Obituary of Keith RUTHERFORD

May 19, 1940 – Medicine Hat, Alberta 
April 24, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

William “Keith” Rutherford passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 24, 2021 after a short but determined battle with cancer at the age of 80.  
 
Born May 19, 1940 in Medicine Hat to Mary (Hill) and Bill Rutherford, he is survived by his loving wife of forty-seven years Marilyn (Irving), his children, Neil, Jill (Don), Ian (Lisa); and his grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Claire Stewart, and Emma and Arthur Rutherford.
 
Keith attended Carleton University in Ottawa and settled in Calgary. He had the habit of chatting up everyone and anyone within range and, as such, made lifelong friends wherever he went. All of us will fondly remember his slightly embellished tales and his gift of storytelling.

Always one to find his own path, Keith ran his own software consulting company. He consulted for several years with the Calgary Flames and remained a lifelong fan. This type of work allowed him the flexibility to create many fond memories for his children of afternoons in the swimming pool at the Glencoe Club or going for lunch at various restaurants he’d discovered. As well, Keith cherished his memories of taking his family on many wonderful vacations to visit relatives throughout Western Canada, to Disneyland (which he insisted was for adults), and to Hawaii. 

In the 1970’s, after volunteering at Rodeo College with his late brother, Gordon, Keith became a volunteer with the Calgary Stampede. After fifty years, first with the Rodeo Committee then with the Chuckwagon Committee, Keith was extremely proud to win a White Hat award in 2016 for Best Volunteer - Tourism and/or Hospitality. Keith was also awarded the prestigious title of “Stampede Life Member” in 2020 by the Calgary Stampede. His many years of volunteering is truly a testament to his character and demonstrates how passionate he was about the Stampede, chuckwagons, his community and his city.
 
Due to Covid restrictions, at this time there will only be a gathering of immediate family. If desired, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of your choice in Keith’s name. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Keith’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
 
In living memory of Keith Rutherford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.