September 1, 2000

Introduction: Hey Now! Family and friends, Aloha Ruf. I'm Brad Yates, in Ruf-ineze that's "Bates, son!" I'm beyond grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this service, to share what is really a forty-year study and to include the insight of Steve Copeland, Doug Cooper and Bill Curry.

Big Steam, A source for strength, power and love: We're here to celebrate the life of Big Steam. Number 63 in your program and number 1 in your heart. Dallas Rufus Guthrie. Living large, Big Steam was Bigger than life. This tribute is for a dear friend who died way to young; a player forced to quit the game way to soon. In truth, this tribute for us, all of the family and friends who were touched by Ruf's enormous feelings of love and generosity.

Strength: The source of Ruf's strength, in a word, FEELINGS, feelings that were RAW, OVER-SIZED, UN-FILTERED, EVERPRESENT and a driving force in his life. Ruf had a presence that could fill a room, a stadium or a golf course. Ruf had charisma, an ever-present energy that made him the center of the action. Ruf was kind, gracious, generous and extremely strong. I prefer to remember Ruf bouncing on the balls of his feet with that gleam in his eye, the night was young and the party was just starting. Of course, later in the evening that gleam could change DIRECTION, prompting Smith to utter those now famous words, "Son, eat your lunch the party is over."

Power: Deepak Chopra says, "the fuel that makes destiny move is intention." Ruf was inner-directed way before the phrase was coined. He had the ability to be himself in any situation, to know what he wanted and express it. Ruf could take a thought and turn it into action in a heartbeat. In short, there were times when he seemed to erupt. Sometimes Ruf's actions made us cringe, on and off the field; the phrase "hell bent" described the intensity that characterized his approach to getting after a ball carrier or a good time. Coach Dodd suggested he go in the Army, Coach Berry cleaned his rifle, the other Coaches just smiled and looked the other way. Ruf, he just made the play. Ruf broke all of the rules and only his Momma seemed to understand that underneath the roar and the thunder was a gentle soul with a huge heart. I was lucky and blessed to have experienced this part of him. His friendship gave me confidence and in many ways shaped who I am today. He introduced me to Elise and taught me about "hanging in during the hard times." When Sandra was dying with her illness and the family was struggling to cope, Ruf just kept on keeping on. As Swede said, "Ruf had a lot of high and low times but he never stayed down for long." Big Steam you were an amazing athlete; you could have played today. So big, so agile, so fast, so out of control, what a pleasure it was to play behind you.

Love: Ruf's momma was right; Ruf had a huge heart. He loved life and it loved him. He loved people and they couldn't help but to love him. For Ruf love and fun were linked. Ruf was the original "fun hog;" he never wanted the party to end. The memories and pictures of him having fun are recorded in my brain. Our times at the Airport, Sing along with Mitch, the Lake, Ruf teaching us how to ski, cheering for 'Gaver and the Crackers, all of the laughs, the cast of characters with Ruf always the catalyst for more fun. I'd like to suggest that as part of the celebration we all share a few of our favorite Ruf stories. I believe Cooper and Smith may have the largest collection, should you need a refresher. Some of his actions made me cry; toward the end he said to me, "Bates, I'm like an old rusted crane that can't dig or bite." Big Steam you loved your family: Rob, Reed and Neci are grateful, they will carry on with pride. Big Steam you were a great friend; we fought, we hugged, we danced, and we celebrated. Your presence in my life was a gift. Big Steam you were so real; with you there was never any doubt. Three years ago, you stood up in front to speak at Billy Lothridge's funeral. At the end of your talk you commented that you guessed God needed a good QB. Well Ruf, I guess God decided he needed you to step up and fill the hole. One thing for sure, the music up there just got a lot louder.

For those who knew of you, you were a consensus All-American who majored in doing it your way.
For all of us, who knew you, you were an ever-present source of strength, power and love. Our challenge is to keep your memory and spirit alive.

Big Steam rest easy and be at peace.

I love you,

BATES