Elgin, Oregon
Alan Duane Rutherford, 57, of Ivins, Utah, and formerly of Elgin and Imbler died Dec. 28 while traveling to his home. A memorial service and celebration of life was conducted at Grace Episcopal Church in St. George, Utah, Jan. 3.
Mr. Rutherford was born to Donald and Fauntella Rutherford in Iowa Jan. 25, 1949, but spent most of his early years in Oregon. He lived in Elgin and Imbler and graduated from Elgin High School in 1967. He married Lisa Christine Abel on Jan. 4, 1997.
He attended Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University and served in the Army as a medic. His career included being an owner-operator of a logging truck in northeastern Oregon in the 1970s before moving to Alaska in search of work in the oil fields.
In 1983 he was hired by Atlantic Richfield Company, where he received many promotions, retiring in 2003 as maintenance planner. His skill level was well recognized, and he was called back to work even after retirement to assist with special projects.
His loves were traveling, working in his yard, building and fixing things, helping others whenever needed and, last but not least, the sunshine.
Survivors include his wife, Lisa; his mother, Fauntella, of Elgin; daughters, Jennifer Dawn Dauer and Kelly Michelle Deacon, both of Phoenix, Ariz., and Jennifer Elizabeth Abel of Portland; siblings, Sandra Rutherford of Phoenix and Mike Rutherford of Elgin; one granddaughter and a grandchild due in April; and a host of other family members in Oregon, Arizona, Iowa, New Mexico and various other states. He was preceded in death by his father.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International, the National Parks Conservation Association, the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
The Observer – Obituaries for the week ending Jan. 13, 2006, Published: January 13, 2007