James Fenton Rutherford Sr.

Predeceased by the love of his life, his wife of 57 years, Evelyn (nee Hansen); his father and mother John and Anne Rutherford; brother Zealandia Phillip; sisters Inez Mander, Lorraine McLean, Audrey Goldie; sons-in-law Glen Stewart and David Evans. He is survived by his children, sons Jim Rutherford (Jeannine) and Ken Rutherford (Phyllis), daughters Anne Evans and Lynn Stewart (Tom); sisters Tui McMurtrie, Jaqueline Ross, Bonnie Turner; eight grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Jim was born in South Wellington, BC and moved to Nanaimo in 1927 before his final move to Port Alberni in 1934. His first job was at the new BS&W sawmill (later renamed the Somass) where he would eventually learn his trade as a welder. He worked hard and took great pride in his work for which he was rewarded with a promotion to Machine Shop Supervisor at the A.P.D. mill in 1959. He continued to work there until his retirement. Jim met Evelyn Hansen; they were married in 1941 and eventually raised their family of 4 children in their Port Alberni home. Jim and Evelyn loved music and dancing and they could always be found on a dance floor somewhere. Although Jim was an accomplished violinist, Jim’s other love from childhood was soccer. He played for many years on local teams. Jim would play any sport he could find. He loved to keep fit and exercised right up until the end of his life. Jim loved and was very proud of his family and would always take them to visit and enjoy other family members near and far. He served in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals for the Canadian Army during the Second World War, and was a very proud Legion member. Many will remember that he loved to take part in the annual polar bear swim, which he proudly did fourteen times.

Jim’s words of wisdom; “Treat others as you would like to be treated – you can’t ask for more than that”

Jim enjoyed life and anyone who met him would usually catch his smile and enjoy a laugh. He was never shy about talking to strangers and could enjoy a conversation wherever he was. He would say “Most people will talk to you if you talk to them first”.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Chapel of Memories Funeral Home, 4005 6th Ave., Port Alberni. Cremation has taken place. A celebration will follow at the Italian Center from 2:00 to 8:00pm. Internment in Greenwood Cemetery’s “Field of Honor” will take place at a later date. Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.chapelofmemories.ca.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to ask that you make a donation in Jim’s memory to the West Coast General Hospital Foundation or the Alberni Valley Hospice Society.