Thomas Yves Ruiz

On Friday, April 5, 1991 at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC, Thomas Yves Ruiz made his debut appearance in this world. In his 25 year tour on this earth, Tom proved himself to be an American original. Tom was a character… an authentic, unfiltered, one-of-a kind person who unknowingly touched the lives of so many. He had a big heart, an endearing sense of humor and a love for some of the finer things in life. Tom enjoyed movies, concerts, music and hanging with his boys. He was a huge fan of Eric Church, all things NC State, and all things Carolina Panthers. As a “foodie” Tom loved finding good and unique restaurants wherever he went. Tom loved tailgating and was an unofficial promoter of Raleigh’s emerging craft beer scene. His mark of approval came when he announced in his big ole deep voice that it was “bangin!” He was a natural athlete who enjoyed soccer (Go Bandits!), football, surfing, golfing and ice hockey. Throughout his life Tom had a discerning eye for unique southern fashion, good sunglasses and fresh shoes. As a little guy, Tom expressed his love of family by saying “I love you so much I can’t even say it.” Throughout Tom’s world tour, he prided himself on having a “go big or go home” approach to life. In his own bold, unique, and unprecedented way, Tom wrote the soundtrack to his own story… chillin’ and cruisin’ on the back roads of life.

Tom is lovingly survived by a large global family… His parents Susan Tant Ruiz and Yves Ruiz of Raleigh, his siblings Coco of South Florida (aka SOFLO) and Henri Ruiz, his grandparents Sandra and Harold Tant of New Bern, his aunts and uncles Tommy and Shannon Tant of Raleigh, Lainey Tant of New York, NY, Danielle Ruiz of Avignon, France, Catherine Riera and Alain Riera, Sylvie Carminati Ruiz, Gerard Ruiz and Christine Ruiz of Dijon, France, his cousins Hallie, Clark and Kelli Tant of Raleigh, Benjamin Ruiz and his family, Anne-Sophie Ruiz and her family, Stephanie Ruiz, Aurelie Ruiz, Julie Riera and her family, and Loic Riera, all of Dijon, France, dear and special friends of the family George Despinic of Ontario, Canada, Penny El-Bay of Raleigh, Deanna Lenkewicz of Raleigh, and his favorite special canine friend Macy. Tom is preceded in death by his grandparents Colette and Marcel Ruiz, and his uncle Marcel Ruiz of Dijon, France.

Tom’s “Go Big or Go Home” Tour ended peacefully on Monday, August 29, 2016 where it all began at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. He was surrounded by his family and friends who loved him best, and loudest, and longest. The family extends our deepest and most profound appreciation to our friends, colleagues and family for the outpouring of love and support, the amazing medical staff at Rex Hospital ICU, as well as the kind and thoughtful staff with Carolina Donor Services. As his final ovation Tom gave the gift of life in donating his organs and tissue. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom’s honor may be made to Carolina Donor Services at https://www.carolinadonorservices.org/form/memoriam-contributions.