PORT ANGELES — Art Ruud, who helped Peninsula College win the Washington Athletic Association of Community Colleges state basketball championship in 1970, died Saturday, Feb. 21, with his family at his side. He was 64.
Ruud and his teammates from that 1970 Pirates team were inducted into the Northwest Athletic Conference Hall of Fame and the Peninsula College Hall of Fame in January 2014.
“I’m so thrilled for Art and his family that we were able to induct them into both Halls of Fame last year,” Peninsula College athletic director Rick Ross said.
“He played such a big role in that team’s success and consequently played a big role in Peninsula College sports history.
“Art was not a fan of the spotlight, but he was a great athlete, a great family man, a great coach and a great member of this community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Ruud’s head coach at Peninsula, Jack Estes, said he was shocked to hear the news.
“Art Ruud had that solid jump shot from the corner, that soaring long ball into right field, and the driest sense of humor of anyone I’ve known,” Estes said.
“His humor was the definition of dry. His athletic ability impressed me and his humor absolutely cracked me up.”
A talented athlete from his youth, Ruud played both basketball and baseball, setting a Port Angeles Little League record for home runs in a single season.
He went on to play through college and into adult basketball and softball leagues, as well as coaching youth teams.
Ruud was a lifelong and active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where he co-taught Sunday school and served as an usher.
In the church, he married Kathy in 1972 and together they raised four children. He was known as a devoted and caring father.
After a short time teaching at Port Angeles High School, he became an electrician.
In 1980, he and his brother Rob formed an electrical contracting company, which would become Electric Service, Inc.
Ruud is survived by Kathy; by four children: Melissa (Angel), Heidi Barabe (Ryan), Jessica, and Joel; three grandchildren: Carson, Hunter, and Kiera; his brothers: Rob (Margaret) and Dan (Arlene); and four nieces and their children.
Instead of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund.
Donations made in Art Ruud’s name can be sent to 301 Lopez Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362.
