RUTZ, Alfred James
1920 - 2010
It is with profound sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our dearest Father, Alfred James Rutz on August 28, 2010. Al leaves to cherish his memory two daughters: Georgi (Allan) Schinnour of Calgary, Patsy (Tom) Stokalko of Drumheller and one son, Randy (Judy) of Drumheller; much loved granddaughters: Michele (Jeremy) Ellis, Christine Schinnour, Laura (fiancée Darryl), Jennie, Amy and Alison Rutz, grandson Bobby Rutz (Maureen) and three precious great granddaughters:Madison, Breanne and Raiya. Dad will be fondly remembered by Madeleine’s brothers and sisters and their families. Dad was born in Youngstown, AB. on October 20, 1920 completing his education at Lexington School and the Square Deal School. Dad was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, joining in July 1941 working on the Lancaster Bomber as a mechanic. He was based in Middleton, St. George, England. He was released in September 1945, taking some rehabilitation trade training and joined Manufacturers Life in 1949. Dad moved to Drumheller in July 1950 to take over this territory. On May 11, 1946, Dad met Madeleine Rogers and they were married September 23, 1950. In June 1951, they were fortunate to acquire the general insurance and real estate agency from Gordon E. Taylor. Dad and Mom were successful, well respected business people, owning and operating Rutz Agencies for 35 years. Dad was a member of the Insurance Brokers Association since 1959. Randy and Judy purchased the business in1986 and Dad was very pleased to have “My Pal Al” (Alison) join the business as the third generation in 2009. Hobbies included fishing, hunting, curling, barbequing in the earlier years and golfing was certainly his favorite sport. Dad was proud to be the Southern Alberta Baseball Association Rep in 1970 for the Hopewells Championship Baseball Team that Randy played on. Dad was a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star Ruth Chapter #55 and served as Worthy Grand Patron in 1986-87. He was an active member of the Al Zahra Shiners, the Eheyeh Chapter #27 and the Symbol Masonic Lodge #93. Our Dad was a very kind man and a true gentleman. We are very proud to be his children. Dad was a good man with strong principles and values with a sense of fairness, honesty and respect for all. For the past five plus years, Dad’s home was the Drumheller Continuing Care. He felt so safe and well looked after and he always said “they sure do take good care of me here”. We would like the caregivers to know how much Dad and we appreciated their kindness and respect. We would also like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Maseka, Dr. Tlhape and the wonderful nurses and staff of the Acute Care Wing for their efforts in ensuring Dad was well taken care of - we are grateful for your caring and concern. We would also like to say a special thank you to our special nurse, Laura Rutz for looking after her Papa through a very difficult time. We are very comforted by the fact that Dad will be greatly missed by many and we thank everyone for their kind words. Dad was a very special man. Dad was predeceased by his father, Frank Rutz in October 1970, his mother, Irene Rutz in November 1986 and his beloved wife, Madeleine in May 1995. They have waited a long time to be together again. Funeral services will be held at the Drumheller Knox United Church, 195 – 3rd Avenue, Drumheller, AB on Friday, September 3, 2010 at 11:00 AM.with interment in the Drumheller Cemetery. Lunch will be served at the Knox Church Hall following the Graveside Service. If friends desire, Memorial Donations may be made to the Drumheller Health Center, Recreation Therapy Department - Special Purpose Fund, 351 – 9th Street NW., Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y1. Courtney–Winters Funeral Chapel are in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666.
{jathumbnail off}
