Robert Rutherford

November 18, 1928 - August 13, 2012

Robert Ray Rutherford, age 83, died peacefully at home on August 13, 2012. Bob was born on November 18, 1928 in Walla Walla, Washington to Merrill and Gladys (McHargue) Rutherford. He graduated from high school in Enterprise, Oregon, received a BA in mathematics from Washington State University in 1951 and was commissioned in the United States Air Force the same day. He served in the Air Research and Development Command for five years. Through Operation Bootstrap he received his Masters degree in mathematics and physics from Boston University. In the Air Force he was instrumental in developing the first pilot ejection seats suitable for jet aircraft. He later pioneered many developments in the semiconductor industry and was known as the "zener diode czar". His long eventful career in semiconductors was spent mostly in Phoenix, much of it with Motorola. His last assignment was in sales as head of the General Motors account. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Bruce, son, Douglas Bruce, and granddaughter Molly Elizabeth Austin. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Arda Aileen Sprague Rutherford, daughters Mary Joanne Austin and Julia Rae Van Arsdale, sons Robert Richard (Claudia), and Stephen Merrill (Susan), seven grandchildren, and one great granddaughter. Bob was an Eagle Scout, a Sunday school teacher at Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix, former board member of Indian Arts and Crafts Association, Lion, and Advisory Board member of the Salvation Army. He loved camping with his family, taking his sons on Boy Scout camping trips, world travel, and visits to artisans on the Hopi reservation. His family will miss his lovely smile, sense of humor and wisdom. Bob appreciated the care and comfort provided during his last difficult months by Good Samaritan Care Center, Good Samaritan Hospice, the Caring Presence and his loving family. The family suggests donations to Save the Children, Prescott Salvation Army or Prescott Valley Early Bird Lions Foundation at PO Box 25495, Prescott Valley, AZ 86312, or one's charity of choice in lieu of flowers. Service will be at 10am on Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Sunrise Funeral Home, 8167 E. Hwy 69, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. His remains will be interred at the Prescott National Cemetery. Sunrise Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.