Thomas Rutherford III

Thomas Truxtun Rutherford III

Thomas Truxtun Rutherford III passed away in November of 2024 at the age of 77. Tom was born in Columbus, OH. His family moved to Albuquerque in 1954 to join his father, who had come to work on the gubernatorial campaign of his WWII war buddy, John Simms.

Tom attended Zia Elementary, Jefferson JR High, Highland, and graduated from AHS Night School (Toad High). Tom got his BBA and JD at UNM. His father, Jim Rutherford, took Tom under his wing at the capitol, first when he was a state representative, then as a lobbyist.

Tom spent every session in Santa Fe from the age of ten. In his early teens, he filled in one day as the house of representatives reader. He did so well, they gave him the job permanently.

His voice and intelligence would serve him well. He worked at various radio stations starting in high school. Eventually, while at KKOB, he was tasked with connecting with the Cutter family, regarding a balloon they had just used to celebrate their mother's birthday. It was 1972, KKOB's 50th anniversary, and they were looking for something unique for their celebration. Tom, Sid and others turned this into what would become the signature event of New Mexico, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, as well as the first two world hot air balloon championships. As a pilot, he would become 'Bud Man, 'flying the Budweiser balloon, around the world. After retiring as a pilot, he would continue on as 'the voice of fiesta' until 2014, both on local tv and on the field.

Also in 1972, he ran for state senate in district 16, near NE Heights and UNM. With the support of many newly eligible-to-vote students, he became the youngest (legally) elected senator ever. (which still holds) He served six terms, retiring in 1996. During his tenure, he served as chair of rules and conservation committees, majority floor leader, and as both majority and minority whip.

He was an early proponent of decriminalizing marijuana, he led the repeal of sodomy laws that discriminated against gays and lesbians, helped enact the developmental disabilities waiver program, was instrumental in the fight for the Lynn Pierson Compassionate Use law, championed art in public places, the capitol art foundation, artists property rights, and introduced SB 91, (1991), the first bill to attempt to provide human rights to all, regardless of sexual orientation.

He was very proud of his role in helping create the neonatal intensive care unit at UNMH. Later, his great joy was being a cuddler in the unit.

Tom spent his career championing the under served, underrepresented and the invisible. After the senate, Tom served two terms with the Bernalillo County Commssion.

He gave tirelessly to so many organizations over the years, as an emcee, an auctioneer, or any way he could help. Tom is a member of both the Balloon Fiesta Hall of Fame and the New Mexico Tourism Hall of Fame.

Tom could never have imagined the life he would have, travelling the world, meeting presidents and princes, counting movie stars and ambassadors as close friends, hanging with the Dalai Lama in Santa Fe, surviving his balloon going down in the Bermuda Triangle, doing the full Willie Nelson on the White House roof, and many more adventures not fit for print. Tom was a FOB for 31 years.

Tom was preceded in death by parents Jim and Bets, sister Julia Silvers, BIL Larry Silvers, brother Forrest, BIL Dave Arrasmith, and first wife Linda. Tom is survived by sister Anne, niece Elya, brother James, and son Jeremy.

Thanks to all who have shared their memories. He was truly blessed to have so many amazing, wonderful, brilliant, funny people in his life over his 77 years.

Thanks to Morada Memory Care, and High Desert Hospice for the care provided over his last few years, and UNMH for his healthcare for decades.

A celebration of Tom's life will be announced for late Spring 2025.