Kerry L. Rutz (1959 – 2013)
by Hugo Salinas
We regret to announce the passing of Kerry Rutz, 53, who took his life in New York on February 25. Kerry grew up in an LDS family, but at age 24 he left the church.
Kerry was a talented artist and a landscape architect. His art has been featured in a number of galleries and projects, including “The World from a Gay Perspective” at Sacramento’s Michael Himovitz Gallery and “The Queer Widow Project,” which was part of the National Queer Arts Festival 2001 in San Francisco.
“He was one of the kindest, most giving, fun, engaging, inspiring, intelligent people I’ve ever met,” wrote a friend who met Kerry at an Evergreen event. “Kerry helped so many people. I’m saddened and sorry that he found himself in a place where nobody could help him.”
“As LGBT Mormons, we need to continue to talk to each other and to be supportive of each other,” says Affirmation Vice President John Gustav-Wrathall. “There are many resources for LGBT people who feel sad, alienated, or suicidal, including the Trevor Lifeline, the Kristin Brooks Hopeline, and the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Some of these resources, such as the Trevor Lifeline, are especially designed to help LGBT and questioning youth.”
“Do not cut yourself off from people who care about you,” John says. “If you feel depressed, please reach out to someone. If you have a friend who is suicidal or feels unhappy, please reach out to them.”
With only the greatest respect;
I did not know Kerry personally however, I DID work with his Father Charlie Rutz at SPERRY Univac in the 1980’s, which is how I learned of Kerry’s Great talent in many areas. I was fortunate to have McDonald’s Corp. in Oak Brook as an account and yes, I actually noted Kerry’s artistic installation. To say I was impressed would be an UNDERSTATEMENT!
Such talent in so many forms. I had done a basic search on Kerry and was shocked to lean he had “relocated” as I prefer to refer to death.
Although I never met him in PERSON, I would have loved to have done Lunch with him.
My condolences to his companion and all those who knew and loved him.
Respectfully,
Dawn E. Bieber
I knew Kerry for many years we had the same birthday but was a year apart in age i never met his dad but i knew his mom and brothers i myself was a member of the church but left back in the 80s. I a mm a member of the LGBT Communitee. Kerry was a wonderful kind and giving person and super funny i remember 1 year he dressed up as joan crawford for halloween it was hilarious. I found out from a dear friend ours of his passing i was extremely saddened I miss him!
I am still devastated by this. I know it’s been 4 years now. I was friends with Kerry when he was here in Los Angeles. I am trying to find his former partner, Will, but can’t remember Will’s last name.
I was in NYC and Kerry and I had one email exchange..I wish he’d reached out to me. It just breaks my heart, he was such a wonderfully talented gentle soul.
Tony Westbrook