Charles Rutherford's Jazz Pacific Orchestra

CHARLES RUTHERFORD Obituary

Rutherford, Charles "Doc" jazz professor, composer/arranger and performer, of Huntington Beach, CA passed away after short illness 9/10/10. He was one of 7 children born to Charles and Daisy Rutherford in the small coal town of Mt. Harris, CO. After graduating from Hayden HS, CO in 1943, he joined the Navy, playing for radio broadcasts and USO dances during WWII. In 1946 he began his college career at the University of Northern Colorado where he played quarterback, as he had in HS and earned his BA in P.E. and music, M.A. and Doctorate. He then taught music for 13 years in Greybull, WY. In 1967 he moved to Orange County, accepting a position in the music department of Orange Coast College where he created the famous OCC Jazz Festivals held between 1969 and 1986. He is survived by his loving partner of 35 years, Marah Kucaj-Oseland; one daughter, Elizabeth Ann Morrison of ID; two grandchildren, Monica and Darin Morrison; his brother, Francis Rutherford of Denver, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial celebration of his music and his life will be at OCC the Moore Auditorium on 10/9/10 at 11:00 am. Donations may be made in his memory to OCC Foundation Doc Rutherford Jazz Scholarship, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Read more on Last.fm