Robert Wood Rutledge

Robert Wood Rutledge Robert Wood Rutledge died on March 11, 2019, following a long illness. Bob, or Bobby, as he was called by many who loved him, was born on a hot July day in 1953, the second of that month, in Houston, Texas. Though he had lived in the Pacific Northwest most of his life, Bob never completely lost his Texan roots, nor his sense of hospitality. Throughout his life, Bob occupied a notable personality of enormous heart and strong feelings—charmingly sentimental. Strangers were often drawn to Bob with whom he made fast friends and often lifelong connection. A lover of great food and great literature, he was known for his generosity, sense of justice, wit, and compassion for anyone he perceived having a difficult time. A graduate of Lewis and Clark College with a degree in psychology and theater, Bob had the soul of a writer and was a captivating storyteller, whether told in his distinctive voice or on paper. He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Susan Ban; his sons Michael Rutledge, Portland, OR and Samuel Rutledge, Eugene, OR; his sisters Anne Rutledge, Seattle, WA, and Janet Steidel, Danville, CA, brother Joseph Rutledge, Connecticut, and their respective spouses; brothers-in law David Ban and Craig Rumble; and many nieces and nephews. No one who ever met Bob will forget him. Rest in peace, dear Bob, with all our love.