Howard B. Ruhm

Howard was born in October, 1930 in New York City, NY, to Jack and Mary Ruhm. Growing up, he enjoyed camping, museums and classical literature. He was captain of his high school drill team and played football. After graduating high school, Howard attended Dartmouth College and George Washington University, studying English Literature and competing on Dartmouth’s rifle team. While attending a friend’s party, Howard met Norma, his future wife. They were married in February, 1952.

Howard served in the US Army during the Korean War. He liked the military, appreciating its discipline and camaraderie. Howard had some great stories from his time in the army, which he told well with great entertaining style.

Following his army service, Howard earned a Master’s degree in speech pathology, and a Ph.D. in audiology, studying under Raymond Carhart. He was Chief of the Audiology and Speech Pathology Department at the Veterans Administration Hospital in San Diego, from the hospital’s opening in 1971 until his retirement in 1990. He enjoyed meeting other veterans and helping them hear more clearly, which improved their quality of life. Howard also published scientific research in audiology, including investigations into how the brain responds electrically to sounds.

Howard and Norma were active in their local chapter of Jewish War Veterans. Howard was always athletic, and played tennis well into his retirement. He competed well against younger players by concentrating on strategy and solid technique.

Howard especially enjoyed learning to play musical instruments, starting as a beginner. With lessons, self-guided study, and practice, he became proficient enough to play his favorite pieces well. Howard learned to play many instruments this way, including flamenco guitar, doumbek drum, vibraphone, saxophone, and banjo, which was probably his favorite.

Howard is remembered fondly as a confident, intelligent, caring man, who could be depended upon to follow through on his word, someone who told a story well, and was fun to be around. Howard’s loving devotion to his wife and family sometimes seemed beyond limits. He was a special one-of-a-kind man and friend par excellence , and continues to be a source of guiding inspiration to his family.

Howard was survived by his son, David (Rebecca), his grandchildren, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Norma. His funeral was held at Harbor Lawn Memorial Park in Costa Mesa, California.

The family suggests donations in Howard’s memory be made to Chabad of San Diego.