Ernest H. Ruehl ’55

Ernie Ruehl died Easter Sunday, Apr. 12, 1998, at his home in Orinda, Calif., after a long, hard-fought battle with prostate cancer. He was 64.

Raised in Spokane, Wash., Ernie decided to attend Princeton never having seen the campus. He became a member of Cannon Club and the 21 Club, roomed with Lester Colbert, Bill Aikens, and Sid Harris, and graduated magna cum laude in history. He then attended Stanford Business School, where he met his wife, Sonya.

Ernie and Sonya settled in San Francisco. His 40-year career in the investment industry included being managing partner of the highly-respected Henry F. Swift & Co. After his cancer diagnosis, he focused increasingly on running the family cattle business and fundraising for cancer research.

Numerous seeds for Ernie's life were planted during his years at Princeton. His curiosity for history never waned. He made lifelong friends who will remember his wit and dry humor. His experiences there inspired his sons to follow him. During the decade his children attended Princeton, they and their classmates looked forward to Ernie presiding over many memorable Ruehl family gatherings.

Ernie is greatly missed by Sonya, his wife of 39 years, and his sons, Ernie Jr. '85, Ted '89, and Paul '91. All were with him when he died, and to them the class extends its sympathy.

The Class of 1955