Rutherford Riddell

             It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Rutherford Riddell peacefully on Nov.24, 2019 at Portage District General Hospital in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba at the age of 93 years following a brief illness.

            Rutherford lived his entire life in the R.M. of Westbourne, farming and raising cattle on the family farm in Bear Creek. He had a great passion for livestock and rodeo and was one of the founding members of the Manitoba Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede Rodeo Committee. Rutherford had a voracious appetite for reading that contributed to his rich and diverse knowledge on so many topics. He loved spending time visiting with family, friends and neighbours. His ability to recount with incredible detail life experiences and stories from throughout his 93 years will be so missed by all who knew him. A gentle giant with a caring kind spirit and wonderful sense of humour, Rutherford made a lasting impression on young and old.

            Rutherford was predeceased by his parents Charles Henry Riddell and Annie Lillian Rutherford Riddell. He is survived by his sister Janice Graham (Robert); nieces Heather Exley (Stephen) and Laurie Graham (Sander); nephew Cameron Graham (Diane); and great nieces Robin Robertson (Trevor) and Shanna Graham; great nephews Graham Exley (Laura) and Adam Exley (Lindsay) and great great nieces and nephews Owen, Claire, Charlotte and Alexander.

            The family expresses deepest thanks and gratitude to all those who supported and provided such exceptional care to Rutherford in his home and also while he was in hospital. He was a very special man who was loved deeply, and he will be forever missed and always remembered.

            A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at the Gladstone United Church in Gladstone, MB.

            In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to be made to Seven Regions Palliative Care, Box 711, Gladstone, MB, R0J0T0, Gladstone District Museum c/o Municipality of WestLake-Gladstone, Box 150, Gladstone, Manitoba, R0J0T0 or a charity of your choice.

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