In memoriam: Jerry Rutan, 1935 - 2011

Gerard F. Rutan, 76, passed away March 30, 2011, in Bellingham. He was born March 3, 1935, in Great Falls, Mont., to Joseph and Helen (Giltner) Rutan.

Jerry was the oldest of six children. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and earned the Soldier of the Month award twice. He married a girl from Great Falls, Patricia Tice, on Sept. 8, 1962.

Jerry earned his bachelor's degree and two master's degrees at the University of Montana. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Rutan taught political science at Western Washington University for more than 35 years, retiring with professor emeritus status. He was head of the Canadian Studies Department and received the Canadian Donner Medal for his work in furthering Canadian studies in the United States. His field was comparative governments, and he loved researching many topics, reading and challenging his students to think.

He has always been a faithful Catholic and a loving family man.

Rutan's parents preceded him in death. Jerry is survived by his wife of 48 years, Pat, daughter Kathryn (husband Dirk) Croxford and their children Whitney, William, Wyatt, Branden and Kindra; son Joe Rutan and his children Tice and Kynan; daughter Meg (husband Will) Sargent and their children Liam and Devyn, 5; siblings Kathryn Rutan; Bill (wife Diane) Rutan; Jeanne (husband David) Whittaker; Patty (Michael) Skinner; Jack (Marianne) Rutan; and many other loving relatives, including the Tice family.

Memorials may be made to Assumption Church c/o Outreach Commission or to the Sisters of Providence, 1801 Lind Ave. SW #9016, Renton, WA 98057-9016.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at Church of the Assumption in Bellingham on Thurs., April 7.