Travis Gordon Ruuth

1977 - 2021

On February 26, 2021, Travis departed this earth far too soon, but Heaven gained one handsome angel!

Travis was born on June 1, 1977 in Everett, WA to Evan and Gloria Ruuth. He was his mother's only child, therefore was the absolute light of her life. Not only did he bring her joy, he radiated light and laughter to anyone and everyone he met.

Travis spent his youth surrounded by a plethora of friends, many of whom have remained in his life up to his passing. He loved reminiscing of the good old days, long before cell phones and digital technology, when his buddies and he ruled the neighborhood streets, biking for hours until the sun went down. He always had an abundance of energy, was a competitive athlete, played basketball, baseball and loved football (also some techmo bowl on the original Nintendo, which he kept and continued to play any day over an xbox)! He loved keeping it old school, thrifting for vintage Seahawks and Sonics jerseys, as well as other sports memorabilia throughout the decades. And shoes, he loved shoes! He was proud of his extensive collection of Nikes and Jordans!

After graduating Everett High School in 1995, he played baseball with Skagit Valley College, and for NABA all over the state. He met Nikki Vader Haak while at Skagit, they wed during their senior year of college at Western Washington University, where Travis received a bachelor degree in Finance, in 2002. Nikki and Travis had their son Logan in 2006. Travis was a loving father who absolutely adored Logan, always looked forward to spending time with him. He was his greatest joy. The two of them loved going on bike rides and doing fun activities together.

Travis began working as a bartender in college, to support himself through school. His gemini spirit and love for people, made him fall in love with the restaurant industry and he never looked back! He was charismatic, had an infectious smile, irresistible charm and quick wit! You couldn't leave his sight without him cracking a joke or teasing you. He was always the hardest working person in the room, and liked shaking those drinks to show off his muscles, oh yea he was ladies man! Jokes aside, any person close to Travis will say he was loyal to a T, he made friends and kept them for life. His coworkers became family.

Travis moved to Seattle, and began working at Fisherman's Restaurant on the waterfront pier where he met his loving girlfriend and partner in life for the past 6.5 years. A classic cocktail server meets bartender love story! The two became inseparable, and simply tried to live life to the fullest. They shared a love for the outdoors, went on camping trips, hiking, paddle boarding, long boarding, loved traveling and adventuring with friends and family. They planned on growing old together and seeing the world.

Travis truly had a heart of gold. He was the most thoughtful, caring, loving and generous man there was. He unselfishly showered his love on those around him. He was larger than life, his vibrant personality will never be forgotten. To know and love him was a joy and privilege. He was intelligent, a numbers guy, so naturally he loved Poker, and planned annual trips to Vegas where he once placed 9th at the World Series of Poker. He could do anything he put his mind to. He became his own expert Audi mechanic by watching youtube videos! He had countless friendships, brought so many people together, and touched so many lives from Bellingham to Seattle, from childhood to college, to numerous restaurants and jobs, from basketball courts to the poker table. He was the friend who'd take the shirt (or jersey) off his back for you. Unfortunately in the end, his battle with addiction ultimately took our dearest friend, son and father away from us much too soon. His loss is tragic, untimely and unfair. He will be greatly missed by so many, he was someone truly special. Where there is laughter, there is healing.
His spirit lives on.

He was preceded in death by his father, Evan Ruuth in 2005.

He is survived by his mother, Gloria Ruuth; former spouse, Nikki Vander Haak, their son, Logan Ruuth; his partner Liese Narkevitz; half siblings Jessica, Colter, Ezekiel, Shannon, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of Life will be held at his uncle, Allan Bustad's house on Saturday, March 13th at 2pm, 19724 Frank Waters Rd. Stanwood, WA 98292. Masks are required. As Travis loved mismatching colors, please feel free to wear cheery colors to remember him by!

If you would like to Donate, there is a GoFundMe in his name, Thank You.
June 1, 1977 - February 26, 2021