Tom Joseph Ruddy

Tom passed away peacefully at home.

Tom is survived by his son, Kenneth, His grandchildren Josslyn Ruddy, Melanie Ruddy, Nicholas Bakken, Mariah Brooks, and his great-grandson Carter Brooks.

He was predeceased by his wife, Tena Ruddy, His daughter, Caroline Bakken and his brothers Dick Ruddy and Jon Ruddy.

Services will be on July 19th at 1:30 pm at Evergreen Memorial Park. 26624 N. Turkey Creek Rd, Evergreen, CO 80439.

Born on March 13th 1930 in Brantford Ontario to Kenneth and Mary Ruddy. His love of nature began at a young age in Brantford where he enjoyed playing hooky from school to ride horses with his brothers. He received his degree in Forestry and Finance from the University of Toronto. He worked in the field in forestry where he was able to spend a lot of time in the place he loved, the outdoors. He met the love of his life, Tena Smit and they were married shortly thereafter. After getting married and starting a family, he worked in finance. The family moved from Canada to the United States in 1981 for Tom’s work. Tom and Tena went on many amazing vacations with Tena’s family, and with friends.

Tom and Tena both loved the outdoors and nature, Tom especially liked to hike, ski, swim and canoe. Tom loved spending time outdoors with family, friends, and also alone. Tom was on a swim team until he was 91 years old and swam about a mile each day. He continued to do the activities that he loved into his 90’s.

Staying active and spending time with loved ones (both friends and family) were Tom’s core values. He passed these values on to his children and grandchildren. Tom was always open to new ideas and experiences, even his later years – operas, book clubs and plays were a few recent new experiences.

He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

Miss me, but let me go.

We've known lots of pleasure,  at times endured pain,  we've lived in the sunshine and walked in the rain.

But now we're separated and for a time apart, but I am not alone- You're forever in my heart.

Death always seems so sudden,  and it is always sure, But what is oft' forgotten- It is not without a cure.

There may be times you miss me, I sort of hope you do, But smile when you think of me,  for I'll be waiting for you.

Now there's many things for you to do, and lots of ways to grow, so get busy, be happy, and live your life,

Miss me, but let me go.