To the Entire Ruiz Family,

I'm late to this, because it's just been a total shock that Steve is no longer with us. Probably the single easiest man to work with in the entire coffee industry, honest, fair, and a genius when it came to buying coffee with the ease and expertise that only years of work can give you. He truly was a man who had mastered his trait. His loss is a blow to the entire industry, and to my father, myself, and the entire Volcafe USA family. I don't even know what to say to his beloved wife and daughter, outside of that the only thing he seemed to love more than coffee, was you. I'm so sorry for your loss. 

Deepest Regards,

Jonathan DeMuria 


Dear Elsa, 
How I wish I could hug you right now. My heart and prayers are with you and your daughter. I will always remember the beautiful soul your husband was.  I can’t imagine what you are going through, but hope that there is still peace and comfort for you.
Much love
Sigi

Dear Elsa,
I'm not sure if there are any words that could bring the necessary solace for a time like this. My friendship with Steve started some 20+ years ago while working for the Lippe family with Old Pacific Coffee Co. at the Pasadena Convention Center. He was always so much fun to be around with his quick wit, pleasant candor, humility, & genuine smile. He made those around him feel happier by his unmatched caring way. 
Steve had been on my mind for the past month or so and I even called his office, but when there was no answer, I didn't leave a message. I had no idea he was ill. Then, last week I had a random dream of being at a church with Phil Lippe, only it didn't look like Phil. Having just learned of Steve's passing, I'd like to think that maybe Steve was the one in my dream. I will miss him sorely. My most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you & Arianna during this journey. God Bless,
Tony 

Dear Elsa I am so sorry to hear this news that Steve pass away so soon in life we will all miss his kindness
and love for everyone in his life I don't know how to swallow this as i been sick for 17 years fighting cancer off and on lost my vocal cords cant eat food with mouth but your lost is harder to take please give my love to you and your daughter.

Love Loren Barron

Dear Elsa,

It is with such a heavy heart that I send you my condolences. It's hard to put into words the affection and respect I have for Steve. His kindness and nobility made him somewhat of a hero figure for me,  and no doubt a superhero for you. I hope you can find some comfort in the fact that so many of us are thinking of you, and I know that his memory will be the source of much courage.

Affectionately,

Phil Douek & family.


Elsa and Arianna,
I want to express my condolences on Steve's passing.  Steve and I both started in the coffee business at MJB; he was still going to college part- time while working as a coffee buyer, mentored by Manny Rosen, who recognized his work ethic, integrity and modesty.  The commodities department still housed the offices of the Chairman Emeritus, Mr. Edward Bransten, who was known for his gruff exterior.  You could tell right away that Steve was kind, witty, and warm by the way Mr. Edward would calm down when Steve responded to Mr. Edward's frustrated searches for his secretary, Anne, who might have been momentarily away from her desk.  His sense of humor brightened our days.  He was generous with his time; he tried to teach me how to play golf in Berkeley, but even his skilled advice couldn't overcome my lack of coordination.  
Steve was a family man through and through; back then it was in being a supportive son to his parents.  I was happy for him when he found his niche at Gavina- and appreciated hearing from Jose that he had found so much more in you.  Looking at the photos of the three of you here, it is clear that you and Arianna are the joy of his too short life.  I'm sure his kind and reassuring presence will be felt for the rest of yours.

Elsa & Ariana, 
We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s death and we want to express our most sincere sympathies to you and the family during this difficult time from the team here at Mercon Coffee. Your husband was a highly valuable and respected member of the coffee community and the effects of his passing are already being felt.
Please accept our sincere condolences for you and the family. Steve was a remarkable and witty man and everyone at MCC is better for having known him.  
He will be greatly missed and everyone here is saddened by his death. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and his family and friends during this difficult time.
With sincere sympathy,
Mercon Coffee Corporation

Elsa and Ariana 
My deepest sympathies on the loss of one of the most wonderful people I have ever known in the coffee business. 
He will be sorely missed by all of us. I have many fond memories from various coffee conventions / golf outings / visits to LA etc but the trip I will never forget was when we went to driving school together back in 2009 in SC! Thinking of you all and still in shock that he is no longer with us. We will never forget him. He was truly unique and had an amazing wit and a wonderful sense of humor and was one of the kindest people I know too. 

with VERY best wishes
Robert 
Volcafe USA

Our deepest condolences. Steve was an amazing person and what a remarkable life! I am so fortunate to have worked with him at Gaviña, he will be missed. May your wonderful memories help you through this most difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Elio & Ana Regueiro 

In one's life we are sometimes blessed with "special" people that come into our lives. Steve is and shall always be one of those "very special" persons that came into my families life some 20+ years ago.  First as a client, then acquaintance, then friend and as albeit "Spanish Teacher", Steve's humor, wit and honor as a Patriot certainly remains unparalleled. Steve often sent pictures of his family and the latest greatest news about Ariana's birth and young growing up years, as well as frequent "where am I now" pictures for me to try and identify!  Steve was always very proud of his affiliation with the Gavina family and boasted often of it. Steve always honored those that served their country.  Elsa and Ariana, your husband and father is and always will be a blessing to many. That "special" person.

On behalf of the Vukasin family and Peerless Coffee and Tea, I would like to pass on our prayers and condolences to Elsa and Ariana for the loss of Steve. I’ve known Steve, and you too Elsa, for my entire coffee career. He was always supportive, generous with his time, cleverly funny and just a wonderful person to be around. We mourn his loss but his legacy will continue to live on in all of us.

On behalf of  TerraMica

There is an ancient saying that we are to give honor to whom honor is due. Elsa, your husband and Arianna, your father was a man who deserves the highest regards in terms of honor. His integrity, his love for you, his passion for whatever he set his hand to was always with true intentionality and the finest results. Our hearts are broken over your loss and grief and we want you to know that you are deeply loved. 
 
I am missing my friend, but I count my life richly blessed because of the immeasurable value Steve brought to our friendship.

See you there Steve.

Ed & Pam Apffel

On behalf of all of us at Volcafe our most sincere condolences to Elsa and Ariana, and to the Gavina family . Steve you left us all with so many memories. Your always cheerful voice, your witty emails, your honesty and integrity in everything you did, your passion for great coffee and most importantly your love for your family. You are a shinning example to us all on how life should be lived and we will miss you dearly. I know we all feel privileged to have known you and to have called you our friend. We morn your passing and we will take comfort in all the great memories you left behind. Somewhere in heaven God is finally getting a great cup of coffee.

OBITUARY

Steven Ruiz

22 January, 1960 – 25 February, 2018

Turner & Stevens Live Oak Mortuary & Memorial Park

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