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DR. CHARLES "DOC" RUTHERFORD

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University of Northern Colorado

CHARLES RUTHERFORD Obituary

Rutherford, Charles "Doc" jazz professor, composer/arranger and performer, of Huntington Beach, CA passed away after short illness 9/10/10. He was one of 7 children born to Charles and Daisy Rutherford in the small coal town of Mt. Harris, CO. After graduating from Hayden HS, CO in 1943, he joined the Navy, playing for radio broadcasts and USO dances during WWII. In 1946 he began his college career at the University of Northern Colorado where he played quarterback, as he had in HS and earned his BA in P.E. and music, M.A. and Doctorate. He then taught music for 13 years in Greybull, WY. In 1967 he moved to Orange County, accepting a position in the music department of Orange Coast College where he created the famous OCC Jazz Festivals held between 1969 and 1986. He is survived by his loving partner of 35 years, Marah Kucaj-Oseland; one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Morrison of ID; two grandchildren, Monica and Darin Morrison; his brother, Francis Rutherford of Denver, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration of his music and his life will be at OCC the Moore Auditorium on 10/9/10 at 11:00 am. Donations may be made in his memory to OCC Foundation Doc Rutherford Jazz Scholarship, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

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

Published by Orange County Register on Oct. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for CHARLES RUTHERFORD

21 Entries

Ron Zeilinger

September 27, 2022

it's 2022. Your memorial popped up on my e-mail. I hear your voice and see your face in my head every time I play with Bones West or any Jazz Band. Today 9/27 is my Dad's birthdate, he wouldv'e been 98. And you were my OCC Dad. I wish I could've been in your Bands my whole life.
Miss you Doc..... weekly.

Val Sullivan

October 2, 2021

Dearest Doc,
Each time I see your face, my heart and soul just floods with precious musical memories, of the excitement and joy of playing bass in the big bands, and the Jazz Pacific Orchestra. You made all that possible, through your love, and devotion to jazz, and your passion for the students, you nurtured. As you know, some have become super stars. I will always love you, and hold you close to my heart.
Take good care, in Heaven.
Hey! Do they have good jazz up there??
Love you forever. Val Sullivan

Dan Jacobs

September 27, 2021

"Doc" Rutherford was the best bandleader I've ever had. He knew how to rehearse a band with the intention of get everyone in the band prepared for professional employment! His loss is still felt today.

John Leverett

February 24, 2021

Doc, belated thanks for enriching my life as a young student and developing performer in your programs in the late-70s/early 80s. Even as an undergrad at UCI I continued to participate in the bands. As decades have past I've thought about my time in your programs and am increasingly struck by the richness of the experiences that we all took for granted at the time. The high quality of the various bands, active studio players sitting in them as a rehearsal band as if it's no big thing, playing in the festivals, your personal efforts encouraging me and others, and the frequent interaction with world-famous artists and even sitting next to future stars in your bands, it's unbelievable now that all this happened at a JC in Costa Mesa. You have no idea the impression this left on probably thousands of us.

Well done and thank you.

Ron Zeilinger

September 27, 2020

I miss you Doc. I wish you were still alive and locked in your silvery look forever to teach and share jazz to all those who passed through your doors. I'm sad I didn't know about your passing or Memorial, but happy you live on the other side. Earth has become a crazy place to be in 2020. By the way, all 3 of my kids play Trombone and all love Jazz. Thank You for that Doc. Few Days go by when I don't think about you and remember our brief time together down here. God Bless as always. Ron Z

Val Sullivan

September 27, 2020

Dear Doc,
I was just thinking of you very recently ! I cannot express how much I enjoyed being a part of your jazz program. I loved being your bassist, and you had a very positive influence on me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope this spiritual note finds you some how. I will never forget you.
Love, now and forever,
Val

Val Sullivan

September 27, 2019

I miss you so much Doc and i wish i could give you a big hug. You are a treasure I hold in my heart. Thank you for all your hard work and such a passion for jazz. Its funny how time slips away.I miss you more now than ever. I wish we could talk. Maybe someday after this life i will see you again.
love you, Val

Val

September 28, 2011

Doc, I think of you so much, and music here, is not the same without you, but I sure bet heaven sounds even more beautiful because you are there. Love Val

Doc Rutherford, Elena Gilliam, Dan Jacobs, Bobby Shew

Dan Jacobs

April 3, 2011

I got this photo from Marah and felt others would like to see it as well. It shows Doc smiling and happy along with Elena Gilliam, Bobby Shew, and Dan Jacobs. This was taken after a concert performance sometime in the '80's. Doc's influence is still felt with any who knew him.

danjacobsmusic.com

Ron Zeilinger

April 1, 2011

Doc,
Your impact on my life has been indelible. Without your influences I may have never come to live a life loving jazz as I have. You knew me as a child tearing up the carpet in the OCC band room and knew me as a young Trombonist in your bands. I wish I had a chance to see you again and introduce you to my son Robert who is also a young Trombonist in HS.
Thank You Doc for being another great Father Figure in my life. Please say Hi to my Dad for me if you see him up where you are.
God Bless You and all the lives you touched in the "Doc" way you always did.

Ron Z OCC 83-85

Rich Wetzel

November 2, 2010

Doc was such an artist, educator, and truly a legendary advocate for the jazz community and music education. From his big bands, to improv sessions and classes, to everything he did in the music department and all around the area, his impact on so many top pro players today and everyone in his programs, was epic.

Val Sullivan

November 1, 2010

God Bless you

John Herrera

October 31, 2010

Hello Doc.Because of you,I had the opportunity to listen to some of the greatest musicians in the world.God bless you.

Mel Dalton, Doc Rutherford, Dan Jacobs on a gig

Dan Jacobs

October 25, 2010

Doc was a treasure. As an music educator, bandleader and musician his results are incomparable. His dedication and commitment to his work created a legacy that will never be forgotten. Plus he was a great friend. He will be missed.

Val Sullivan

October 25, 2010

Everyone please sign Legacy who knew Doc Rutherford

Val Sullivan

October 25, 2010

Thinking of you today Doc on this rainy day. I sure do miss you and I know you are soaring high in the heavens. I saw a beautiful bird flying the other day, a rather large bird. I think it was you Doc. You were soaring on the gentle wind as another smaller black bird was chasing you.

Valerie Sullivan

October 22, 2010

Thinking of you Doc. I wonder what it is like in heaven. I wish you could tell me..

October 16, 2010

You have done so much for my career as a vocalist. Words can't express how blessed I was to have you in my life. Special memories..always. Elena Gilliam

Val Sullivan

October 7, 2010

I love you Doc. Tell my Dad Hi for me.

David Ballard

October 7, 2010

I worked at OCC in the mid 70s for Doc and he was a class act. He was passionate and worked harder than any teacher around. David Ballard

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