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In Passing

In Passing
Frank C. Ruys Print E-mail
By Joan DuBois   
January 15, 2010
Frank C. Ruys (1920-2009)
 
Dr. Frank C. Ruys, a USCF life member from Redwood City, California, formerly of Woodside, Atherton and Redwood Shores, Calif., died November 23, 2009. He was 89.

Dr. Ruys was former chief of orthopedics at Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City. He was born August 31, 1920 in Maasluis, in the Netherlands, and came to the United States in 1927. After graduating from the University of California at Berkeley and from Tulane University School of Medicine, he served in the U.S. Navy in post-World War II Japan. He also served on the hospital ship, Repose, during the Korean War. Dr. Ruys was an orthopedic surgeon and chief of orthopedics at Sequoia Hospital, practicing for 38 years.

He began playing chess after reading a book about the game in 1937. By his mid-20s, he was competing in tournaments in California and also reportedly playing multiple games blindfold. In his later years, he especially enjoyed taking part in the U.S. Amateur Team West tournaments. His last team event was in February 2000 in Los Angeles. Besides chess, Dr. Ruys was an avid stamp collector and also first violinist with the Peninsular Symphony.

He is survived by his former wife, Joyce (West) Ruys of Los Gatos, Calif.; five daughters, Elaine Ruys of Beaverton, Oregon; Patricia Stearns of Trinidad, Calif; Jennifer Gill of Redwood City, Calif.; Renee Iverson of Kirkland, Washington; Cassandra Ruys of Alburquerque, New Mexico; a son, Tim Ruys of Chicago; a stepson, Terrell Thurston of Alburquerque, New Mexico; seven grandchildren; and a sister, Constance Ruys of Menlo Park, Calif.
 
Obit submitted by George Mirijanian, Massachusetts Chess Association.

Frank C. Ruys - May you rest in peace.
 
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