Matthew Rutherford

Matthew Rutherford, age 76, of Columbus, passed away on August 8, 2021 following a heart attack. He was born on June 19, 1945 in Logan, West Virginia, to the late June (Hatfield) and Luther Rutherford.

Matt graduated from Marshall University in Huntington, WV with undergraduate degrees in Biology and Psychology in 1972. His working career was focused on computers. His first job was with Industrial Nucleonics, a small firm in Columbus, OH. Throughout his career, he watched the computer develop from a room-size machine that supported calculations and measurements to the sophisticated instruments of today.

He married his beloved wife of 50 years, Sharon (Daniels), in 1970 in Huntington, WV. From there, they moved to Columbus, OH where they have lived since 1973.

Matt was a man of many interests that included classical music, collecting books, science, and gardening. He often said that he was a man of many interests, but a master of none. As the great-grandson of Devil Anse Hatfield (of Hatfield-McCoy fame), he was an avid collector of Hatfield memorabilia, and he enjoyed sharing stories that is grandfather, Willis Hatfield, told him.

Matt is survived by his wife, Sharon; children: William and his wife, Trish, Eric and his wife, Michelle, and Sarah; six grandchildren: Onica, Iyla, Rachel, Ryan, Robert, and Wesley; and sister, Judy Morgan. He was a dedicated, devoted husband, father and grandfather. His children and grandchildren were the focus of his life.

At Matt's request there will be no services. There will be a gathering of his immediate family to share memories.


My Dad

My dad was always willing to give advice and his opinion, even though he did not always advise how to appropriately resolve a conflict. However, he was good when it came to my validating anger; he'd get angry with me.

He always wanted me to be safe, to make sure my car was working, and that I had everything I needed.

He was often a hard and ornery man. But just when I would be frustrated and we would butt heads, he would do something so out of character that I would be brought back to seeing the good in him.

He took in my nine year old dog when I was going to lose her - even though he was a "no animal in the house" person and had allergy issues. She followed him around, and their relationship was so strong that she still waits for him to come through the door.

He and my son, his grandbaby, watched "Baby Bum" nursery rhyme shows on television. My heart really would melt when this man, who was very difficult at times, would be singing, "the wheels on the bus," loudly with Wesley. He sang so many songs, and Wesley loved him for it. His love for Wesley made my love for Dad deepen.

I will miss my onery, angry at times, hard, loving, soft, selfish, selfless man forever. My heart aches every time I don't see him when I walk through the door my parents' door.

Sarah


My Father

It is difficult to put into words the intense impact my father had on my life. He might say he had very little impact and was easily forgotten, but nothing could be further from the truth. I told him I loved him the day he passed, and I hope he knew how much I meant it.

My father was a family man who loved his children with a fierce passion. Sometimes that love would manifest itself in wrestling matches and games of horse; other times in a protective love, that would find indignation in anything that didn't go our way.

He was a man who found it difficult to express in words his feelings. Often, as we would be leaving the house, he made comments about being careful and watching out for crazy people; it was his way of saying he loved us.

He was so proud of all his children. He so thrilled when he became a grandfather. He wanted the very best for all of us and would become frustrated when we made choices he felt weren't in our best interest, but no matter what he was there to support us and lend help whenever it was needed.

Dad always had stories to share. Most stories revolved around his childhood, growing up in a coal camp. He would talk about how things used to be and lament the fact that he had to do without experiences growing up. I suppose that is why he could never say no when we would ask to try something new. A musical interest, a sport, summer camp, boy scouts, a trip with friends, he never said no and would work to insure we were able to experience as much as possible.

He loved music! I think most of my musical drive was instilled through the music Dad chose to expose us to and his love of opera stars from the past. Like most people, Dad had his favorite vocalists from the past and would refuse to believe anyone could do it better than his favorites. Although Dad never told me he thought I was a good opera vocalist, he was present at almost all my musical events and would cheer me on. I think privately he was very proud of my voice and would express that to Mom, but didn't want me to get a big head.

I will always remember my Dad as a loving father. I will never forget the lessons he taught me or the way he protected and provided for his family. He wasn't a perfect father, but he was my father and I will always love and miss him. I was with him shortly before he passed and the last words he said to me were "I love you and tell the kids I love them".

Eric


My brother, Matt

You may not have been the brother I dreamed for but you were the brother I loved. I remember the good times when we could laugh, share memories of growing up, although we viewed some things through different lens. We shared a love of music and a love of family. I remember and loved you for sharing your family with me. You were not always easy to understand or kind with words but I knew you loved me in your own way. As difficult as you were, I still loved you and will miss you.

Judy