Thomas Robert Ruiz

Thomas Robert Ruiz of San Diego, California, passed away peacefully at home due to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) on June 26, 2022 at the age of 61, with loved ones at his bedside.

Thom was born in Inglewood, California on September 26, 1960 to parents Anthony and Francoise (Picard) Ruiz, and was raised in Montreal, Quebec. He spoke fluent French. He attended Edward Murphy Catholic School and Napoleon Bonaparte High School. Thom enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17 and upon his discharge settled in San Diego, California. He graduated from San Diego City College's Cosmetology Program and had a successful career as a hairstylist for over 35 years, most recently working at Richard Joseph Salon in Hillcrest. Thom also worked locally and in Los Angeles as a makeup and hair/wig artist for artistic and commercial print and live productions, including local professional theater, ballets, and operas. A true Renaissance man, he was a painter and sculptor in multiple mediums, designed and made jewelry, draperies, and household linens, and was a self taught designer and tailor of women's clothing. In 1996 he graduated from San Diego Mesa College's Fashion Design Program. He was an excellent cook, and he loved to travel.

In 1989, Thom married Marceline (Clausen) Marques, and they co owned Tomar Designs on Park Boulevard in Hillcrest for several years. In 2006 they divorced, and they remained close and loving co-parents of their two daughters Angelina Francoise, and Micaela Yvette. The blended family included Ron Deipenbrock, Thom's partner and co-parent to the girls for six years. Thom's daughters served as his primary caregivers during his illness, and they were his pride and joy. We were all so grateful he met his goal of seeing his youngest graduate from UCSD just 2 weeks prior to his passing.

Thom was predeceased by his mother, Francoise, and is survived by his children Angelina and Micaela, and former wife Marceline, his former partner Ron, father Anthony Ruiz of New Mexico, brother Michael Ruiz of New York, brother Steven (Teri) Ruiz of New Mexico, and special niece Monique Ruiz of Los Angeles. He is also survived by his former in-laws Gordon and Marceline Clausen, his godmother and paternal aunt Nancy Ruiz, and maternal aunt Yvette (Picard) Smith, as well as many friends, clients, and extended family members, and his two cats, Chloe and Harper.

A rosary and funeral Mass will be held at St. Didacus Catholic Church, 4772 Felton Street, San Diego, on Saturday, July 30 beginning at 9:30 am, followed by a reception in the church hall. A private interment will be held at a later date at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego.

The family wishes to thank the VA Hospital in La Jolla, UCSD ALS Clinic, AccentCare, and Kindred Hospice for the excellent care they provided for Thom during his illness. We especially wish to thank the ALS Association of San Diego for the kind and compassionate support of Thom and his family since his diagnosis in the summer of 2020. Please consider participating in and/or donating to the Walk to Defeat ALS 2022, Sunday, October 16 at De Anza Cove, Team Thom Ruiz, or making a donation to The ALS Association.