Todd Charles Ruiter

Todd Charles Ruiter, DO, hand surgeon and resident of Plantation, FL took the hand of the Lord on Monday April 10, 2017 at the age of 41. Todd is survived by his parents, Dale and Cindy; his wife, Hyacinth Liu; his children, Sterling Liu and Robert Cornelius; and his sister, Johanna Goolsby, and her family.

Todd was born in Rochester, MN on November 19, 1975. He grew up in Midland, MI and graduated from Alma College with aspirations of becoming a doctor. Todd completed his medical schooling at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine with further ambitions of becoming a surgeon. Todd joined the U.S. Army after medical school and became an active duty Airman with the 82nd Airborne Division working as a flight surgeon. After serving his country, Todd moved to New York City where he met his lovely wife and finished his surgery residency at Flushing Hospital Medical Center. On June 5, 2010 he married Hyacinth, an anesthesiologist, and then went on to complete a Hand Surgery Fellowship at the University of Louisville / Christine M. Kleinert Institute. Working on a life-long dream of helping people, Todd became board certified and began practicing in 2012. Todd enjoyed his career as a hand surgeon and touched the lives of many in his short time on this earth.

Todd was a devoted father and loving husband. His close family was the most important part of his life, and he cherished quiet time with his children. Todd had many passions in his life, including family, close friends and entrepreneurial pursuits. Todd started 2 companies: XY Scrubs during residency and, more recently, he turned his interest in precious metals into a company called Great Lakes Bullion. Todd was a thoughtful and spiritual man, who will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

A private funeral service is planned in Ft. Lauderdale through Forest Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens. For additional information about the service, forwarding condolences or memorial donations, please contact Hyacinth Ruiter ([email protected]).

Don't grieve for me now, for now I'm free;

I'm following the path God laid for me. I

took His hand when I heard Him call. I

turned away and left it all. I could not

stay another day, to laugh, to love, to

work or play. Tasks left undone must stay

that way. I found that place at the close

of the day. If my parting has left a void,

then fill it with remembered joy. A

friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes,

these things I too shall miss. Be not

burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you

the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been

full, I savored much, good friends, good

times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free