DAN COOK, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, died February 21, 2001.
Dan was a founder of New Mexico Vintage Iron. He was also a
member of several other old iron clubs. He was a licensed steam
engine operator, of which he was very proud. It is hard to imagine
anyone more knowledgeable about old engines. He cared very much and
tried to help those who would listen to his advice.
Dan always participated to the max at our own show, the Southern
New Mexico State Fair, as well as several Arizona shows and some in
other parts of the country. He particularly enjoyed demonstrating
old tools and equipment found on farms and ranches to youngsters.
Many a youngster (and oldster) knows how we get water from the
ground because of Dan. He made many miles of ropes six feet at a
time for all those who wanted to have one.
Submitted by Floyde Adams, e-mail
fadams@adamsacc.com.
BURNETT BUTTER WORTH was born July 1, 1905 and died Wednesday,
March 14, 2001. A 1924 graduate of Waynesville High School in 1924,
of Wilmington College (1928) he received his master of arts in
zoology from Miami University in 1936. He retired in 1975 after 50
years of teaching at Lebanon High School, then volunteered for 25
years at Pioneer Village, serving as president, vice president,
secretary and handyman, while farming 20 acres of soybeans and
corn.
Mr. Butterworth was a member of the Lebanon United Methodist
Church and the Lebanon F&AM.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Deborah (Walton), of
thirty-one years, and his second wife, Kathryn (Turner), of
thirty-five years. Survivors include one son, Kenneth,
daughter-in-law Sandra Butterworth, and two grandchildren, Amy and
Jason.
Submitted by Kenneth and Sandra Butterworth.
GERTRUDE J. RUF, also known as Trudy, of Lansing, Michigan, was
called from this life on April 9, 2001, at the age of 74.
Trudy attended many gas engine shows in the Tri-State area with
her special longtime friend, Randy Racine, also of Lansing. Randy
is a master builder of gas engines who uses flea market
materials.
Trudy loved the flea markets. She always had a smile despite the
many adversities she suffered.
Trudy will be missed by all who knew her. So long, Trudy, from
your engine show friends.
Submitted by Hal and Lucille Opdyke, 4960 Sioux Way, Okemos,
Michigan 48864, for Tom and Nancy Logan and Terry J.
Opdyke.
VERNON ‘BUN’ RODIMON passed away on Easter morning,
2001. He was a long time resident of Stafford Springs, Connecticut,
and formerly of Hampden, Massachusetts.
Vern was a charter member of the V.F.W. Post 9397 in Hampden,
having served in the Navy in World War II. He saw action at Iwo
Jima and other islands as he ran the landing craft carrying the
marines from ship to shore. Vern was a retired member of Operating
Engineers Local 98, and worked for Tyler Equipment Company as a
diesel mechanic and engine builder.
He was a thirty-year subscriber to GEM. He will be missed at the
New England engine shows, with his two nicely restored Domestic
engines. Vern was a most able mechanic and could fix about
anything.
He leaves his wife of fifty years, Merle, two sons and three
daughters, and a number of grandchildren. A man of great integrity,
remarkable patience, and uncanny ability. I am proud to have been a
friend. Vern was 74 years old.
Submitted by David W. Cesan, 240 Chapin Road, Hampden,
Massachusetts 01036.
