William "Bill" Rutter

Bill was born on March 19, 1950, in Easington, County Durham, England. His father was in the RAF during WWII. The family left England for Canada when Bill was five months old. They eventually settled in B.C., where Bill attended school and later obtained his steam engineering certificate.

Bill married Elaine on December 6, 1985. Over 40 years together, they built a steady life shaped by shared routines, thoughtful conversation and a love of travel. From the start, they used their holidays to see the world, including trips through Europe, Great Britain and the Scandinavian countries, as well as a Danube cruise. For many winters, they also spent time in Belize as snowbirds, a place that held many good memories for them.

Bill was known as a great conversationalist who could keep a group lively, while still being attentive to others. He had a real soft spot for animals and a steady empathy for people as well. He also enjoyed cars and boats and took pride in the things that interested him.

Bill worked for 10 years with ferries in B.C. and later spent 15 years as a steam engineer in Saskatchewan, with his career split between the Department of Justice and hospitals in Regina. Upon retirement, they made their home in Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Evelyn Rutter. He is survived by his wife Elaine; brother Jeff Rutter; sister Susan Young; his nephews and niece: Stephen, Michael and Rachel and Elaine’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be no funeral services. A private gathering will be held later this summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wheels for Wellness (Indian Head), a volunteer shuttle service helping people in Southern Saskatchewan get to medical and wellness appointments. E-transfers may be sent to [email protected]. Wheels for Wellness Indian Head Inc., PO Box 296, Indian Head, SK, S0G 2K0.