Bertram “Bert” Harvey Rutan was born December 15, 1923 in New York City and died peacefully on January 7, 2024 in Seattle, supported and deeply loved by family. He grew up in West Hempstead, Long Island, where he enjoyed baseball, his violin, family outings to Jones Beach, and the Christian Missionary Alliance Church.
He enlisted as a Marine in WWII at the age of 19 and, during training in California, he met his future fiancée Marty at a Servicemen’s Club. As part of the Fifth Division, Bert was among the first wave of Marines that landed on Iwo Jima. When he volunteered to scout for enemy ahead of a tank, he was shot through his jaw. For this heroic action he was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart.
Bert and Marty married in New York and attended the University of Minnesota on a single GI bill where they graduated in Philosophy in three years — Bert, Phi Beta Kappa. Bert received his Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary.
From 1952-1960 Bert and Marty and their two daughters lived in Alaska where Bert served the Skagway First Presbyterian Church and the United Protestant Presbyterian Church of Palmer (Church of a Thousand Trees).
Bert was next called to the First Presbyterian Church of Aberdeen, Washington, where he served from 1960 -1978, and where he inspired the congregation with his lively sermons and compassionate presence.
From 1978-1985, Bert enjoyed a new ministerial position at the University Congregational United Church of Christ (UCUCC) in Seattle, under the leadership of Dr. Dale Turner. Bert introduced the still-thriving Mix-Ups program to UCUCC and brought his humor, heart, and faith to the congregation.
After retiring from his ministry, Bert focused on family and home. He loved playing with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening, visiting with neighbors, and playing putt-putt golf with Marty. He was an active member of the Lion’s Club, helping raise money for seeing eye dogs. Bert had a strong Christian faith and shared it throughout his life.
After Marty’s death in 2012 Bert moved to Northgate Plaza, followed by his residence at the Terrace of Ida Culver Broadview. He was beloved in both communities, lifting spirits with his joyful singing.
His family includes daughters Marcia Rutan and Leslie Rutan Logan, sons-in-law Carl Woestwin and Patrick Logan, and grandchildren Lisa Drogin (Steve Nowaczyk), Dan Logan (Amelia Logan), Bryan Logan, and Sam Woestwin.
A Celebration of Life will be held at University Congregational United Church of Christ in Seattle at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9. The family suggests donations to Medic One, The Seattle Times Fund for the Needy, or Teen Feed.
Please share condolences, memories, and/or photos at https://legacy.com/
