Richard L. Ruffell

Richard Lee Ruffell, 82, of Palm Desert, California, passed away on December 16 with his children Richard Michael Ruffell and Kimberly Ruffell Walsh at his side.

Richard was born on January 21, 1940 to Kenneth and Eleanor Ruffell in Torrance, California. After graduating from Torrance High School in 1957 as a basketball standout breaking school records, he earned a scholarship to the University of Utah. During his four years playing on the Utah Utes men's basketball team, Richard competed against basketball greats including Bobby Knight, Jerry Lucas, and John Havlicek, the latter of whom he personally guarded for an entire game. In 1961, as captain, he led the Utes to the NCAA Final Four.

After graduating from Utah, Richard earned his teaching credential and returned to Torrance to coach and teach at South Torrance High School - a career that spanned forty years. He taught and coached generations of students, who knew him as a kind and devoted mentor. He also joined the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department as a reserve, volunteer deputy sheriff working after school and on weekends to serve the community.

Upon his retirement, he and his beloved wife, Sherry Ruffell, sought adventure by travelling the world. Together, they visited dozens of countries. Richard relished the opportunity to explore new cultures and perspectives and improve his fluency in the Spanish language.

Richard was an avid reader, life-long learner, and philosopher of life's big and small questions, which he often discussed with his children and grandchildren. He was a passionate racer of off-road motorcycles and traversed deserts and mountains across Southern California, Nevada, and Colorado with his son, Mike. He was tough, brave, strong, kind, honest, patient, disciplined, devoted, charming, fun, easy-going, down to earth, reliable, honorable and had a wonderfully witty sense of humor. He was an early-to-bed/early-to-rise kind of guy. He was a "good guy".

Most of all, he adored his family and friends, who aspire every day to love and live like he did.

Richard was predeceased by his wife Sherry. He is survived by his brother David Ruffell, children Kim and Mike, son-in-law Sean Walsh, grandchildren Caitlin, Sean Jr., and Brendan Walsh, and Lauren and Ryan Ruffell.

Richard will be cremated and placed next to his wife, Sherry, at Forest Lawn in Palm Desert. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society.