We Remember
RUTHERGLEN, Grant
December 28, 1957 — August 17, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Grant Rutherglen on August 17, 2025, at the age of 67.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 36 years, Barb; his cherished daughter Lauren (Quinn); and his faithful walking companion, Marvin, his chocolate lab.
He is also survived by his mother-in-law Claudette; sisters-in-law Chris (Jeff), Michelle, and Cindy (Jim); brothers-in-law Buddy (Lorraine), Michael (Adam), and Steve; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends including Doug, Moge, Gord, Lee, Jan, Terry, Jim, and so many more who will miss him dearly.
Grant was predeceased by his parents, Ron and Eleanor Rutherglen; sister Heather; sister-in-law Cathy; brother-in-law Archie; and father-in-law Robert Taylor.
Born and raised on the West Bench in Penticton, Grant carried a deep love for his hometown throughout his life. He later made his home in Osoyoos and Kelowna and dedicated his career to teaching and coaching in Grand Forks, where he worked at both Hutton Elementary School and Grand Forks Secondary School. Teaching was more than a profession to Grant—it was a calling. He took immense pride in seeing the successes of his former students and the positive mark they made in the world.
A passionate supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Vancouver Canucks, and CBC, Grant also found joy in soccer and enjoyed the Penticton Soccer Club and playing with the old-timers league.
Always chatty, Grant loved connecting with people, and his favourite subject was always his daughter, Lauren.
He and Barb shared a love of travel, especially to Portugal – where they became engaged – and to other destinations in Europe. Most recently, they travelled to Montreal and Quebec City, where they spent time with family and created lasting memories together. Though he began life in a small family, Grant built and nurtured a large extended family of friends, colleagues, and loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humour, friendship and ever lasting love.
Grant will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Holly, his BC Cancer nurse, for her compassion and care; to Tammy and Moge for being there every step of the way; and to everyone who reached out with a visit or a phone call to share a laugh, a memory, a story and brighten Grant’s day.
In lieu of flowers, the Rutherglen family would greatly appreciate donations to be made to the Central Okanagan Hospice House. Grant didn’t require hospice care, but he was deeply at peace simply knowing that such a place was available should he need it.
A private family service will be held in honour of Grant.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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Central Okanagan Hospice House Link: www.hospicehousekelowna.com
Condolences
I was a coworker of Grant’s at Hutton elementary school. It is true that Grant’s work was more than a job as he fully was invested in the kids, making sure they were not just educated but looked after socially and emotionally. Grant was always looking out for the underdog, so much so that two years ago, the staff agreed to create an award in his honour; the “R” award (Triumph award) which recognizes a child that may not be the smartest or fastest or best at anything but shows raw talent and willing to overcome barriers in their life, being the best version of themselves that they can be. These are the kids that Grant clicked with the most and who he looked out for . It’s who he was, encouraging folks around him to be and do their best. He is missed at Hutton. His truth and calling a spade a spade is missed. My deepest condolences, Barb, Lauren and other family members. We will be raising a glass Friday night in his honour here in Grand Forks.
Coaching soccer
Barb,we are so saddened for you and Lauren. We pray for comfort for the both of you.. Big hugs
We will always remember uncle Grants fun personality and nature. He was always so kind to us. We will miss him. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Lauren, I’m so sorry for your loss.
I painted a rock in his memory and placed it next to the Columbia River. It’s got a nice view. He appreciated the walleye I’d catch and share. I’m glad I got to know him. My deepest sympathies.
Here’s the view.
May you play in overtime with the sun on your face Grant😌I send a piece of cheese to the “Rat” for my shins remember your tenacity and my heart remembers your loyalty playing together under Mr. goeckel.
Will always remember playing soccer in Penticton with grant
Barb and Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy. Cherish all the memories. Hugs 🥰
Dear Barb, Lauren & Marvin, my heart hurts for yours & im so sorry for your precious loss. Grant was always such a happy positive loving man & loved you both so much that when he spoke of you I could feel the love & see it written in his eyes & face. I wish I could make the hurt go away. Big hugs & lots of love. Let’s walk the doggies soon. Love you.
Hi my name is Sawyer Campeau and I was a student at Hutton elementary and Mr.R had an impact on my life, he would always tease me about my fluffy hair and me saying you don’t need any hair look at your head. But when he died a part of me died because my hole family new him.
Thank you
Biggest of big hugs to the family. I had the pleasure of being both Grant’s student at GFSS and his colleague when I returned to town. His love of students was so felt and so genuine. He was a wonderful human who made an impact on me. The world lost a kind, compassionate and human.
My name is Alia, and I was a student in the last class Mr.R ever taught. I was in grade 6 at Hutton elementary. Grade 6 was by far the worst year of my life. I had very few friends in my class, and the ones I did have weren’t good ones. My dad also suffered a stroke, and Mr.R always asked me my about my life, because he knew I liked to chat, but didn’t really have anybody to chat to. He would always tease me about living in the countryside, saying that I would talk to trees, asking “is there even power out in the middle of nowhere where you are?” Mr.R was by far the best teacher I have ever had, and probably ever will have. Last year was a really hard time for me, and his class kept me through it. He would always joke about how I had no attention span, and he would yell “squirrel!” while I was focusing on my work, and then we would laugh about how fast I turned my head. Mr.R introduced me to sports, convincing me to try volleyball, which was the first sports team I was ever on, and now sports are a massive part of my life. Since his class, I have changed massively as a person. At the end my final year at Hutton, I was awarded with the “R” award, the award created in his name. Sometimes I think about how different my life would be without the lessons he taught me. Without having ever trying sports, without him pushing me to do my best on my schoolwork, without him being there for me to chat to when I had no one else who cared. I will never forget the last words you said to me Mr.R.. It was on the last day of grade 6 – after you had been on medical leave for 6 weeks. I was the last student to leave, and you said to me, “Well, they told me the cancer spread to my kidneys. you’ll do well, kid. don’t let anyone stop you.”
I am doing well, Mr.R. and I am doing much better since we last spoke, I wish you were here to see. Look, I wrote this big paragraph in under 3 hours! Haven’t I improved my writing and grammar since the beginning of grade 6?
You have impacted my life hugely, and I will never forget you. I wish you could see how well I am doing now.
Our daughters skated with Lauren and what I remember which was a favourite, Grant made chocolate chip pancakes for the girls before a skating competition. Shhhh don’t tell the coaches. Thank you for those memories with the girls. ❤️
May your heart be filled with memories 💕
Dear Barb and Lauren,
Ed and I are very sorry to learn of Grant’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. We are thinking of you and your family.
Patti and Ed
Dear Barbara and Lauren, Bill and I would like to offer you our sincere condolences at this difficult time. May Grant rest in peace, he sounded like a wonderful person.
Deepest condolences to Barb and Lauren,family with the passing of Grant.
I taught across the hall from Grant at GFSS for several years. I know how hard Grant worked and what a positive impact he had on his students. He was also a most supportive colleague and I remember fondly the after class chats where we might commiserate over the issue of the day, share a laugh, and find the energy to come back the next day.. Forever remembered❤️
To Barb, Lauren & Marvin,
We are thinking of you all, every day, at this time! We know how hard this is for you and wish we could do more to help. Out thoughts & prayers are with you at this time! Take care of one another. All our love , Darren & Trish <3
Dear Barb.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your dear husband, Grant.
Thinking of you.
Karen and Doug Clarke
Dear Barb and Lauren,
My sincere condolences on the loss of Grant. It comes as a shock to me as I didn’t know he was sick…but then again I have been away from Kelowna for 12 years now. I only met Grant a few times, but he grew on me. He was always so positive and our conversations didn’t stop at a few words:-) He was so proud of you Lauren and spoke of you and your mom so glowingly. I seem to recall I even offered him a job at Immaculata. He would have fit right in. Take care and may time lessen your sorrow.
John Campbell
Mr. Rutherglen was my sixth grade teacher, although being the toughest year personally. His humor and personality always brightened my day, even if that ment the boys getting their shins kicked in playing soccer, boys vs girls, beings goalie I feared the infamous “Scottish toe punt”! One even beaned me in the side of the head! He always pushed for us to work harder, prepping us for high-school. For how stubborn we all we’re to doubt him, I struggled to find Grant for the past couple years, as a line always sat with me forever. Dispute being a comedy skit, he used to tell us. “Kids if you don’t listen to me, you’ll end up in a van down by the river.” Darn it wasn’t the old man right, he always mentioned we’d come back to tell him that. Everything he said, may he rest in peace. Love you Mr. Rutherglen, for everything you’ve taught me, and how many lives you touched.
P.S Hope the daughter is still golfing! He’d always remind us at least twice a week! ❤️
Mr. R was my elementary school teacher years ago. He made an impact on my life more than he would ever know. He made a difference to so many kids and pushed them to continue succeeding in life. I remember one gym class where he let all the girls play mini soccer, and watched as we ran around with smiles on our faces. He will be missed and always remembered
Im a former student of Mr Rutherglens. Because of him is why im becoming a teacher. Lauren, he talked about you all the time in class. You were his favorite thing to boast about. I dont think he went a day without talking about how much of a golf pro you are. I ran away from home at 15 and Mr Rutherglen told me that I was gonna be okay… sure enough I am. He fought on my side with every battle and I can never be thankful enough. This news really hit hard for his students, he always talked about being the best but I hope he actually knew he really was the best teacher.
Mr. Rutherglen was my grade 7 teacher and I remember some of his stories like it was yesterday! He always knew how to keep a room light and keep people laughing!
My condolences to his family!
Such a wonderful person and teacher! We were all so lucky to have him as a teacher and friend. He will be very missed, deepest condolences to Grants family.
sending hugs,
keanna
Mr R was truly one of a kind. He treated his students with value, respect, and expectations, a rarety in today’s age. He gave my children confidence, and held them up to a standard he knew they could achieve. I love that we had the privilege to know him. To his wife and daughter ; he spoke of you often, and couldn’t have been more proud❤️