William Frederick “Fred” Rutledge
With sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Rutledge on November 29, 2023 at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 80 years.
Left to cherish Fred’s memory are his wife Sharon of Portage la Prairie, MB, daughter Terri (Darren), siblings Ralph (Ruth) Rutledge, Margaret (Jim) Pragnell and Allen (Suzanne) Rutledge, as well as numerous nieces, nephews relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his son Cal Rutledge, parents Doug and Lola (nee Brockie) Rutledge, and in-laws Colin and Ethel McMillan.
Fred was born in Winnipeg to Doug and Lola Rutledge on January 11, 1943. Fred grew up on the family farm North of Portage and attended West Prospect School and Portage Collegiate. After high school, Fred started working for Manitoba Hydro. Throughout his career he worked in various communities including Gladstone, Westbourne, Neepawa, Shoal Lake and returning to Portage where he worked until his retirement. Fred and Sharon were married in 1966 and had two children, Terri and Cal. Fred enjoyed watching Nascar on TV, hunting with the crew in Shoal Lake, custom combining and doing farmwork in the spring and fall, Summers were spent at the cabin at Thomas Lake where Fred will be remembered by some as “Captain Crawdad”. Lots of good times were had and memories made with family and friends.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff on the Medical Unit at Portage General Hospital and to Dr. Ong at Cancer Care Manitoba for their care and kindness.
A private family graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery. Everyone is welcome to join the family for a come and go celebration of Fred’s life from 2:00 – 4:00 pm on Monday, December 11, 2023 in the Trimble Room at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred’s memory to Cancer Care Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, or to a charity of one’s choice.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.