John CM RULON M.D.

Born October 22, 1930, Dr. Tom entered eternal life on February 20, 2024, in the presence of his caring family. He was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Arthur and Therese Rulon, the third of four siblings. His parents, sister Mary and brothers Charles and Arthur preceded him in death. He is survived by his dear wife, Joyce, his daughter, Elizabeth, her husband, Rolfe, and grandchildren, Lindsey and Tyler Will.

He graduated from Jamestown HS, Jamestown College and the Faculty of Medicine, McGill University in Montreal.

Following internship at St. Joseph's Hospital, Milwaukee, WI, in July of 1956, he entered the US Navy as a physician. He attended the USN School of Aviation Medicine and became a USN flight surgeon. He was assigned to an aircraft carrier, the USS Shangri La, and was stationed in the western Pacific Ocean for ten months.

He met his wife, Joyce, in 1960 in Rochester, MN. They were married for 62 years. They enjoyed many years traveling and cruising together worldwide.

Dr. Tom was discharged from Military service in 1959 and began a residency in otolaryngology at the Mayo Clinic and a post residency fellowship in otology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He commenced medical practice in 1964 in Spokane, WA, with Drs. Peter Beaty and James McNeill at the Spokane, Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, retiring in 2001.

His professional affiliations included: staff appointment to all Spokane hospitals, diplomat of the American Board of Otolaryngology, a member of the Spokane County, Washington State, and American Medical Associations, and a Clinical Professor at the UW School of Medicine. He served as President of the Spokane County Medical Association in 1972 and received the Spokane Physician of the Year award in 1975. He was on the board of the District 17 Community Colleges Foundation and the advisory committee of the SFCC Hearing Instrument Specialist Program. In addition, he was adjunct faculty for the program.

His community involvement included serving on many boards including ONB, US Bank, WA State Physicians Insurance, MSC/Premera Blue Cross, Spokane Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Spokane, Rotary Club 21,WAMPUM, and the Museum of Native American Cultures. Due to his love of Western art, he was involved in the CM Russell Museum, art auction and a charter member of the Charlie Russell Riders. He was a long time member of Sacred Heart Parish.

Rosary will be Friday, March 1, 2024 at 7pm, at Sacred Heart Parish, Spokane, WA. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11am also at Sacred Heart Parish.