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Megan Galbraith Rutherford
March 31st, 1955 - February 6th, 2021
March 31st, 1955 - February 6th, 2021
Megan was born in Yellowknife, NWT on March 31, 1955. She passed away peacefully with family by her side on February 6, 2021 in Penticton, BC following a courageous yearlong battle with cancer. To her final day, she lived with humour, creativity and an infectious enthusiasm for celebrating life.
Megan grew up in Penticton, BC where she was active in Penticton Secondary School Choir and Student Council. In 1973, she was chosen as Penticton’s Peach Queen (Val Vedette XXVI) and proudly represented the community at numerous functions throughout the province.
During the mid-seventies, Megan attended UBC (Education) in Vancouver and enjoyed acting in local theatre productions and performing as a vocalist. She married fellow UBC student Rodney Penway, and the young couple, ready for an adventure, relocated to Houston, BC where they remained for eleven years. Megan taught as a substitute teacher and volunteered to rehabilitate wild animals. She and Rod adopted stray cats and dogs, cared for their quarter horses and welcomed their daughter Lauren and son Rowan. After the family moved to Naramata, BC in the early nineties, Megan became a passionately involved member of School District 67, teaching Drama at McNicoll Park Junior Secondary School, followed by years of teaching English, Drama and Film Studies at Penticton Secondary School. While she and Rod chose to part ways, they remained friends and supportive co-parents.
Megan was dedicated to the Arts. In 1998, she obtained her Masters in Fine Arts Education degree from SFU. She successfully adapted countless screenplays for school productions, established PHAME (Pen High Arts Media Entertainment) productions and led Improv teams to compete at the national Improv Games in Ottawa. In her leisure time, she enjoyed creative writing, reading, attending stage productions and the cinema, travelling, gardening and organizing elaborately themed celebrations for family, friends and colleagues.
In addition to being a very loving and supportive mother to her two children, Megan provided encouragement and support to many students throughout her teaching career and twelve years as a Homestay Host for Penticton Secondary School’s International Student Program.
Megan was predeceased by her father, Jack Rutherford (Rowdy) in 1958; her mother, Jean Rutherford in 2014; and her brother, Wilson Rutherford in 2009. She is survived by her children Lauren Rutherford (Sean Padley) and Rowan Penway (Samantha McMahon); her grandchildren Carter and Emerson Padley; siblings Vaughan Grant (Barrie), Fyfe Brown (Larry) and Ian Rutherford (Louise); her former spouse Rodney Penway; aunts, uncles and her many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family extends our gratitude and appreciation to Megan’s incredible circle of friends, the wonderful team at BC Cancer - Kelowna and the Penticton Regional Hospital’s Oncology department, and the kind nursing staff at both facilities.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date, pending COVID-19 restrictions.
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Devin Mackenzie
Deeply saddened to hear of Megan's passing. I was a student at Pen High and part of the improv team that travelled to Nationals in Ottawa. Megan had a profound impact on my life. She cared for her students, was ambitious with her productions, fought for us, and was incredibly encouraging. She's the best teacher I've ever had and the only teacher I considered a friend. I've gone on to hold a career in acting/improv and I credit her for introducing me to my life's work. I hope she knew how much she helped me find my path. Deepest condolences to her children and everyone else grieving. Raising a glass in your honour tonight.
Viv Mcelgunn-Lieskovsky
I am so sad to hear of Megan's passing. Such a loss. Megan and I were friends in high school and roommates first year at UBC in 1973. She was such a creative, intelligent, interesting person with a tremendous sense of fun and good humour. When I returned to living in Penticton, I never missed the opportunity to see her high school musicals, shows and dinner theatre productions. I was sad when she retired as I had hoped that our daughter would have had her for a teacher. We often visited together in her drama room at Pen-Hi...I helped her with props for one of her shows, which was huge fun. There were times when I laughed myself breathless at her antics. She has a lovely family, who I'm sure will miss her dearly. I'll now imagine her in heaven....organizing everyone into weekly comedy skits.
Elyse Blais
She was energetic about life as she was about her students — as a former drama student of hers, all I feel I can speak to is her legacy of laughter, compassion and perseverance. She made us believe in ourselves, push ourselves to be our best because she saw our potential and drew it out in the most remarkable way. She believed in us and fostered our love for the arts / theatre like only she could. If it weren’t for her dedication to the high school programs, I would not have met the love of my life and have the family I have. May her family and friends find solace during these challenging times, and know she was incredibly loved.
Linda Haas
Megan and I met when we were young. We had just moved to the neighbourhood in Penticton, across the street from the Rutherfords. Our introduction took place when at age 6, she knocked on our front door....my mom answered the door and Megan asked “Can your little sister come out to play?” Needless to say, that was it - she was always welcome at our house after that, and my mom was so fond of her! Megan and I became close friends, and I have vivid memories of our times together. Her wonderful imagination was apparent even then, and we were never bored! She also had a keen interest in my mom’s piano playing, and loved to sit and listen, requesting her “favourite” pieces. When she was a bit older my mom enjoyed giving her some introductory piano lessons. As it has been quite awhile since our last contact, I was devastated to learn she had passed away at such a young age. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family. Linda Haas (Hunt)
Bryan Snider
Megan, in my view, was a first class teacher, and a first class, exceptional PERSON. Positivity personified, and she produced outstanding drama productions, while inspiring her students. As a fellow teacher at Pen-Hi, and colleague, I never saw her in a bad mood, and her smile and laughter brightened any room she was in. Megan was a true and caring professional. Penticton and area has lost a wonderful citizen. Sincere condolences to her family.
Carollyne Lansel
Megan brightened every room with her positivity and enthusiasm for life. I met her when we completed our Masters together and she was an energetic participant in all the classes and loved to debate. She made the two years a delight and I am so sorry her soul has left this world but I am sure she has found new audiences to entertain. All my sympathy to those left behind.
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