DR. CHARLES "DOC" RUTHERFORD

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.

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...

"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.

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,...

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

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

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

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

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