Peter Rutledge, a 1998 graduate of Orcas High School passed over on Monday, Aug. 20, 2012.

As many islanders know, Peter had an inoperable brain tumor that was treated with radiation. In December of 2011, three weeks after his second son was born, the brain tumor hemorrhaged and Peter survived with stroke symptoms that disabled his right side and left him with memory loss and extreme fatigue.

He fought through, from December to August, going to rehabilitation three days a week. He was able to walk with a cane, use his right hand slightly, and was constantly present with humor and love. He died at home, surrounded by family.

Peter is remembered by many on Orcas as a high school basketball player and a class co-valedictorian. He went on to graduate from Whitman College with a B.A. in Psychology in 2001. He spent two years in the AmeriCorps Athletes in Service program in St. Petersburg, Fla. where he met his wonderful wife, Cari Carter Rutledge. He then earned a masters degree in education from Cal Berkeley and was employed at Bryant University in Rhode Island as an assistant director of Student Services.

He never lost his dedication to athletics, running marathons and continuing to guide student athletes. Peter is survived by his wife Cari, his two boys Tysen, age two, and Luke, nine months; along with his beloved sister, Laine, and parents Kathi and Rocky. He was an old soul, and we are sorry that he had to leave us so soon but are better people for having known him.

A celebration of his life will be held on Orcas on Sept. 8 at noon on the Episcopal Church grounds. It will be an informal potluck where we can all gather, remember and rejoice in the memories that we share of him. Please join us.

Submitted by Peter Rutledge’s family