Frederick Stuart Rutledge

1956 - 2022

Frederick Stuart Rutledge
September 11, 1956 - March 26, 2022
Fred passed away on March 26 in Orinda with his wife Jane by his side. Beloved husband, father and brother, Fred was a historian, educator, bagpiper, military veteran, and humanitarian.
Born in Piedmont, Fred was a fourth generation native Californian. After receiving a B.A. in History from U.C. Berkeley, and a Master of Arts in Education Administration from Saint Mary's College, he enrolled in history classes at Oxford University.
During his long and successful career in higher education he was appointed Vice Principal for the Piedmont Adult School and the Pleasanton Unified School District's Adult and Career Education program before being named Principal of Adult and Correctional Education for the Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Center.
In his free time, he was a popular guest lecturer on the Civil War and World War I for Bay Area schools, community organizations and museums. For these appearances Fred often wore authentic vintage attire and especially enjoyed impersonating President Theodore Roosevelt. In retirement he was hired by Cal Discoveries Travel to give history talks to audiences around the world.
His 28 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army Reserve included a deployment with the UN Humanitarian Assistance Mission in Haiti. After retiring as a Lt. Colonel, he promptly joined the California State Guard where he worked for the California Center for Military History and achieved the rank of Colonel. His other volunteer duties included counseling soldiers on balancing military service with civilian life and playing a lead role in organizing the annual Wheelchair Regatta and Remembrance Day Service.
Fred's many civic activities included serving as president for: Encinal Yacht Club, Royal Canadian Legion Post 25, Pleasanton-Blairgowrie-Fergus Sister Cities Organization, St. Andrews Society of San Francisco, the Order of St. John, and Commodore of the Pacific Inter-Club Yacht Association. Colleagues often credited his special sense of humor for bringing levity to board meetings.
Fred is survived by his wife, Jane, two daughters Jean (Jack) Stein, Kirsten (Josh) Gooley, and two brothers, Bill and Steve.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Marines Memorial Association, marinesmemorial.org/Rutledge and/or the Order of St. John, SaintJohn.org,honor, Donate, Fred Rutledge.