I am sad to share the passing of my little brother, Robert, who was known as "Rut" to everyone.  I am sad because he was my only brother, but relieved because he is no longer suffering.   He was born on May 7, 1960, at Cottage Hospital to Donald and Ramona (Edson) Rutledge.
Rut lived his entire life in the town of Newbury, and for more than 30 years, he resided on Wallace Hill Road.  His last visit to Cottage Hospital was on April 1st, for a small procedure.  However, he changed his mind and decided against it, expressing his desire to be at home on his couch, done with doctors and hospitals.  He said, "If the big man wants me, that's where I'll be."  The big man came for him on May 5th, 2025.
He grew up annoying his sister, Sherry Riffenburg, enjoying dirt bikes, fishing, and hunting, with hunting being his true passion, as evidenced by the several deer heads mounted on his living room walls, along with a 30 lb. King Salmon he caught.
He was a true Vermonter, a real American, fierce and independent, living and passing on his terms.
I imagine him being reunited with his buddies Steve Stacey, Jim Roystan, Dale Powers, Jimmy Stearns, Jay Vigent, and many others...  I'm sure they were all there to greet him.  I will miss you, little brother.