Sunday, March 20, 2011

Bud Rusho, proud stenographer of Everett Ruess history, dies

I will be forever grateful to Bud Rusho: "Everett Ruess: A Vagabond for Beauty" is one of the most influential books of my life. 


I interviewed Bud for my master's thesis about Everett and Mr. Rusho was the most cordial person I have ever met. I finally gave him a copy of my thesis last summer (many years after it was finished). Unfortunately, I never got a chance to hear what he thought about it. 


Mr. Rusho will certainly be remembered for his contributions to history. For me, I will remember his passion for finding the truth and his story about going to find the place David Roberts said Everett was buried, the first time Robert's solved the Ruess mystery. 


I last saw Bud when he spoke at the University of Utah at a symposium following the second time Robert's "solved" the Ruess mystery. I wish I could have heard what he had to say after that time was debunked as well.


Rusho's thoughts for my thesis about Everett Ruess and his supposed connection to the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) can be read here. His stories were very insightful and provide great perspective about how his original research for "Vagabond" has been used over time.


As I head to into the desert this week after a long hiatus I will certainly have Bud in my thoughts.


I think some poetic words from Stella Ruess, Everett's mother, best suit the news of Bud's passing (as posted by the Twitter user named everettruess last May).


"Somewhere your eyes light up to beauty near and far; Somewhere your spirit lives where kindred spirits are."