Russell F. “Rusty” Aldrich, born December 17, 1948 in Cambridge, Minn., reached his final summit on May 14, 2008, and moved on to his next adventure. Surrounded by his family and dearest life-long friends, Rusty passed away peacefully at home after a seven-year battle with Multiple Myeloma.
Rusty will live forever in the hearts of his wife and best friend of 21 years, Margaret, his son and daughter-in-law, Samuel and Brittany Baker of Ventura, Calif., granddaughters Kylee and Avea Baker, sisters Cherri Aldrich of Ventura, Calif., Sandi Walters and her husband Jack of Melrose, Minn., Julie Bruecker and her husband Ken of Moorpark, Calif., brother Bob Aldrich and his wife Crystal of Fruitland, Idaho, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Joe and Sue Powers of Oak View, Calif., as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives, all of whom loved him dearly, as did his large group of friends and extended family.
Rusty’s greatest joy in life by far was spending time with his granddaughters, Kylee and Avea, who inspired him to continue fighting his disease for so many years. He is also survived by his “adopted” son, Chris Bowen, whose courage and spirit were an inspiration to Rusty in facing his own physical challenges.
Rusty loved the mountains, backpacking, mountain bike riding, and running. Beneath his sometimes crusty exterior beat a warm and sentimental heart. A man of diverse passions, Rusty loved watching boxing matches and restoring cars, as well as being an accomplished watercolor artist and yoga practitioner.
Our deepest gratitude and love go to those who stayed by his side during his final days: son Samuel and his wife Brittany, Michelle Sanchez, Melodie Charpentier, Scotty and Dana Auble, Dave and Vicki Vandruff, and Jim and Dorothy Johnson.
A gathering of remembrance for Rusty will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at the Casitas Springs Community Center, Casitas Springs, Calif.
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