Thomas Richard Rutila

Thomas Richard Rutila passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at the age of 82. He was surrounded by family after celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. Tom was born in Highland Park, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, at Highland Park Hospital. Tom's wife of 58 years, Judith (Judy) Nancy Rutila, would be born in the same hospital three years and one day later. Tom was an active athlete his entire life, having lettered in football, baseball and basketball in high school. One of the greatest thrills of his life was meeting Jim Thorpe in 1952 at a celebration of Michigan's best young athletes. He was also an engaged student, graduating in 1959 from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor with a degree in civil engineering. Tom often joked with friends that his senior engineering project resulted in the implementation of the many one way streets that have confused and frustrated generations of residents and visitors to Ann Arbor. During his junior year, and on a last-minute blind date, he met the love of his life, Judy Ross. Lightning struck, and both immediately knew they would spend the rest of their lives with each other. After their college romance, Tom and Judy were married on a gorgeous snowy day at St. Alexanders Church on January 25, 1960. Engineering degree in hand, Tom accepted a job with U.S. Steel and the couple moved to help manage the iron ore mines of West Virginia. Soon thereafter, the two moved to Scottsdale, Arizona where Judy's parents had previously moved. In 1966, Tom realized his dream and formed his own company, T.R. Rutila, Co., which sold commercial water and sewer pipe to local Arizona contractors. As Tom's company grew, so did his family when he welcomed and helped raise three children; James Rutila (1961), Nancy Rutila McCormick (1965) and Robert Rutila (1971). Tom was fond of teaching, coaching and watching his children play various sports and musical instruments. He thoroughly enjoyed meeting friends for lunch and his favorite activities included visiting other countries, playing cards with friends and family, and travelling to San Diego where he sailed his boat and read/knit under an umbrella on the beach. Tom also loved golf, which prompted him to join the Arizona Country Club in 1966. His fondness of the game led him to play the famous links of Pebble Beach, the St. Andrew's Old Course and the TPC at Sawgrass. Tom's sense of adventure included travelling to many European countries, including Finland, his great-grandparents' homeland. Tom retired in 1996, yet immediately found a second 'career' knitting sweaters and hats for dogs and children. Ever the salesman, Tom's business grew and he eventually sold the custom-made sweaters in eight stores, spanning four states. Tom sweetly and generously gave his time and love to all he came across. In 2018, Tom was diagnosed with AML Leukemia and bravely fought the disease with strength and a stubborn sense of independence until his recent passing. He will be missed intensely and is survived by his wife Judy, his children James (and Marlene) Rutila, Nancy (and Kim) McCormick and Robert (and Charlene) Rutila. He is grieved by three-grandchildren, Megan and Ryan McCormick (Nancy) and William Rutila (Robert) and step-grandchildren, Marcus, Livia and Lara. He is mourned by his sister, Jane Grose (Don) and nieces, Karen Grose, Kim (Doug) Peterson, Lori Taylor, and nephew Joseph Rutila. He is predeceased by his brother Don (Patricia) Rutila, his parents, Axel and Mary Rutila and his nephew, Doug Grose. No services are being held. Condolences and/or flowers may be sent to his wife Judith, c/o Robert Rutila at 7310 E. Solcito Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85250.