Ruben Calvin Sullivan, born on May 30, 1927, to Robert R. and Eva Sullivan in East Hampton, New York, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, at the age of 97.
He is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter, Sharon Fetterman, her husband, Phil Fetterman, and his beloved grandchildren: Sarah Portilla, James Adams, Danny Sullivan, Tarah Baumiller, Bryan Sullivan, along with eight great-grandchildren. Ruben is predeceased by his sister, Eva St. George; beloved first wife, Doris, their sons, Robert and Wayne Sullivan, and their grandson, Michael Winn, son of Sharon.
Ruben honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, where he was a Seaman First Class from August 1945 to August 1946. He was part of the Shore Patrol and responsible for overseeing the brig.
Following his military service, Ruben earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from Oregon State College in 1952 and went on to complete his MBA at the University of California, Berkeley in 1964.
Ruben had a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. In 1971, he transferred to Susanville, California, where he became Head of Timber Management for Lassen National Forest. An accomplished engineer, Ruben was instrumental in the construction of roads and bridges throughout Lassen County. He retired in 1985 at the rank of GS-13.
An avid aviator, Ruben owned and piloted a Cessna 150 airplane, and he enjoyed many memorable trips with his wife, Doris, and daughter, Sharon.
Ruben was also passionate about target shooting, often sharing the range with his daughter, Sharon. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing golf, and he humorously remarked later in life, “They lengthened the golf course and made the golf balls too heavy!”
A talented carpenter, Ruben took great pride in his woodworking skills, creating furniture, cabinets, decks, and the large outbuilding behind his home and other projects that will continue to be cherished by his family.
Ruben will be deeply missed by all who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, adventure, and love for his family.
