Reporter ISSAQUAH | SAMMAMISH
Friday, November 16, 2012
www.issaquahreporter.com
Pulling away Sammamish’s Prop.1 on its way to passing BY KEVIN ENDEJAN ISSAQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER
tious,” he said. “He loved doing what he did — no games — a real up front guy.” Issaquah Police anchored each end of the procession, with Carri Ruby leading the way driving a tow truck. She said it had been awhile since she drove one, but she looked confident as they drove off — no doubt, with dad leading the way.
Those in favor of Sammamish’s Proposition 1 — the non-binding advisory vote regarding citizen interest in the development of a $30 million Community and Aquatic Center — appear to be on their way to victory. The last count before the Reporter’s deadline had 53.14 percent (11,546) in favor, to 46.86 percent (10,181) opposed. “I’m very pleased that the majority of Sammamish voters have backed the new community center, and the numbers are getting better every day,” said Hank Klein, Sammamish Parks Commissioner and coauthor of the voter’s guide ‘pro’ statement. The margin, which was only separated by 292 votes in favor after initial Election Night results, Nov. 6, has increased to a 1,365-vote difference. Final counts won’t be verified until Nov. 27, but with 84 percent of Sammamish voters accounted for, it’s unlikely there will be a large shift. Sammamish Mayor Tom Odell said last week that operation and construction agreements for the Community Center weren’t yet completed, meaning a vote would most likely take place at the end of January. Klein said he looks forward to the possibilities. “I think that the new community center will be a tremendous asset for the city of Sammamish,” he said. “It will be a gathering place that will meet the individual and collective needs of everyone in the community — from toddlers to seniors.”
Linda Ball
Kevin Endejan
With lights flashing, approximately 50 tow trucks leave Issaquah enroute to Snoqualmie in honor of Harold Ruby, the patriarch of Ruby’s Towing Co.
LINDA BALL, ISSAQUAH & SAMMAMISH REPORTER
GEM OF A SENDOFF Issaquah’s Harold Ruby remembered by peers with a tow truck procession
BY LINDA BALL ISSASQUAH/SAMMAMISH REPORTER
I
t was a sight you don’t see every day — approximately 50 towing trucks or auxiliary vehicles lined up to head out on a 15-mile convoy, paying respect to Harold Ruby, who died at the age 75 on Oct. 15.
Ruby was the patriarch of Ruby’s Towing Company, an Issaquah business since 1962. He and his wife, Susan, lived in Issaquah for 47 years. “He did dedicate his entire life to this community,” said his daughter, Carri Ruby. To honor Harold, several tow truck companies, AAA, U-Haul and others formed a procession Monday from Issaquah to the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge Golf Course to celebrate his life. Towing companies from as far away as Everett to Renton showed up in force. U-Haul had seven rigs represented. Ruby was one of U-Haul’s vendors for years.
“Anytime a customer was in trouble, even if it was 2:30 in the morning, he’d be on his way,” said Brandy Eide of U-Haul. Her husband, Chuck Eide, said Ruby would do whatever he had to for a U-Haul customer. “Harold was the kind of man who said what he meant, and meant what he said,” Chuck Eide said. Among the many companies represented were Accurate Towing, American Towing, Coalfield Towing, Mercer IsHarold Ruby land Towing, Mary’s Towing, Lake Sawyer Towing, Four Sons Towing and Columbia Towing. There was no competition as they lined up for the procession, only respect. Dave Krause, with Choice Insurance, said Ruby was a client for years. Krause specializes in insuring tow trucks. “Harold was a great guy — really conscien-
“Harold was the kind of man who said what he meant, and meant what he said.” – Chuck Eide
425-391-0363, ext. 5052 lball@issaquahreporter.com
425-391-0363, ext. 5054 kendejan@issaquahreporter.com