One of the O*W*C’s most loyal and long-standing members fell and injured himself badly a few months ago, and his brother just posted the sad news that he has passed away.
August 1
Posted 3 hours agoIt is with great sadness that I must report that my brother, Brad Rutter, passed away at 7:50 a.m. this morning at the Greenery in Canonsburg, Pa. Brad put up a courageous fight, but his ailments were too great for him to overcome. He is in a better place now, and we appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers you have given him over these past few months.
Funeral arrangements are pending. I will post more information once it becomes available. It also can be found online in the Tribune-Review.
I am so sorry to break the news this way. This is one update I was hoping to never have to post.
Again, keep Brad in your thoughts and prayers. He truly valued his friendship with each and every one of you who took the time to post kind thoughts and offer well-wishes on his behalf. He will be missed.
We at the Other*Worlds*Cafe will miss him terribly.
6 responses to “RIP BLRWIZ”
It’s too late for me to tell Brad that to me he was a friend, that he mattered, and though we were miles apart I enjoyed every moment I spent in his company.
It’s not too late for me to tell you, though.
Dear O*W*C’er,
You matter. Thank you for being my friend, for being so funny, so smart, and so you. Each and every one of you are a blessing in my life.
Thank you.
Christopher
I knew Brad since 1996. We first met in the OWC AOL chatroom. He was there almost every night to chat, to lend you his shoulder. How great the distance, he was there to help a friend. Some he couldn’t help (E cat S), but he made every effort. We sent him many cards, an OWC teddy bear, Ipod, portable DVD player, DVDs, to show him we cared and I comforted to know that he did enjoy the numerous gifts. He was only 58. Too soon. Rest now, dear friend, your troubles are over.
Shirley AKA Ara
Brad’s brother, Joe, requested to send him final thoughts, so he could read them to Brad after the service. Christopher, I’ve copied Joe your message, so he could read it to Brad, together with mine and others. Joe came into the chatroom last night under BLR’s SN and told us, who were there, that Brad’s local magician’s group visited at the viewing and they did a special service called the “broken wand.” It was very nice and touching. Hopefully there is more to hear about how the service went today.
One final thought
I just wanted to say thank you to all of Brad’s friends and relatives who took the time to post on here and offer words of encouragement during the past four months. He was uplifted by hearing what you all had to say, and he enjoyed knowing that you all had him in your thoughts and prayers.
I also want to thank everyone who sent cards, letters, gifts, etc. We can never repay the kindness you showed toward Brad. Some of the items Brad never was able to use because his time with us was cut short, but he was amazed at how much stuff he received. He was embarrassed by all of the attention he received, yet flattered by the gestures.
Lastly, I would like to thank my wife Lori, who was such a great help to Brad in the past four months. She accompanied me on most of my visits and was the one who was able to make him laugh, smile and shake his head at her funny stories. She truly has a gift for helping people, and she was tremendous when around Brad. Whether cutting his fingernails, trimming his eyebrows, propping his head up on the pillow, holding his hand or making sure he had enough water, she was such a help to Brad, and he enjoyed her company. They formed a special bond in those final months, one she will not forget.
Again, thank all of you for everything and I hope we will be able to stay in touch.
Grace and peace
Joe
Posted Aug 2, 2010 2:57pm
By Chris Brown
Brad was a great fan of Science Fiction. When I heard of his passing I thought of this song, which was sung by Cheif o’Brian in Star Trek Next Generation and also in the final episode of Deep Space Nine
The Minstrel boy to the war has gone
in the ranks of death you will find him
His Father’s sword he has girded on
His wild harp slung behind him
“Land of Song” said the warrier bard
“Tho all the world betrays thee
One sword at least thy rights shall guard
One faithful harp shall prase thee”
The minstrel fell But the foemans chain
Could not bring that proud soul under
The harp he loved never spoke again
For he tore its cords asunder
And said no chains shall sully thee
Thou soul of love and bravery
Thy songs were ment for the pure and free
Thy shall never sound in slavery
Subject: Elegy for Brad
THE WAND IS BROKEN-,
THE MAGIC WORD HALF-SPOKEN;
SHUFFLED CARDS SIT IN THE DUST,
NO ONE TO SAY, “THEY’RE HERE,
SO CHOOSE YOU MUST.”
HE USED TO SAY,
“STRAIGHT LINES ARE REAL.
LIFE IS AS GOOD
AS YOU KNOW HOW TO FEEL.”
WATCHES WENT LIMP
WHEN HE BREATHED HIS LAST,
AND TIME CEASED MOVING
EITHER SLOW OR FAST.
NO ONE CAN STAND
IN HIS SO SPECIAL PLACE;
HE KNEW SO WELL
JUST HOW TO FORCE AN ACE.
FOR THOSE HE LOVED,
IN FACT THERE WAS NO END.
HE WAS INDEED
A TRUE FOREVER FRIEND.
SO HE IS GONE,
BUT NOT TO GRASS AND SOD;
ONE HEARS HIM SAY,
“NOW LORD, PICK ANY CARD.”
W.E. (T83BIRD) 8/6/2010