Thomas Ruzich

THOMAS J. RUZICH

January 20, 1949 – March 9, 2026

Tom Ruzich was born January 20, 1949. He grew up in LaGrange, Illinois and graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1967. 

Over his life he lived in places as varied as the Chicago suburbs, the coast of Hawaii, the mountains of southern California, and Baker City, Oregon, where he settled with his beloved partner and wife, Sue. He loved working with his hands and being outside more than anything; he set a goal of owning a piece of property far from civilization where he could work his land, care for his horses (and pig!), and play with his dogs — he had a long line of black Labs over the years, most recently Milos – and he accomplished that goal, first in Cuyamaca, California and then in Baker City. 

While working as a volunteer firefighter, he identified ways to improve the tools firefighters use every day. He designed, patented, and manufactured a new style of chainsaw chain which was better suited to the rigors of the fireground as well as developing a saw strong enough to survive in hostile conditions. To sell this life-saving equipment to fire departments worldwide, he founded Cutters Edge. His work took him around the world; he was an enthusiastic traveler and made a point of learning about and exploring every city he visited rather than simply passing through. 

In 2003, Tom lost everything in a wildfire. He rebuilt and moved on. That was who he was — throughout a life that included significant physical hardships, he kept a forward focus and a positive outlook that the people around him never forgot.

In his life he got to be a firefighter, a camp ranger, an entrepreneur, and a cowboy. He started a business from nothing and ran it for 40 years. He lived his final years in a house he built to his exact specifications, at the foot of a bluff and alongside a river. He will be remembered for his work ethic, his curiosity, his pride, and the love he had for his wife, his son, and his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife Sue Barnes Ruzich; his son Christian Ruzich and daughter-in-law Daryl Johnson; his grandchildren Zosia Johnson and Hazen Ruzich; his sisters Judy Tittlebach and Patricia Ruzich; numerous nieces and nephews; and five step-children. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Bernice Ruzich; his ex-wife Laura Ruzich; and his sister Beverly Betz. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes contributions to help support Sue during this time. A fund has been established at https://bit.ly/SueAndTom

Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com