Rusty Wayne Aldridge, 58, of Colorado Springs died Sunday, February 16, 2025, after a long battle with cardiac issues and kidney failure. He was born on August 5, 1966, in Cleburne, Texas, to Wanda Aldridge and grew up in the greater Cleburne area where he attended school. Growing up as a fullback, Rusty went on to play football for Texas Christian University before a short stint with the Oakland Raiders. When football had served its purpose, he worked for Eagle Mountain Fire Department as a fireman and paramedic before finding his first true love…hockey. Thanks to the Dallas Stars and Fort Worth Fire, Rusty was hooked on what would be a long career in minor league hockey for various teams throughout the country. After 1,000 games worked by 2014 and one more season following, his first heart attack in 2015 forced him to power down the skate sharpener and come home. With his declining health, he continued working until a couple of years ago to rest easy and maintain what energy he had left to support his wife in any way he could.
Rusty is survived by his wife of 22 years, Stacy, his second first true love, and was preceded in death by brothers, Randy and Ricky, in addition to his mother, Wanda. He was a cowboy’s cowboy, loyal George Strait fan, and as a former champion “bulldogger” he held beloved everything about rodeo life and ranching. As a Texan, he loved TCU and the Dallas Cowboys. Hockey played a very important role in the greater part of his adult life, where he realized his OCD side. He worked tirelessly to ensure players had everything perfectly prepared for their greatest odds of winning. As a teacher, coach, and mentor, he was always thrilled to see a young “stick kid” or player make it to the NHL. Rusty chose to forego his “show” opportunities to stay closer to Colorado Springs where he and Stacy claimed their homebase. Hunting, fishing, and camping provided him much joy and he loved the outdoors immensely. As a sports fan, he appreciated a good game, no matter the contest. His greatest gift to our world was his sense of humor and storytelling. Rusty loved to make people smile and always had a joke ready to share.
A special note of gratitude to Rusty’s medical team over the past 8 ½ years. He had the best of the best, keeping him in one piece. The Emergency Room team at Memorial Central were always so supportive and the cardiac floor incredible. Security Fire Department, Station #4, spent many visits at Rusty’s home making sure he was in the best condition possible with frequent trips in their ambulance. The Liberty Dialysis Team, especially Calvin, Nurse Karen, Ryan, Connie, and Malena…you are a primary reason he lived so long.
There will never be another cowboy like Rusty Wayne and nothing will ever close the gap he leaves for the rest of us to fill with our fond memories and stories. Those of us who knew him well, knew exactly why he will be remembered as “Rip.” A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date.
LuAnn Braun
21 Feb 2025Stacy this writing is absolutely beautiful and perfect. His smile and sense of humor will be missed by many. Rest easy Cowboy.
Dale A Braun
21 Feb 2025I will miss him for sure great friend and hunting partner all around great guy . RIP Friend
Patricia Everett
21 Feb 2025So sorry to see such a sweet guy go so young, yet he is not suffering any longer. Prayers to those family and friends with understanding and peace. Rest in peace Rusty. I will miss seeing your posts on Facebook, one way for so any to keep in touch with those far away.
Billy Hunt
21 Feb 2025Cherish the great memories. Rusty was a super guy and his work was always appreciated by the officiating team. Gone way too soon….
Brennan Heuser
21 Feb 2025RIP Rusty. Always brought joy to every situation, even the hard ones where I got to know him
Calvin Denzmore Jr
21 Feb 2025God’s blessings to his family and all those who knew him. To know Rusty was to love Rusty. He was truly a friend of mine and everybody here in Colorado Springs that knew him.
Sheila Kimbrell
21 Feb 2025Rusty & I met in 6th grade. We went to Wayside Middle school together. Thanks to Facebook we reconnected again and were able to see each other at Boswell HS Class of 84 – 40th reunion. After 40 years we picked up right where we left off as friends.. I sure will miss you buddy..
Lauren Velianoff
21 Feb 2025I wasn’t one of the lucky ones to know Rusty on a personal level for very long but his smile won’t ever be forgotten. I had the honor of caring for his brother Ricky during his last couple months on earth. I know in my heart Rusty is at peace and Ricky was there to meet him when he took his last breath. My condolences to all those that loved him deeply. May he rest in peace for eternity
Aaron Murray
21 Feb 2025I knew Rusty through the hockey world. I was the visitors room attendant in Tulsa and spent many game days with him! I always enjoyed when he was in town to sit around and BS cause we all know he was good at it. Great equipment manager but more then that a wonderful man! You will truly be missed my friend. RIIP Rusty
Mark J Pane
22 Feb 2025He was a great Man consider myself lucky I got to meet and know him in hockey. Prayers to you all and rest easy Rusty
Steve,Jackie,Maddie and Katie Brown
22 Feb 2025We will miss his mischievous grin right before he was about to tell an “off” story or joke. Jackie’s favorite memory is that he would follow you from room to room to just to keep telling you a story and of course his unbelievable knack for doing a friend a favor, when asked if he would like to drive to Wyoming in February to pick up Jackie’s newly adopted BLM mustang, his first response and reaction was “Of Course! Road trip!” And he and Stuart were off on another Rusty adventure in the Cowboy Cadillac and the beautiful mustang was delivered safely to his new home. Steve’s favorite memory is “oh that reminds me of a story” Rusty’s mantra at every gathering. Maddie’s favorite memory is his heart of gold, and the time he took her down to the Fraser River in Fraser, CO to teach her to fish. Stacy sat on a blanket on the River bank and read her book while Rusty imparted every ounce of his wisdom into catching a trout. Katie’s memory is him telling her stories and wanting to make her and her sister completely embarrassed with his off color story, but making sure they understood he meant no harm. Rusty will be dearly missed by the Brown Family and our wonderful memories of him and Stacy “Mamma and Papa” at the cabin. RIP friend, Rip.
Dan Belisle
22 Feb 2025I was fortunate to meet him, work with him and be loved by him. We shared the same date of birth, although I’m 3 years older. Everyone whip encountered this man, loved him including me. RIP MY FRIEND.
Dan Belisle
Phil Yannias
22 Feb 2025Stacy, thoughts and prayers are with you. May Rusty’s memory be eternal. Phil, Terry, Kit and Zach Yannias
Jim Langley
24 Feb 2025Stacy, Eydie and I are sorry for your loss, Rusty will be missed by so many with great and fond memories. Our prayers for all. Love ❤️
Mike Vickerman
24 Feb 2025RIP old friend.
Please keep us updated on a celebration of life date and location
Brent Cullaton
25 Feb 2025RIP Rusty thanks for the memories and always making sure my skates were sharp and ready to go. Heaven gained a great one and I’m sure your sarcasm will be appreciated just as much as it was here. Miss you big guy
Cully #22