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William Rutherford Obituary
Rutherford III
August 2, 1958
June 20, 2021
Willie lost his life to a very fast and aggressive cancer that he fought with all of his might. His life was his to give and he gave it with abundance. His life was love, liberty and selflessness.
Willie was born in Chicago, raised in Kansas. He was a talented athlete, incredibly proud of his track record and getting a scholarship to Kansas University. Upon reaching his sophomore year, he decided to join the Marine Corps which he looked forward to a career in. Later he sustained an injury that led him to being honorably and medically discharged.
Willie, then went on to pursue a wonderful radio career. He was a natural. He was on air from coast to coast and got to know and befriend so many people along his travels. He gave countless listeners his joy, his grief, his humor, his regard. He connected in a way that many dreamt about. He finished his career at Y96.9 in 2013.He lived an elegant life and was able to give his wife, Renee one last dance.
He is survived by his wife Renee S. Crippen Rutherford, father William Rutherford Jr.,step mother Carolyn Rutherford, brother Douglas Rutherford, brother in law Jimmy Gilliland, daughter Cameron Rutherford, step-son Jade Slayter, and step-daughter Ashley Slayter. He is preceded in death by his mother Cynthia Landers Sinclair Rutherford.
He did not want a formal funeral but a celebration of life. Everyone gathers together, telling stories, listening to music, eating, drinking and having a good time. He requested bright clothes, nothing dark and boring. Story telling and remembering the good times.
We will have a celebration of life on Saturday July 31st at 12 PM @ 13350 Highline Dr. Black Forest CO. Please bring lawn chairs, drinks and a side dish. Let's all celebrate Willie in the way he wished to be celebrated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Rutherford
Kevin Kitchen
July 8, 2021
It was a privilege to be a friend. He will be missed by many. May the Lord Jesus Christ be with the family during this time.
Dori (Squires) Boers
July 7, 2021
I am so very sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. I grew up a block from Bill and eventually he was a running buddy and my carpool ride to summer track for the Shocker Striders at WSU. He was always wickedly smart, funny , kind and generous. Even though I was just a kid he treated me with regard and kindness. Peace and Godspeed
Margaret Hall
July 7, 2021
I´m so deeply sorry fir your loss. Often I found myself laughing at one of Willies posts. He always brightened my day. He will be sorely missed.
Candace Heyman
July 7, 2021
I came to know Willie online, and we bonded over a shared propensity for brash, outspoken humor and brash, outspoken politics. Willie's voice will be missed greatly, as will the smiles and laughter he brought to so many. Our world is a little dimmer, and a lot poorer, for his loss. My most heartfelt condolences to Renee and the rest of his family. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Durf (#KWBurnMan)
July 6, 2021
Met Willie online, an interesting and FINE Character. Memories are good, I will cherish them!
Scott Craig
July 6, 2021
Bill/Willie was such a great man and friend. I loved talking with him. I thought that we had many more years to talk and laugh and make hilarious irreverent memories.
Heaven needed someone to keep things real.
Godspeed Willie.
Dan J. Surmitis
July 6, 2021
Willie is one of those "larger than life" individuals, who you only get to call a "friend" if you´re truly lucky in life. He will certainly live on, in the form of warm and fond memories of those who knew him.
I will miss you my brother, and will always honor your memories!
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