Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
BORN
1946
DIED
2015
Tom RUBY Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mark Keith
November 12, 2023
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 decor remains Holiday Inn, so do the memories remain of the General Managers Program that we co-led back in 1992 or '93. Tom, you had the stoic Asians blubbering with tearful joy when you showed the slides of their endeavors during the week's program. You played Mariah Carey singing "Hero" and I am sure, like me, those 'heroes' of our program get tearful when they hear it. A bit embarrassing to tear up over such a corny song, but not for me for its those memories that bring the emotion, out singing Mariah at her best. Tom, Susan, you are so often remembered. Yours with much love, Mark Keith
Martha Riggleman
January 14, 2016
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
Paul & Peggy Pettit
December 13, 2015
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]
December 1, 2015
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, Susan and their dog at the time Molly, in their home near Atlanta. Later we ran General Manager programs together for Holiday Inn in Chiang Mai and I got to see his genius up close. Tom would close each course with his brilliant slide show featuring photos in which he had captured the participants in candid and inspiring poses; with a variety of music he raised a set of still photos into an emotional collage to close to the program. And when he selected Mariah Carey's Hero for the final photos of the Chiang Mai GM program, there was not a dry eye in the room. Tom must have created more extraordinary hospitality leaders than any other single human being on the planet. I shared his love for edged weapons and other arcane paraphernalia, along with the technology of cars, bicycles and fitness. We ran together whenever we worked together. Separated by distance we did not see each other that often, but it was a lasting joy for me whenever we caught up on a phone call. Now I am sad, a lasting sadness and grieving that is only heightened by knowing his loved ones must be grieving much more and my heart goes out to Susan and Tom's dearest.
Yours Aye
Mark Keith
Hong Kong
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Howard Bennett
November 30, 2015
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
Shay Baranowski
November 24, 2015
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 humility would never have let him think of his "influence". Tom made you feel like you were important, even in a room full of people, and I realize he made everyone feel that way. What a special gift. He is alive in me and my prayers are for you.
AKia Warrior
November 23, 2015
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, funny, educational and just an all around great person during the time I spent with him.
Scott Bruce
November 23, 2015
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.
Randall Smith
November 23, 2015
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
Rick & Leslie Zurburg
November 22, 2015
It's a shock! How possibly could a wonderful friend as Tom not be with us to further inspire and lead the way. While many of us can't wait to retire to enjoy life, Tom enjoyed what life had to offer from the first time I met him and obviously had no intention of retiring. Why should he, he was doing what he enjoyed and he did training better than anyone I know. Tom enjoyed life with all his collectables, his love of cars and his passion for training. Thank goodness Susan understood all this, supported him and I know he loved her even more for this relationship. God Bless TR and the quality of life he inspired so many others to share.
Don P
November 21, 2015
Its very sad to hear of Tom's passing he was a great teacher and an even greater person he will be missed by the entire IHG family near and far
Robert Lamoureux
November 20, 2015
To witness Tom's passion and commitment to his work was awe inspiring, I learned so much from him and was lucky to be among some of the last GM's to go through his training. He will be remembered and missed.
Barbie DeLeeuw
November 20, 2015
Tom you will be missed. You were an amazing teacher and have touched so many people.... RIP from your friends at the Holiday Inn Express Price Utah
jose paoli
November 19, 2015
Dear Mrs. Ruby,
First of all we convey to you our deepest condolence for the death of Tom, we are very sorry for the very sad notice.
We met him since Holiday Inn University in 1980, he has left many friends in our region México, we all remember him, for his excellent courses and mentoring , he will be missed .
Kindly Hugs,
José Paoli Montesinos
November 19, 2015
Dear Susan,
We are deeply saddened by the news of Tom's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom ( Tomasito ) will be truly missed by his friends in Mexico.
Sincerely,
Oscar Jimenez
IHG - Mexico
JOSE PAOLI
November 19, 2015
Dear Mrs. Ruby,
First of all we convey to you our deepest condolence for the death of Tom, we are very sorry for the very sad notice.
We met him since Holiday Inn University in 1980, he has left many friends in our region México, we all remember him, for his excellent courses and mentoring , he will be missed .
Kindly Hugs
José Paoli Montesinos
Holiday Inns México
Jason E
November 19, 2015
The positive impact Tom had on the world was far-reaching. And it will continue through the many lives he touched. Rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers to his family
Ron Wolf
November 19, 2015
I worked closely with Tom for many years, at Holiday Inn University. I knew Tom to be both a serous and dedicated training professional, and a truly fun guy. Looking forward, where Tom is now, they have new "recruits" arriving daily, so I'm sure there is a need for a an exceptional trainer, like Tom. Nonetheless, he will be missed.
November 19, 2015
From Holiday Inn University to Atlanta I knew this sweet man and his joyful spirit. You miss be missed. Rest in Peace .
Terry Costa
Stella Rut
November 18, 2015
Susan
Len and I are deeply saddened to hear of
Tom's passing.
Len and Stella Rut
Carolyn Rand
November 18, 2015
Tom Ruby was such a wonderful man who made an impact on countless hoteliers and colleagues. I worked with Tom at IHG for 20 years and he was one of the most dedicated, talented and nice team members IHG has ever had. His willingness to help his colleagues was remarkable and he always offered a solution. To Tom's family - please know what an impact he had on the lives of so many and how much we all appreciated him. My sincere condolences to all of you at this difficult time. You are in my prayers - God Bless You!
November 18, 2015
Susan,
Leigh, Regina and me send our blessings to you and the family. I was shocked when I heard Tom was even sick. He was a great man and friend, he was always happy.
Warmest regards, Mark Zipperer
Len Lesko
November 18, 2015
Susan, Paula and I are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. As you know, we have had the pleasure of knowing Tom since 1980 when he taught me in Olive Branch Mississippi. We were blessed to have him as our regional/area manager in the 1990's and to have both of you reside in our town of Boardman,Ohio. I have very many fond memories of Tom and how helpful he always was with our hotel. Tom definitely made a positive impact on my life and will be missed much.
November 18, 2015
Hello Susan,
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family! I've miss Tom's voice and his big smile in the morning as he's getting ready for his training class. I sit outside the training room were he conduct his training class.
Tom will truly be missed...
Randy
Tessa Moody
November 18, 2015
Tom was a wonderful teacher and man. We all learned so much from him. He was one of the first leaders I met in IHG and I have had the privilege of working along side him and learning under his whimsical teachinging several times. Tom you was an awesome person may God help all of your family and your thousands of friends during this difficult time.
Tessa J Moody Dayton TN Holiday Inn Express
Tessa Moody
November 18, 2015
Tom was a wonderful teacher and man. We all learned so much from him. He was one of the first leaders I met in IHG and I have had the privilege of working along side him and learning under his whimsical teachinging several times. Tom you was an awesome person may God help all of your family and your thousands of friends during this difficult time. Tessa J Moody Dayton TN Holiday Inn Express
Bea Rowland
November 18, 2015
Though a lot of time has passed I remember Tom quite well from Holiday Inn University. He almost always had a smile and enjoyed a good laugh. I appreciated how he kept his cool when we had training discussions. Many of us have very fond memories of the place and the people we worked with there.
Martha Nelson
November 18, 2015
Tom was a great guy and consummate professional. Tom and Susan were a wonderful, fun couple. Many, many years ago (1987?) we were working in Singapore. Tom stepped in, acting as my husband and protector, by accompanying me to an Indian tailor shop to buy a custom sari. We had many laughs about it over the years. Tom ... much loved and respected ... gone too soon. Sympathy to Susan and family. xxxx oooo
Linda OBrien
November 18, 2015
25 years of humble friendship and memories. We'll miss you Tom.
Ann Fant
November 18, 2015
I have known Tom since we were in Memphis. He always had a great smile for everyone. Hotel employees who were trained by him still ask about him. He did so much to promote IHG with the hotels as a caring professional. He will be greatly missed.
November 18, 2015
We've lost a real member of our IHG family. Tom was a constant source of inspiration and the spirit of hospitality. His life touched so many in service of making others welcome. Gracious, kind, and engaged with everyone he met. RIP Tom Ruby
Kelly Bita
November 18, 2015
Susan, I'm so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. I know your time with him was cut way too short. The IHG family is forever indebted to you for allowing him to spend 40+ years with us. He's the one who brought me into IHG 13 years ago. I remember how you both welcomed me into your home on my first trip to the office in Atlanta. A true example of hospitality. The learning stories he has shared with so many GMs over the years will always be remembered, but more importantly it was his gracious, humble, kindness that leaves an imprint on all of us.
Mike Mallott
November 18, 2015
Some of my happiest memories are of the days that I spent working with Tom at Holiday Inn University. He was a consummate hospitality professional and a warm, caring individual that was respected by all he worked with and I cherish my memories of his friendship.
Dick Kinney
November 18, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tom and I worked together at HIU in Olive Branch many, many years ago.
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
3742 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341
Make a Donation
in Tom RUBY's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Tom's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Tom RUBY's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
