Gerard Rutan, Ph.D

03/03/1935-03/30/2011
Jerry Rutan, age 76, passed away March 30, 20l l in Bellingham. He was born March 3, 1935 in Great Falls, MT, to Joseph and Helen (Giltner) Rutan. Jerry was the oldest of 6 children. Jerry served in the U.S. Army for 2 years where he earned the Soldier of the Month twice. Jerry married a girl from Great Falls, Patricia Tice, on September 8, 1962. Jerry earned his BA and 2 MA’s at the University of Montana. He also earned his Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Dr. Rutan taught Political Science at WWU for over 35 years, and received the Professor Emeritus status when he retired. 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. His 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: Sr. Kathryn Rutan, S.P.,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. Vigil Services will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Wed. April 6th at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption on Thurs., April 7th at 10:30 AM followed by a lunch reception at the Church and Committal with Military Honors at Bayview City Cemetery.
//