He was a Seattle kid, born to Leone and Harmon Rulifson in 1936. He grew up in Laurelhurst, attended Eckstein Middle School and Roosevelt High School, and later studied business at the University of Washington, where he joined the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He was deeply proud of the work, service, and lasting friendships he found through the U.S. Army Reserves.
He met Susan Fraser, and together they raised Eric and Liane.
He loved everything about Washington State — from lifeguarding on Lake Washington in the Summers, to camping with his kids across the state, to weekend road trips exploring forests, historical sites, and the people who make the region unique. Nothing delighted him more than discovering a local diner to get a lay of the land.
That curiosity grew into a lifelong love of land itself. He worked with John L. Scott, pursued projects as an independent developer, and served as a State assessor.
He will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, his love of Washington, and the joy he found in connecting with the land.
We aren’t planning a service, but a private scattering of ashes. If you are moved to contribute in his memory, we’d be grateful if you’d choose a local land trust https://walandtrusts.
