Bill Rutherford - Advice to Live By

Bill Rutherford leaves a lengthy legacy as recounted today at the memorial service held for him. Bill was your friend, even if you had known him for a minute. His charismatic manner and his deep concern for his fellow men (women, children, flora and fauna .... ) was always evident.

I remember having met him through our mutual concern about conservation of open space along the Illinois River --- the Riverplex formerly known as the RecPlex. Several weeks later, while discussing this community issue, we talked about other topics and I mentioned that my car was in the shop and I was going to rent a car. Absolutely not, Bill would not hear of it. He had just gotten his second car back from someone else who had needed to use it and Bill would be at my home at 7 pm that night to deliver the car. He would hear of no refusal. That was Bill generous and caring and using his position in life to ease the cares and burdens of others. I admit, I loved driving his white Diesel Jetta --- almost wished my car would have been in the shop --- forever! :)

Alice St. Clair, his relative through the Rutherford family line --- shared a quote from Bill who was taught by his father, Leslie ---

"Good things happen when people get involved".

This is oh so true and Peoria would be great, actually everywhere would be great if people got involved. That is what is missing, civic engagement at multiple levels ..... here's hoping that Bill's legacy is further fulfilled by Central Illinoians and the many people whose lives he touched
throughout the entire world.

How to be Happy

The time to be happy is now,

The place to be happy is here

The way to be happy is to make others so.

(Also quoted today!)