In Memory of Tracey Leigh Rutherford

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the loss of Tracey Leigh Rutherford of Kitchener, Ontario. Tracey passed away in her home on April 18, 2022 at 64, at the time of her choosing, surrounded by her family, following an incredibly brave 5 year battle with ALS.

Predeceased by her father, Jack Rutherford, Tracey is survived and dearly missed by her mother, Lyn Rutherford, sister, Leslie Hamilton, (Kevin), sister Vicky Rutherford, (Ron McIntyre), nephews, Brendan Hamilton, (Tanya), Lukas Hamilton, (Melissa) as well as her extended family of close knit friends in KW, Virginia Beach, Tampa Bay and Long Point.

Tracey’s mantra, “Life isn’t about your final moments - it’s about the moments that led up to them”, gave her strength and guided her throughout her life - and her illness. She approached each day, no matter how challenging, with humour and grace.

Curious, insightful, self aware and compassionate, Tracey was generous - giving of her time and her heart - regularly making donations to her favourite charities and picking out the perfect gifts for the ones she loved. She was content in her life and lived it on her own terms, with no regrets. She was slow to anger, quick to forgive and laughed easily - always ready with a witty comment, a sly smirk and a hardy laugh.

Growing up on horse farm in Galt, Ontario and showing horses at the Royal Winter Fair, Tracey loved nature and all her furry and feathered friends. She enjoyed gathering stones, shells, feathers and driftwood on her beach walks at her cottage in Long Point.

Tracey’s career was at RCI, (the family business, started by her grandfather). She led the launch into the US and lived in Virginia Beach for 14 years to run that operation before returning to Canada. When she retired, over 10 years ago, she spent her winters in Tampa Bay.

Whether it was food, wine, or the people she chose as friends, Tracey loved the finer things in life. She had a passion for music and live concerts. She loved to sing and dance, often breaking out in song, (at volume) at humorous unexpected moments.

May the breeze be gentle, the breeze that takes your vessel on its course. May the waves be calm.

The Rutherford family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Taylor, Dr. Shoesmith, (and her ALS team at London Health Sciences) and to Adrienne Beach, for your compassionate care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the ALS Society of Ontario, or Dog Guides of Canada.