Obituaries

Samuel Peter Rutland was a beloved father, husband and friend during his almost 82 years. He was born on September 16, 1942 in Ferriday, Louisiana and passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024.

Sam was fond of telling people that as soon as he could walk, he left the great state of Louisiana. This opportunity arrived when Sam’s parents migrated to San Mateo, California. Sam attended Turnbull Elementary School, College Park Jr. High School, and graduated from San Mateo High School in 1960 where he had been an excellent cross-country athlete. Sam attended Nevada State College where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. He earned a Master's of Public Administration from Cal State Hayward. In 1967 Sam married the love of his life, Doris Faye Nelms.

In 1985 Sam was the first African American to run for City Council in the City of Newark. Sam worked in various government positions for thirty years. He was a lecturer at the University of Phoenix where he was awarded the Tom Herd Award for teaching excellence. Sam retired from the city of Richmond in 2002. Upon retirement he embarked on a nine- year career as a substitute teacher in the Newark Unified School District.

Sam had a passion for both preparing and eating good food. For eighteen months following his retirement he worked in the catering industry. He and Doris were co-owners of Ma’s Caribbean Cuisine in Oakland. He also enjoyed writing poetry, marvel comics, listening to soul music, tennis, and studying civil war history.

Sam was preceded in death by his wife, Doris, his parents: Samuel Sr. and Inez, and his siblings: Johnnie Roscoe, Henry Lee, William Ezell, and Katherine Darlene. He is survived by the delight of his life, his daughter Jessica, and by his sister Kristine Elizabeth.