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Michael Rutherford Obituary
MICHAEL LEE "MIKE" RUTHERFORD
Oct. 1, 1943 - Mar. 4, 2007
Michael Lee "Mike" Rutherford, 63, of Oceanside, passed away due to complications with cancer Sunday, March 4, 2007 at Kaiser Hospital in San Diego.
He was born October 1, 1943 in Brawley. He attended elementary and Junior High school in Brawley and graduated from Brawley Union High School in 1961. Mike worked along side his father Walter Rutherford Jr. in the farming and cattle business for over 30 years, and during that time he met and married Leslie Rae Smart on June 6, 1970. Mike was a partner with his cousin Phillip Rutherford in a farming business called: Saguaro Land. Mike and Les left Brawley in 1997 and moved to Oceanside, where they resided at the time of his death. While in Brawley, Mike was a member of Stockmen's Club of Imperial Valley and Elks B.P.O.E. #1420. He served on the board of Magnolia Elementary School District for over a decade. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend and will be missed by all.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 10 at 10 a.m. at Calvary Chapel Oceanside, 4095 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside, CA. 92056.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Rutherford on July 27, 1976 and father, Walter Lee Rutherford Jr. on February 7, 1987.
Mike is survived by his wife, Leslie Rutherford; daughter and son-in-law, Cyndi and Matt Rathbun of Oregon; son and daughter-in-law Eric and Erin Rutherford of Winchester, CA.; sisters Vicki Hull of Eugene, Oregon and Kristi McWilliams of Brawley; grandchildren, Bailey, Stone, and Emma Rathbun of Estacada, OR. and Kayla and Katie Rutherford of Winchester, CA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Cancer Society.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Rutherford
VICKIE FOSTER
March 7, 2007
LESLIE & FAMILY, I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF MIKE"S PASSING.YOUR IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
John & Debi Needy
March 7, 2007
Leslie, Eric, Cyndi, and Families,
We were saddened by Kristi's news of Mike's passing. John and Mike were classmates, John and I were married in Mike's childhood home, and we all worked together during Mike's tenure as Presidentof the Stockmen's Club.
Even though we have all left the Valley, we are still family.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you.
Nicole Nicholas Gilles
March 7, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.
Kari LeMert-Fernandez
March 7, 2007
Leslie, Cyndi, Eric & Families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many great memories with your family. Even though this time is hard Mike is resting peacefully in heaven.
Doni Soukup
March 6, 2007
Leslie and family, I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. I have many fond memories of our sorority times together with our kids and spouses. Mike was always so happy. He will be missed. My prayers are with you.
(Wanda) Leigh Ryder-Leaming
March 6, 2007
I remember Mike from BUHS...he was also so nice. Our family sends prayers your way for loving memories and peace in your hearts.
Leigh Ryder-Leaming
Eagle Point, Oregon
Desiree Howard
March 6, 2007
Eric, Erin, Kayla & Katie,
I'm very sorry to hear about your dad Eric. Keep your memories close and know that he is in a better place. We are thinking of all of you.
The Howard Family,
Sam, Desiree, Evan & Paris
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