Ehrick Gordon Rossiter, also known as Rusty, died at his daughter's home on March 18 of natural causes. He was 91 years old.

He was born in Pikesville, Md. but moved to White Plains, N.Y., where he spent his youth. He was an avid sports enthusiast, so much so that he was known to ride his bike the great distance to Yankee stadium to watch Babe Ruth play ball. He went on to graduate from Lafayette College with a degree in business. While there, he captained both the basketball and baseball teams.

Drafted by the Saint Louis Cardinals out of college, he chose instead to pursue a career in business. He went to work for the Aetna Insurance Company in Philadelphia. This was interrupted by World War II.

He was commissioned an officer and stationed in London as part of the naval communications staff. He was privileged to decode and carry messages to Prime Minister Churchill from President Roosevelt.

The war ended and Rusty returned to the States. He landed in Baltimore working for the Aetna, once again. It was here that he met and married Elizabeth Bartholow, his wife for 54 years. They didn't stay in Maryland long. The year 1953 saw the family moving to Summit N.J. with their two daughters, Patti and Polly. They remained in Summit for 22 years while Rusty commuted to New York city to work as a vice president for the Alexander and Alexander Insurance Company.

He enjoyed his life in Summit, making many lifelong friends. He spent much of his free time on the golf course at Canoe Brook Country Club. He was club champion three times and served a term as club president.

Retirement found Rusty and his wife Betty dividing their time between Hilton Head Island and the Vineyard. He was at home in both of these locales, but he especially loved the Island, as he had been summering there since 1956. He enjoyed all that the Vineyard had to offer: the Edgartown Golf Club, the Edgartown Yacht Club and his wide circle of friends.

In 1996, the Rossiters returned to Maryland's eastern shore. They lived in Easton at the Londonderry Retirement Community. It was just this past August that Rusty moved to Severna Park.

He was predeceased by his wife, Betty.

Survivors include his children, Patti Ravenscroft of Washington, D.C. and Polly White of Severna Park, Md.; a sister, Elizabeth Grant of Stuart, Fla.; his sons in law; and five grandchildren. All will miss him greatly as he was a truly gracious gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor even in the most difficult of times.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held this summer on the Vineyard. Memorial contributions may be made on his behalf to The Jack Spear Fund, which benefits youth golf on the Island. Contributions may be sent to The Jack Spear Fund, c/o Edgartown Golf Club, P.O. Box 205, Edgartown, MA 02539.