James Pat Rufus

   James “Pat” Rufus, 66, West Fargo, ND formerly of Minot, ND died on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

   James Patrick Rufus was born on April 3, 1951 in Forest Grove, OR to James G. and Carole (Levadney) Rufus. He started country school near Max, ND. At a young age his family moved to Minot, ND where he continued his education. He moved to Minneapolis, MN where he went to broadcasting college and earned his certificate. He then moved back to Minot where he worked at various places until 1976 when he started his 35 year career with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. In 1978, he married Allene White in Minot. After his retirement in 2011 they moved to West Fargo, ND due to the flood in Minot.

   Pat’s biggest enjoyment was attending to and training his many horses he had over the years; especially Chief, his horse of 33 years. He loved being outside especially enjoyed fishing at the cabin. He was an avid reader, naturally his favorite magazine was “Western Horseman”. “Happy trails to you until we meet again!”

   Pat is survived by his wife Allene of 39 years, two sons Grant (Krystle), of Moorhead, MN and Scott, of West Fargo; two grandsons Kaydn and Kavan Rufus, two step grandchildren Blair Jackson and Brittney Lee. Other survivors include his mother Carole, of Minot, ND, brothers: Lee, of Missoula, MT, Terry, of Minot, ND and Galen, of Bismarck, ND and sister Jill (Warren) Gessner, of Garrison, ND along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Pat was preceded in death by his father James.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 2, 2017 from 2 PM until 4 PM at Riverside Holiday Inn, Minot, ND.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com