RUIZ MELVIN J

CPT Melvin "Mel" J. Ruiz was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 02/25/2014 from Cancer
Oakmont, CA
Flight Class 66-6
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by David Adams, Sammie Williams

More detail on this person: Mel RUIZ 71, left from his home in Oakmont, Santa Rosa for his next adventure on February 25, 2014. Cancer from Agent Orange was his vehicle. He is survived by his soul-mate of 40 years, Kathy, and his mother, Ethel Ruiz. He was predeceased by his step-son, Tom Leader, and his father, Louis Ruiz. Mel was a vibrant, energetic and creative person who will be greatly missed by his many friends. Born July 9, 1942, and raised in Petaluma, he was proud to be a fourth generation Californian. He was deeply involved in scouting, achieving the exalted rank of Eagle Scout. And it was in high school that he developed his lifetime love of tennis. After graduating from Petaluma High in 1960, he earned a B.A. in Speech and Debate from U.C. Santa Barbara. In college he was a member of Lambda Chi fraternity and was a strong member of the ROTC unit. Upon graduation, he entered the Army, receiving helicopter pilot training and as a Captain in the Medical Evacuation unit of the Army Medical Corps, he flew over a hundred rescue missions in Vietnam where he was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross. After leaving the service, he became part of several business corporations including Wienerschnitzel and Intel. Mel was particularly proud of producing an entire manual on innovative business procedures at a time when computers were just coming into usage. He later moved into the field of Human Resources with Drake Beem Morin and assisted people in outplacement work - the perfect place for a totally people man. When Kathy and Mel moved to Oakmont, Mel dove into retirement with typical energy. He quickly joined the Tennis Club, enjoying the sport that he had loved since junior high. He made many new friends and competed in tournaments. It was Mel who added tennis lessons to the Grandchildren's Camp each summer, teaching the children the rules of the game and good sportsmanship. His next involvement was creating the Movies at Oakmont, showing films every Monday night without charge. Each evening started with Mel, often in costume, telling the background of the film and its stars. He was proud of the fact that during the five and one-half years, over 10,000 people attended. Nine years ago, Mel started the annual Veterans' Parade, choosing a Grand Marshal from veterans who had served their country well. Each year, the Grand Marshal rode with Mel in his golf cart at the head of the Parade with military music blasting out into the neighborhoods. Hundreds of cheering residents lined the streets and then attended the program honoring veterans that was held after the parade. When Mel joined the Kiwanis Club of Oakmont, he hit the ground running and was soon involved in many Kiwanis projects such as the annual Pancake Breakfast and the many events for the benefit of children in elementary through high school. He and Kathy established the Kiwanis Club of Oakmont Foundation Endowment in order to ensure that these programs would continue into the future. Mel and Kathy traveled worldwide, with special interests in nature and photography. So many of his outstanding pictures grace the walls of their home. There will be a Memorial Celebration of Mel's life at the Berger Center in Oakmont at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6th. In lieu of flowers, donations to his memory may be mailed to the Kiwanis Club of Oakmont Foundation Endowment, P.O. Box 862, Kenwood, CA 95452.

Published Online in the Press Democrat from Mar. 13 to Mar. 14, 2014

This information was last updated 05/18/2016

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024


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