Obituaries

John “Mort” Rutherfurd, Jr., 81

September 08, 2021

John “Mort” Rutherfurd, Jr., 81 of Manheim, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2021. He was the son of the late John M. Rutherfurd, Sr. and Marian (Dunstan) Rutherfurd. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Sandra in 2009, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage.

Mort completed his high school education at the Lenox Private School for Boys in Lenox, MA. After that, he joined the Navy and served as a hospital core man stationed in Hawaii. Once he completed his service, he worked for the former Hess’s department store as the women’s shoes department manager which brought him to Lancaster. After years of part owning and operating 2 local businesses, R&J Microfilm and The Water Buggy Water Slide/Eagle Falls Adventure Park, Mort worked for the PA Liquor Control Board for 19 years where he retired as a manager of the Fruitville Pike state store. He was involved in many clubs and organizations throughout his life such as Kiwanis, Cincinnati Society of NY, and most recently Crime Stoppers. He loved to travel and definitely enjoyed spending time at his Fenwick Island beach house. Mort received his pilot license and often flew planes at the Lancaster Airport. Most of all, Mort enjoyed spending time with his family and his grandkids. He loved going out to eat, was an avid sports fan, and even had the opportunity to attend a Lancaster Barnstormers game with his family recently. A devout Christian, Mort was a faithful and active member of LifeSpring Fellowship.

A loving father, grandfather, and brother, Mort is survived by his two children, Shawn M. Rutherfurd and Lisa M. Jones (Bill), his brother Gordon Rutherfurd (Elena), and his 5 grandchildren: Macy, Cooper, Gavin, Caleb, and Brynn. He is also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife, and his siblings Jay Rutherfurd, Alan Rutherfurd, and Freda Brehm.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 18 at LifeSpring Fellowship, 490 W Lincoln Ave, Lititz, PA 17543, at 1 PM with no visitation prior. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Mort’s name to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

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Condolences to the Family

October 19, 2021

Mort (Chunky) as we called him was a great cousin to have. We had lots of fun growing up in a lot of good times. Will miss him terribly and now no he’s at piece with Sandy next to him so they now can watch over each other. God Bless Them Both🙏

September 26, 2021

It was an honor for me to meet John during his time at Pleasant View. He touched my life and always had a smile when talking about his family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Sincerely, Mark Gales

September 16, 2021

Dear Shawn and Lisa,
We just heard the sad news and are heartbroken. Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the passing of your father. Uncle Mortie was a real gem! His outgoing, fun-loving personality made him a joy to be around. We’ll always remember his trips to South Florida, enjoying the beach, pounding crabs with wooden hammers at the Rustic Inn restaurant, and catching the Braves and Expos in spring training games at the old Municipal Stadium. Please know that Uncle Mortie’s legacy will live on in our memories and in our hearts. And today, I know that your mother and my mother are overjoyed knowing that they are all together again sharing eternal life. God Bless.
Sharon (Brehm) Adams and Chaz Adams and Family

September 13, 2021

Shawn and Lisa, your parents meant so much to our family and were truly amazing people. We are better for knowing them and being in their lives. We are all so very sorry for your loss but know that we will remember Mort (and Sandy) so fondly for the fun times that we all shared. He loved his family more than anything else and loved to tell us stories about his grandkids. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

September 13, 2021

Dear Shawn,
We were saddened to read of yor father’s passing. Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie and Ted Fitzgerald (Mike’s parents)

September 12, 2021

Dear Family: My sympathy to the Rutherfurd family. I knew Mort for many years thru the service activities of the Lancaster Kiwanis Club. Mort was very supportive and sensitive to meet the needs of others. He was a man of faith and works. Well done thou good and faithful servant. Enter the kingdom of God.
Gary Sensenich

September 12, 2021

Deepest sympathy to the entire family. May you have peace in knowing John has gone to heaven.
Blessings
George

September 12, 2021

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your dad. We lost touch after R & J closed. Babysitting you guys was a joy. I was Shawn’s “cookie”. May you be filled with the many joyous memories. You have my and the rest of the “girls” from R & J sincerest condolences.
Wendy Yeager Harnish

September 12, 2021

I believe I speak for everyone at the Crest When I say he is being missed. RIP

September 12, 2021

Dear Family,
Mort & Sandy were one of my favorite Kiwanis couples – always hard working and a delight to work with. Sandy & I used to work together at the Lancaster Kiwanis Car Shows. Mort was always there to support whatever the club was doing.

September 12, 2021

Mort: You have always been warm hearted, thoughtful, fun, and a wonderful person. Thank you for being part of our family. You will be missed, greatly. We love you very much. Your children will continue to be loved as you were. Rest in peace with Sandy and your parents. All of you are missed so much.

September 11, 2021

To his Memory of the fun times we had as kids! Cousins always in the thick of things! Will miss you but now at peace with Sandy, your parents , Jay and Alan. Will miss the fun times we had. May you Rest In Peace!

September 10, 2021

My prayers are with the Rutherfurd family and there friends. May God grant you the peace and healing.

September 10, 2021

Mort was a very special man. I will miss him and his wonderful hugs. I’ll see you again in heaven, Mort.

September 10, 2021

Had the pleasure of taking care of John both times he was at pleasant view recently. So sorry for your loss I love the song. “THe hymn of promise ” it always makes me cry but the words are so beautiful and true

Services: Saturday, September 18, 2021; 1:00 PM; LifeSpring Fellowship; 490 W Lincoln Ave; Lititz, Pennsylvania 17543
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