rutsey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 14, 2008

Linda Williams posted to the memorial.

May 27, 2008

Barry posted to the memorial.

May 27, 2008

Barry posted to the memorial.