Mr. Ernie Ruiz died Saturday, July 7 at the age of 93.
A memorial service will be held:
Friday, July 20 at 10 a.m.
at Our Lady of Sorrows in Downtown Santa Barbara
There will be a social gathering to celebrate Ernie's life immediately following
at the Veteran's Building, 112 W Cabrillo Blvd.
After being commissioned as an officer Lt. Ruiz was trained as a B-17 pilot and stationed at Hickam Field, Pearl Harbor. He was a Pearl Harbor Survivor, living through that day of infamy, December 7, 1941. Mr. Ruiz went on to fly over 50 combat missions as a B-17 pilot in the South Pacific. Mr. Ruiz was one of the most highly decorated B-17 pilots of WWII, awarded the Silver Star, the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and several campaign medals for his valor, bravery in combat and stellar service to our country.
He was honorably discharged from military service as a Colonel.
Mr. Ruiz was also one of longest serving volunteers in the Los Padres Council, Boy Scouts of America. During his many decades of service to Scouting, Eagle Scout Ernie Ruiz was a well loved and respected member of the local Scouting community. Mr. Ruiz served in many volunteer leadership positions including Scoutmaster, Cubmaster and member of the district committee.
For his outstanding service to Scouting Mr. Ruiz was awarded the District Award of Merit and our local council's highest award for outstanding service to Scouting, the Silver Beaver Award.
Scouts and Scouters are encouraged to attend the memorial service in their Boy Scout uniform.
"My Dad was the greatest man I ever met and I loved him dearly, as he loved me and our family."
Mr. Ernie Ruiz Obituary |
