Harold Pearson (Bunny) Rutledge passed away peacefully at home at the age of 92. He was predeceased by his loving wife Lynne on August 1, 2000.
He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Patti (Jim) MacPherson, Joni Rutledge, Cheri (Randy) Korol, His “Old Life Partner” Cindy Gehring, as Dad endearingly called her, 5 grandchildren, whom he adored and loved immensely, Jayme, Christopher, Danielle, Devyn & Quinn as well as 9 great grandchildren, Sophia, Michael, Benjamin, Alexander, Haliana, Zoey, Logan, Ethan, Mason and many nieces & nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Harold & Lillian Rutledge, Brothers Bill Rutledge, Glenn Rutledge and sister Jean Anne Drake.
Bunny was born in Lethbridge on October 2, 1930 to Harold and Lillian Rutledge. He was the youngest of 4 children. He attended school at the 5 Mile School house but he left early to help out on the family farm which he continued to do while also taking jobs at the Lethbridge Northern & Shaughnessy Mine.
He liked all things mechanical and became a journeyman auto mechanic where he worked at Fred King Motors and later for Bill Rae for several years before opening up Bunny’s Service in Picture Butte. His final job was working part time at the PB sportsplex. His daughters thought it was pretty cool that he got to drive the Zamboni.
Bunny married Marilyn (Lynne) Bentley in 1957 and they raised their three daughters on the farm. We had a real “Old McDonalds” farm with all kinds of animals growing up. He and Lynne were both animal lovers. It was rare for him to miss a Saturday auction, and it was always exciting when he brought a new animal home.
He was a true cowboy, a kindhearted gentleman, who helped people out all the time. He loved his horses and was in his glory when he had time to either ride or hitch his team up for a wagon ride. He especially enjoyed his rides with his daughter Cheri and then later, with his granddaughter Jayme. After he retired, he had the opportunity to go on a few organized trail rides that he and Cindy enjoyed together. He said it made him feel like a kid again.
He was a big fan of sports, both watching and playing. He was a long-time member of the PB Elks Club and Sargent at Arms of their patrol team for several years where he lead them in the Canadian Championship competition in Thunder Bay. He was also one of the first volunteers to sign up with St. John Ambulance when they opened in Lethbridge.
Bunny had a great big smile and a great big heart and the most delightful sense of humor. He sure loved to laugh. We will miss reminiscing and listening to his great stories from the past. He lived life to the fullest and enjoyed every moment of it. He was a simple man who loved the farm and loved his family. He had many good friends and was a wonderful friend to all. You will forever and always be in our hearts.
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