Nicholas Stephen Ruffus

1988 ~ 2023

Obituary Photo for Nicholas Stephen Ruffus < >

Nick was born on July 24th, 1988 at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was a born adventurer and learned to drive a stick shift in a Jeep Wrangler on his parents’ laps. His love of outdoors was the constant motivator in his life. From skateboards, grand slams in baseball, “buzzer beaters” in basketball games, snowboarding on all the canyons including out of bound areas to his mother’s dismay.

His greatest moments were Jeeping in Moab with his family and friends on new trails each year, and hiking the Delicate Arch. Hiking in the canyons gave him the most solace. He was a very private person and believed in the meaningfulness of silence. He travelled to many countries around the world and especially loved the history of all the beaches in Normandy, and his beloved New York City.

The more time you spent with Nick, the greater the opportunity to hear his multi-layered views of the world and his thoughts. To know him was to love him completely.

He enjoyed working for Microsoft and Testeract companies as an IT Specialist.

He is survived by his parents Stephen and Kathy, sister Jessica (fiancé Dalton McGuire), adorable niece and nephew Kenzie and Dylan, many aunts and uncles, and his beloved cat Max. Preceded in death by his dear sister Hether Rachelle, grandparents Martha and Lawrence DeNayer, Kalliope and Socrates Ruffus, and furry companions Zelda and Vinnie.

We are all grateful for the short time we had with Nick in our lives, and we will miss him dearly, especially when he would pull into the driveway and jump out of his fancy new Jeep with his hat on.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 21st, 2023, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy, UT. There will be a viewing Monday, November 20th from 6-8 pm, and Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30 am prior to the funeral. Burial at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to your local animal shelter in Nick’s name.

If you would like to watch the services please click on the blue "Watch Services" button above.



Guestbook/Condolences

Stephen, Heather, and Jessie,

I send my deepest, heartfelt condolences to you. I am so sorry for the loss of Nick. I remember him as a child and when I visited your family in December 2011. I loved his quiet manner.

Compassionately,
Russ Derickson


- Russ Derickson

My heart is breaking for your loss. I love your family so much this is more than you should have bear. I know he will never be forgotten you raised a beautiful boy.


- LouAnn Hill

You are all in our hearts and thoughts during this truly difficult time.
Always hold onto the warm and wonderful memories that you all shared together, and may they continue to bring you comfort and peace during this very difficult time. May Nick rest in peace 🙏🏻


- George, Rose, Christopher and Jonathan Ruffus

Dear Jessie and family, thank you for sharing this beautiful tribute to your beloved Nick. My heart goes out to you all for your loss. There is a local animal shelter--Little Shelter--out here on Long Island that I will gladly support in Nick's name. May his soul journey on in peace. Diane


- Diane Caracciolo

Jessie, Kathy, and Stephen,

I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences.


- Clint Gardner

My dearest condolences to your family for such a huge loss, sending all the love and healing to the family.


- Michele Traina

Sending my deepest condolence for your loss of your wonderful Nick. I remember him as a very shy but so sweet, beautiful little boy. His celebration of life was very touching and so full of love for someone who deserved all of it. I know that his memory will live on for all who knew and loved him. Please take care of yourselves during this saddest of time.


- Shirley Farr

Kathy, no words can express the sorry I felt when I heard of Nick's passing. I'll always remember him looking through my glass door and all I could see were those big brown eyes. Sending love and prayers. May God Bless and Comfort you and your family through this difficult time.
With Heartfelt Sympathy, your old friend Gloria.


- Gloria Tolla

When we think of those loved ones
who traveled by our side down life's road,
let us not say with sadness
that they left us behind,
but rather say with gratitude
that they once were with us.

to you dear Nick,
goodnight sweet prince...

love,
ted and elaine


- Ted and Elaine

Stephen & Kathy, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.


- Melissa Helquist

Sending you my "warmest" regards and "love" to all of you !!


- Maggie Aloia

Stephen, Kathy, Jess,
If only there were words that can make this pain and heartbreak better.
Sending you all my love.


- Julia Vigil

Stephen, Kathy, Jess,
If only there were words that can make this pain and heartbreak better.
Sending you all my love.


- Julia Vigil

Stephen, Kathy & Jessie,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. May you be surrounded by peace, love, and beautiful memories of your dear one.

Stephanie


- Stephanie Maenhardt

Stephen, Kathy, Jess,
If only there were words that can make this pain and heartbreak better.
Sending you all my love.


- Julia Vigil

My heart aches with you. Hope to connect on Tuesday, the fifteenth anniversary of my own loss. Much love to you all.


- Marianna Hopkins

A beautiful and lyrical obituary. We are down in Moab for the week, red rock panoramas and rugged back country and great blue skies and more red rock--it seems an appropriate place to ponder his life and passing.


- Bob King

Sending all of our love on this tender day and wishing you all peace of mind and heart. Nick is no doubt on his next adventure and may it be filled with eternal peace and joy. Love Dana, Kevin, Aidan, August and Kitties


- Dana Fuchs & Kevin Mackall

I knew Nick was the perfect fit for our Team at Microsoft . It was an honor and privilege to have worked with him.


- Sarai Guzman

Although we didn’t know Nick well, through Jessie we learned of his bright spirit. Through her love we learned of his brilliance, which will be missed by many. With heavy hearts we wish our deepest condolences on the loss of an irresistible, loved, brilliant, spirited son and brother. If it helps in any small way, we can send meals, or offer space and time at the healing Pacific coast. We are ready to help and support through this unimaginable time. With our love, Andrea and Colin.


- Andrea Martz and Colin Crandall

Stephen, Kathy & Jess I was very sad to hear about Nick`s passing i know how much Heather adored her siblings and now knowing Nick is with her riding jeeps in heaven I hope that can give you some comfort in the days ahead God Bless


- Beth Nelson