Tom Joseph RUBY

Ah Tom, I miss you buddy. This message is for you and for Susan. Although we lived on opposite sides of the planet, this was no tyranny of distance in our friendship. So often, I sharpen a knife, pull out an old blade from my collection and think of you Tom. You introduced me, kind of legitimized my interest in steel weapons, and we did enjoy exchanging views. We have an apartment in Chiang Mai, less than a kilometre from the Old Holiday Inn, now rebranded as the Grandview. Just as the...

Susan,

When I received your note today I was shocked to learn of Tom's passing on--- way too soon. We certainly enjoyed you and Tom as next door neighbors and friends and keeping in touch when we moved to TN! I'm happy you have Gracie with you and I will write soon.

My best,
Martha (Marty) Riggleman

So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Lots a great memories! We sent a card and it was returned. If there is someway you can send us an address that would be great.

Sincerely,

Paul & Peggy Pettit

[email protected]

Tom Ruby, my very close and geographically distant true friend. In 1992 Tom Ruby greeted me in the Holiday Inn Hong Kong with his warm friendly smile and his infectious humor. Fate threw us together into a road trip through New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Mid West; Tom was my mentor, giving me such invaluable guidance as I learned the ropes at Holiday Inn. We bagged a hotel, converted a hotel, trained front desk staff and won the hearts and minds of owners. And I got to hang out with Tom,...

I was saddened to learn of Tom's passing. His beaming smile, his dry wit, even outdoing the Brits at times, what a great teacher whom I met at Damai Beach Sarawak in 1990 and remained in contact, thank you for being here, you will be greatly missed my friend, sincere condolences to you Susan during this time.

Yours ever
Howard Bennett
Shanghai China

Right now on our corporate IHG website people are posting from all over the company-and all over the world, how Tom impacted them in their lives, not just their careers. What's astounding to me (because he trained me too) is how Tom built this company without me even realizing. He did it person by person-with that passion, joy and true empathy that are rare qualities in a person. Tom was a one of a kind and touched many, many people. His influence was profound especially since his...

When I saw an article about Tom's passing I was in shock. I recently took a training class with him at IHG Americas HQ. He was very knowledgeable, and he had so much to share! I didn't feel like the 3 days I had with him was enough time to soak it all in.

He dared me to step out there, take a chance and remove fear from training and leading others. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be in one of his classes.

I know that he will be sorely missed because he was kind,...

I first met Tom over 25 years ago and through the years he was always very nice and helpful. He was always full of energy and upbeat so to hear of his passing was a complete shock; I already miss him. To say Tom was a leader at IHG is an understatement, his training made thousands of leaders and his spirit is woven into the fabric of the entire hospitality industry.

May God bless him and have a VIP suite ready for him in heaven.

The soul of a gentle giant has left us, but his legacy in the hospitality world will never be matched. I am blessed to have known Tom and worked with him at IHG. Our work internationally changed me forever. Prayers to his family. Tom, we loved you.

Randall L. Smith,
Cumming