Kenneth Lee Ruick

If you’ve ever met Ken, you’ve been greeted with a genuine smile and a sparkle of curiosity in his eyes. Born, raised, and educated in Chicago—he loved nearly everything about his home city, especially The Cubs and ‘Da Bears. In 1987, he moved out west.

He met his wife, Deb, at Whiskey Jack’s in Sun Valley, Idaho, where she recalls hearing his boisterous laugh before she saw his face. The two were married in the Sun Valley Lodge in December 1988, and settled in Ogden, Utah, while Deb finished her education. The next chapter took them to Cottonwood Heights where they made a life together raising the kids, exploring the region, and growing their careers.

Before beginning his career, Ken served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves. He spent most of his professional life in marketing—from a high-powered ad agency on Michigan Avenue, to Bonneville Media in downtown Salt Lake City (yes, really), to herbal supplements in Springville, Utah. For nearly 13 years now, Ken has been running the Circle D Motel & Eatery in Escalante, Utah, and spending off-seasons at home with Deb in Chandler, Arizona.

Ken lived a rich life and always made everyone feel welcome; whether it was a good conversation over a glass of chardonnay or tailgating before (and after) Utes Football games. Any gathering of people he joined was happier upon his arrival and was still smiling when he left. He paid close attention to detail and took pride in creating the right ambiance for every situation.

May he rest in peace and know that we will each carry a part of him in our hearts.

Preceded in death by his parents Charles and June Ruick. Survived by his wife Debra and three step-children: Arthur Moss, Kathryn Moss, Laura Moss, and six grandchildren; sister Carol Lee DeCarlo, and brother Garry Ruick; and three nieces and a nephew.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations go to the Ken Ruick Memorial Scholarship Fund—a needs-based scholarship benefitting student-athletes at the University of Utah.

Link for fund: http://giving.utah.edu/RuickMemorial