David Jeffrey Rutford

David J. Rutford, age 67, of Duluth, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on March 18, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of adventure, generosity, and deep, unwavering love for his family.

Born on October 17, 1958, to David C. and Faith (Whitfield) Rutford, Dave grew up in Duluth, surrounded by the woods and waters that would shape his earliest adventures. One cherished family tradition—passed down from his great-grandfather—was hiking the narrow, winding Kadunce River canyon along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Many summers included a trek up the river, a tradition Dave proudly carried on, guiding family and new generations of river trekkers along the same path.

Inspired by his father’s sense of curiosity and courage—qualities that shaped the way he moved through the world—Dave carried a spirit of adventure from an early age that never left him. At just 14 years old, he biked the entire circumference of Lake Superior alongside two buddies. Despite countless mishaps—and one “rescue” by his dad when the trio ran out of money in Sault Ste. Marie—the story, over time, became less about the feat itself and more a glimpse into the kind of man he would always be: determined, bold, and quietly remarkable.

He also had a lifelong love of motorcycles, and despite an early crash along Skyline Parkway, he continued to take memorable trips with friends, as well as with his father and later his sons. Dave was an avid downhill skier who served on the National Ski Patrol at Chester Bowl for ten years, sharing and instilling his love of the sport in his sons. Some of his most cherished moments were spent alongside his boys—teaching them to ski, laughing, and creating memories that would take root for generations. That love became a lasting tradition, sparking years of annual ski trips out West with his sons, his ski buddies, and eventually his grandchildren. Beyond the mountains, Dave had a deep love for travel and one of his greatest joys was sharing those experiences with his sons and grandchildren—showing them new places, creating traditions, and building memories that will live on for generations.

Dave was also musically inclined and a lifelong drummer. Neighbors in the 1970s may still remember the hours of loud drumming drifting out the attic window of his Hunters Park home. His musical tastes ran from the loudest punk rock to… well, still the loudest punk rock. His love of music was rooted early on, influenced by his mother, who was a passionate organist and served for many years at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church. In his own way, Dave carried that legacy forward—playing drums for church services and lending his voice as a member of the choir at Glen Avon.

Dave was educated in electronics and built a meaningful career as a hearing aid specialist. He began his work with Danavox in the Twin Cities, where he met Rhonda—the love of his life. They were married in 1986, made their home in Minnetonka, and together began building the family that would become the center of Dave’s world.

In 1988, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own hearing aid repair business, R & L Labs, in partnership with a close friend and colleague—working out of his basement the very week his first son, Aaron, was born. It was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to both his craft and his family, building something of his own while raising the people who mattered most to him.

Dave and Rhonda welcomed their second son, Evan, in 1990, and in 1992, Dave and his family returned home to Duluth, where he continued his work providing hearing aid repair and fittings through his business. In his profession, Dave helped countless individuals reconnect with the sounds of everyday life—serving others with patience, skill, and genuine care.

Those who knew Dave knew his heart just as much as his adventurous spirit. He was the kind of person who showed up—consistently, quietly, and without needing recognition. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer his time, or step in where he was needed. His presence in the Duluth community reflected that generosity. In addition to his service as a familiar and trusted face on the Chester Bowl Ski Patrol, Dave also served as a former president and active member of the Duluth Lions Club for over 20 years. Even after stepping away, he faithfully returned each year to volunteer at the annual Pancake Day—a reflection of his enduring commitment to his community. Following his retirement, he continued that spirit of service, traveling to Sturgeon Lake on a near weekly basis to volunteer his time at YMCA Camp Miller, helping to build and maintain the youth camp—where his kindness and reliability left a lasting imprint.

Above all else, Dave’s greatest joy was his family. He was the one who showed up—steadily, faithfully, for everything. The rides, the practices, the recitals, the games—and all of the quiet, in-between moments that often go unnoticed—he was there for them all. Whether it was Saturday morning pancakes, building train tracks across the floor, teaching first ski lessons on the hill, or stopping to pick wildflowers along the way, he found joy in the simple, everyday moments spent together.

And if he couldn’t be there in person, he found a way. Phone in hand, livestream pulled up, waiting patiently to catch his grandchildren on stage or on the field. He never wanted to miss a moment.

He was deeply invested in each of his children and grandchildren, loving them in a way that was constant, reassuring, and unwavering. That same steady love extended to his siblings, with whom he shared a close and meaningful bond, rooted in a lifetime of shared memories.

Dave was also a deeply sentimental man, quietly holding onto the moments that mattered most—tucking away notes, family photos, and stories passed down from his father. In many ways, he lived his life preserving those memories, even returning to his childhood home, where the echoes of those early years remained close. His presence was something his family could always count on—a steady foundation woven into their everyday lives.

Even across the miles, his love never wavered. He remained closely connected to Evan and his family in Colorado, calling often, checking in, and staying present in all the ways that mattered. And when he was needed, he didn’t hesitate—he would drop everything and make the drive, no matter the distance.

His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the love he gave so freely will continue to shape and steady his family for generations to come.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David C. and Faith Rutford; his father- and mother-in-law, Milton and Mavis Olson; his brothers-in-law, Dan Zobel and Steve Olson; and his sister-in-law, Sue Rutford. David is survived by his wife, Rhonda (Olson); sons, Aaron (Nicole) and Evan (Hayley); grandchildren, Greyson, Maxwell, Everleigh, Sawyer, George, Flynn, and Torin; siblings, Yvonne Rutford (Marty), Tom Rutford, and Julie Zobel; his beloved dog, Harley; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A visitation will be held at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave, Duluth, MN, on Friday, March 27, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and will continue Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. until the celebration of life service at 10:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. A live-stream will be made available on churches website: http://www.glenavonchurch.org/

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. The family will direct donations to local organizations that were meaningful to Dave and close to his heart, including the Chester Bowl Improvement Club, Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, and YMCA’s Camp Miller.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the emergency medical personnel and the staff at St. Luke’s Hospital for their compassionate care and for helping steady and support our family in the moments that followed Dave’s untimely passing.