Name: Visitation for Walter J. Ruthenburg III
Start: 2013-08-09T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2013-08-09T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Billow's Funeral Homes & Crematory - Fairlawn Chapel

Walter J. Ruthenburg III

Walter J. Ruthenburg III, 71, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2013.

He was born in New York City on April 12th, 1942 and grew up in the New York/New Jersey area. He graduated with a chemical engineering degree from Worchester Polytechnic and a master's degree from Kent State. He retired from Goodyear after 35+ years of service.

He greatly enjoyed all the time he was able to spend with his family and especially his grandchildren. He was an Eagle Scout, an avid outdoorsman and his life-long passion was cycling. He would routinely cycle more than 6,000 miles in a year. He completed cycling tours in all of the 48 contiguous states and received a special recognition from Goodyear for riding his bicycle to work for 1,500 consecutive work days. He was a founding member of the Team R.O.M.E.O. (Retired Old Men Eating Out) bike group in Akron. He celebrated his 50th high school reunion by riding from Akron to the school in Riveredge, New Jersey.

Later in life, he spent much time in Colorado. There, he became an accomplished downhill and cross country skier and was active in conservation efforts with the Colorado Fourteener's Initiative and the National Parks Service.

He is survived by his companion of 14 years, Kathleen Brennan of Denver, Colo.; daughter, Katie (Chris) Hinrichs of Mundelein, Ill.; son, David (Terra) Ruthenburg of Wadsworth, Ohio; grandsons, Connor and Jonathan Ruthenburg and Kohl Hinrichs; brother, Keith (Darlene) Ruthenburg of Mt. Sterling, Ky.; and nieces, Michelle Burnett and Kelly Howe of Alexandria, Ind. He was preceded in death by Jan Ruthenburg.

A remembrance will be held at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Fairlawn, OH 44333, beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 9, with a service at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a donation to one of the many organizations that Walt supported would be appreciated: The Colorado Fourteener's Initiative, Akron Public Schools Science Education, the League of American Bicyclists, the National Parks Service or Akron Metro Parks. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)

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

Published by Akron Beacon Journal from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Ruthenburg

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7 Entries

August 13, 2013

We admire you, respect you and will always appreciate your teaching skills and devotion to the Akron Canton PC Users Group. You always had time for the group and gave so much of yourself.

Sorry we did not get to share cycling skills, even if we talked cycling a lot.

We miss you.

Jim Carter

Keith and Jilliann Daisher

August 10, 2013

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Linda Baer

August 10, 2013

So sorry to hear of Walt's passing. We worked together at Goodyear. He was a very nice person. Condolences and prayers to his family.

August 9, 2013

--Our very special friend, Walt Ruthenburg--
Who is Walt Ruthenburg? We could describe Walt as the listener who would quietly gather information, then make a thoughtful, calculated contribution
Walt as the problem solver who listened, talked with others, assessed the situation and then would offer one or more options
Walt, the empathetic friend, sensitive to the needs or limitations of others, who would look for ways to make activities or events more inclusive
Walt, the negotiator, who would offer alternative approaches to rides, trips and other events, eager to find the middle ground to make it better for all concerned
Walt, the meticulous planner and organizer, ready to motivate others from behind the scene or promote a special agenda when needed
Walt, the adventurer, willing to take on new frontiers (France, Quebec, then Ireland, Switzerland, Costa Rica, as well as Colorado for that matter!) and new activities (skiing and mountain climbing) only after assessing computed risks
Walt, the resourceful financier, frugal in his approach to ordinary and excessive costs, always able to find the best deal to cover all the bases…
Walt, the powerhouse cyclist, capable of leading the ride with the strongest yet willing to bring up the rear with “the caboose” with those struggling to keep up
Walt, the proud father and doting grandfather, making certain all off-springs were well versed in cycling skills and etiquette
Walt, the practical and adaptable friend for all seasons
We especially choose to remember Walt as the quintessential unflappable, kind, sincere and caring best friend ready to listen to our adventures, misadventures or concerns
And Walt, the loving companion of our dear friend Kathleen.
We will truly miss him.
Susan Colville-Hall and Steve Hall, Friends forever