David Harold Rutgers

David Harold Rutgers

July 5, 1944 – February 28, 2026

David Harold Rutgers passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at the age of 81. He was born on July 5, 1944, in Culver City, California, to Stephen Rutgers and Esther Goldstein. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Stephen, Paul, and Marian. David spent his life in California, where he built a life grounded in family, faith, a love of learning, and a deep appreciation for the people, places, and things that mattered most to him.

As a young man, David earned the rank of Eagle Scout at an early age, an accomplishment that reflected the discipline, perseverance, and sense of service that remained with him throughout his life. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with faith remaining a personal part of his life. He also remained dedicated to his career in law firm administration and continued working until the final week of his life.

David was a collector at heart and took joy in the details others might overlook. He loved books, including miniature books, as well as seahorses, coins, pocketknives, crystals, stained glass, and many other carefully chosen treasures. He enjoyed learning about, organizing, and sharing these interests with those around him.

Above all else, David was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his children, David, Christopher, Laura, Ashley, and Stephen, who will remember him for his unwavering support and encouragement in all that they pursued. He was also a proud grandfather to John Marsh, Vincent Marsh, Joseph McBride, Jacob McBride, James McBride, John McBride, Emily Walch, Brigham Walch, Clara Walch, and Jane Walch, and great-grandfather to Henry Marsh.

David shared many special traditions throughout San Diego with his family that will be cherished for generations, including visits to Balboa Park, walking around Spanish Village, feeding the ducks, and eating at El Indio and Phil's BBQ. Over the years, he enjoyed spending time with his family at Hana Haru, Happy Jack Fish Farm, Catalina Island and Solvang, California. His refrigerator was covered with pictures of his grandkids, and he loved sharing the latest accomplishments of his children and their families with others. He always made time for the people he loved, whether through a phone call or time spent together. He was a thoughtful gift giver and lovingly prepared his famous "treat boxes" for his grandchildren. He was adored by his family and truly the best dad and grandfather you could ask for.

David will be laid to rest at Singing Hills Memorial Park in El Cajon, California. A small graveside service will be held for his children and grandchildren.

In honor of David's life and the causes he cared about, donations may be made to Outdoor Outreach, an organization dedicated to connecting young people to the outdoors through meaningful experiences. Outdoor Outreach was founded by his son Christopher, and David sat on the Board of Directors for 15 years. https://donate.outdooroutreach.org/give/100990/#!/donation/checkout.

Other organizations that were meaningful to David included The Trauma Foundation, Breakthrough T1D, and THRIVEGulu.

David's legacy lives on in the interests and passions he shared, the traditions he created, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.