October 27, 2026
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David Benson Rutledge, of Holyrood, known to family and friends as Dave, died Oct. 25, 2026, at Wingham and District Hospital, surrounded by family, at the age of 52.
He was a hard-working, independent man with a big heart and a generous spirit. He was the kind of person you turned to when you needed a hand. He would do anything for others and never expected much in return.
Stubborn, funny, straightforward, and always busy, Dave had a remarkable ability to figure things out and make things work. He was extremely mechanically-inclined and resourceful, and there was very little he couldn’t build, fix, or repair.
Dave owned and operated Dave’s Shop in Holyrood, which he established in 2007, after working at Langside Auto. He built his own shop and barn and was well-known for his ability to repair just about anything, from building houses to diagnosing engine problems. He took great pride in his work and was always working on a project or helping others with theirs.
A passionate and competitive truck-puller, Dave built his own engines and multiple pulling trucks. He became a successful competitor in the sport and took great pride in what he could accomplish through determination, skill, and hard work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when opportunities to pull were limited, Dave built his own truck-pulling track, finding a way to keep doing what he loved.
Dave’s shop was much more than a place to work; it was a gathering place for family and friends. He loved bringing people together, whether for large get-togethers or simply an informal visit. It was not unusual for people to drop by, and before long, a crowd would gather. His friends and community were an important part of his life, and he treasured the many close friendships he built over the years.
Dave was the proud father of Nicole (Andrew) Price, and Ben Rutledge, and his late stepson, Zachary Chrysler. He was also eagerly anticipating becoming a grandfather to Nicole’s daughter, Lylah Joleen Price. Lylah would have been his first grandchild, and Dave was incredibly excited about this new chapter in his life. Although he died before she was born, the love and anticipation he felt for her will always be a special part of his family’s story.
Cherished son of Joanne (Peter) VanDam.
Dave is also survived by his sisters, Julie Kraemer and Laurie Rutledge; and his brothers, Tom Rutledge and Jerry Smith.
Predeceased by his brother, Jason Smith.
He will also be remembered by extended family, many close friends, and the wider community whose lives he touched.
Dave leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, ingenuity, and friendship. He was someone who could be counted on, someone who showed up when people needed him, and someone who always found a way to get the job done. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the people he helped, the things he built, the friendships he cherished, and the family he loved.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be arranged at a later date; arrangements entrusted to the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow; www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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