Rowland "Rollie" Alexander Rutherford

Rowland “Rollie” Alexander Rutherford passed away peacefully in his 83rd year at LHSC Victoria Campus on July 3rd, 2020 after his ten month battle with leukemia. Rollie is survived by his wife of 58 loving years Dianne (McCorquodale) Rutherford, whom he met at the Crystal Palace in Embro as a teenager. The ultimate family man, Rollie dedicated every day to his children Kevin (Julie) Rutherford and Donna (Chris) Schurman. He was known by many titles but one of his most treasured was “Papa” to Bryden (Travis), Keaton, Katie, and Lannie. Rollie is also survived by many adoring Rutherford Nieces and Nephews and his partner in crime Brother in Law Rae Walch and favourite Uncle Joe to Patrice and Raellen and families. Rollie was predeceased by his father Hugh, mother Kathleen (Keatings), and siblings Douglas, Eddie, and Doris, Sister in Laws Elinor Rutherford and Patricia Walch.

Rollie lived a humble, hard-working life beginning a job farming at the young age of 11. His dream was to be a truck driver. He accomplished that and so much more in the span of his beautiful life. Besides driving truck, Rollie and Dianne purchased the Embro hardware store in 1968 and made memories there with their young kids until 1987. Rollie cared deeply about his community and often packed his weeknights with meetings for nearly every committee in Embro including the Cemetery Board, Caledonian Society, Optimist Club, Zorra PUC, and he was the chair of the building committee for the Embro-West Zorra Community Centre. Most notably, Rollie was the youngest member of the Oxford County Council at the time and was the last and youngest elected Reeve of Embro. To commemorate his success, there is a bridge East of Embro on Commissioners street in his honour. Besides the friendships formed through all his community work, Rollie also loved the people he met at his country jamms. Due to his gift of gab, Rollie had the honour of MCing many of the jamms in Embro, Ingersoll and Courtland for the past 25+ years.

Rollie’s contagious smile and hearty laugh were enough to brighten anyone's day. His infectious personality allowed him to build many friendships throughout his life. His memory will live on in the soul of Embro as we remember his integral part in the community. Though Rollie’s family wishes we could all meet to celebrate him, due to restrictions of Covid-19, we will notify friends later on future plans. Cremation has taken place and Internment will be at the North Embro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Rollie’s family asks that the community makes donations to Knox United Church Embro and the Embro Splash Pad.