Wednesday, August 11, 2010

One Less Cowboy

I received word last night that my Uncle Buff Rutherford passed away.  He is the "real cowboy" I dedicated my "West is the Best" poem to.  As a child (growing up watching television shows like Bonanza, The Big Valley, and the Wild, Wild West) my uncle seemed like a super hero to me.  As I got older, I grew to understand that he was just a regular man - but a man of great faith, a generous spirit, and a very hard worker who deeply loved his family and friends.  If I could aspire to be half the man he was, I'd be doing pretty good.

The local newspaper for the area where he lived most of his life just published a two part story about him last month - a fitting tribute to a man just before this death.
http://www.lcni5.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?040+article+News+20100629163340040040003
http://www.lcni5.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?040+article+News+20100706165551040040003

I was fortunate to have hand written a letter to him just in time for him to read it - about the recent passing of his sister, my Crazy Aunt Jean.  Her book about their young lives is still available.
http://www.amazon.com/Colorado-Whoopenhollars-Living-Despite-Depression/dp/1441529896
Another Colorado Whoopenhollar has gone to heaven.

18 comments:

Bruce S said...

John, I am sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like a very good and honorable man. It seems we loose too many these days.

Andy V said...

With sincere sympathy. Andy V.

Ben in Texas said...

John, I don't know the words to express on your loss, So sorry.

pwp said...

Sorry to read about your uncle. I know he is missed. Love, pwp

Dizzy-Dick said...

John, so very sorry to hear of your Uncle's passing. Our condolences. We are losing too many good people.

Mr_Brown said...

It sounds like he was blessed to live the life of a Cowboy. Best wishes.

Unknown said...

With are sad for you, and with you, Mr. Wells.

Love,

Brooke and Little Miss FL Nani

Michael said...

Hi John,
Been meaning to drop in. Buff sent me a copy of your beautiful letter and now, under the circumstances, it means even more to me.

We'll be at mom's house tomorrow, Friday and Saturday working and it'll be even harder knowing now that they're hurting (again) in Georgetown.

Your fond memories - shared with so many - are an honor to Uncle Buff and to mom. Love to you cuz.

TexasMan said...

John, sorry for your loss. As one who has now lost all of my aunts and uncles, I can feel your void.

ottoblotto said...

I'm so sorry, John.

Guy Hodges said...

Sorry for your loss John. He was a good man, and he reminds me of you.

K1p said...

Godspeed cowboy.

Anonymous said...

Much respect and a nod John, U are truly blessed.

chempilot said...

sorry to hear this john. another tumbleweed is free to roam....

Leander Linda said...

He sounds like a man who lived a really great life and lived to the fullest. We all should all strive for the same! I am sorry for your loss.

Unknown said...

I don't know if I know you but I did know your Uncle. I learned how to ride horses riding Cloud and Thunder. He taught my mom pretty much everything she knew about horses. He will be greatly missed.

De La Mancha said...

John - Cowboys never die. They just ride off in to our memories, reminding us how all those left behind should live their lives.

Your Uncle was one hell of a man and will be surely missed.

ezrablu said...

They say that cowboys never die, they just ride away...
so very sorry, John xo