Rufus was one of my first flying instructors when I was doing my fixed-wing PPL at Exeter Flying Club around 1979-1981. I remember him as a very good instructor and very encouraging and friendly. He gave me a good start to a flying career that is now approaching its end. It strikes me that I am now older than he was when he was instructing me - to me as a 19 year old, he seemed ancient!
It appears he had a life well-lived. Regards…