Memorial Plaque for Ed Ruth

As many know, Ed passed away on October 1st, 2021.

To everyone that knew him, he was an incredibly generous and giving person. Always willing to help in times of need, and always putting them before himself.

Many of you also know that not only did he have a long and storied career at UCLA, but he also had a long and storied career in the world of Southern California and United States swimming - as an official. He really enjoyed officiating, and was deeply passionate about his work.

As my sister and I grew up in the sport of swimming, so did his involvement. He started out as a timer, then running the ‘new’ timing systems, then eventually taking the plunge into officiating. He was a great community advocate - working hard to ensure the right resources were in place for the local swimming community, contributing everywhere he was asked.

His humble beginnings as an official at local age group swim meets eventually moved into ‘big time’ officiating - becoming meet referee for bigger events like Junior Nationals, Senior Nationals, Masters Nationals, and even the Olympic Trials.

Ed officiated the first ever meet at the newest competition pool in Thousand Oaks - at California Lutheran University. It is here where we’d like to place a plaque, commemorating Ed’s life and his commitment to the swimming community.

Please donate whatever is comfortable for you. If we are short, that is okay - we’ll make it work. If we are over, we’ll donate the excess to a worthy cause.

Thank you,

Mendy, Valerie, and Ed