Deceased April 15, 2016
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In Memory
Paul Ruxin passed away in San Francisco on April 15, one day after his 73rd birthday, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. His rich and productive life was celebrated at the Newberry Library in Chicago.
Paul came to Amherst from University Heights, Ohio, where he was educated with Michael Pohl ’65 and his bride-to-be, Joanne. We met Paul on our first day at Amherst as cohabitants of Stearns. Paul’s personality was then and remained magnetic, warm, brilliant. He was a great listener and a confident, natural leader. These qualities made him a loyal and valued friend to many for 55 years.
Paul majored in American studies and was a member of the Student Council, SPHINX and Beta Theta Pi.
At the University of Virginia Law School, Paul was a member of the Law Review and Order of the Coif. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a public utility lawyer in Chicago and Cleveland, finally as a partner in the firm Jones-Day.
Paul was a dedicated bibliophile whose hobby became his passion: in our 50th reunion book, he stated that being a lawyer was “only my job, nothing more. …” Paul maintained a large private collection of the works of Samuel Johnson and James Boswell. A Shakespeare scholar, he chaired the board of the Folger Library in Washington, D.C. At class reunions, Paul shared his passion for the look and feel of real books against flat symbols of the electronic age.
In 2007 the College awarded him the Medal of Eminent Service, recognizing his efforts to assist in administration, admissions and fundraising, and especially for his support of the Friends of the Library.
Paul is survived by wife Joanne, son Marc, daughter-in-law Holly, daughter Sarah, son-in-law Adam, five grandchildren and brothers Jim and Bob.
Michael Pohl ’65
Bruce Wintroub ’65