Paul Ruffner

Paul Alex Ruffner, 73, died Friday, June 17, 2022 at his home after a short battle with leukemia.

He leaves his wife Lael (Bower) Ruffner, daughter Shannon (Chad) Coleman, son Bryon (Tracie), daughter Kellene Apple, son Brett (Lisee), daughter Erin (Greg) Perry, son Bradley (Abbie), and 23 grandchildren.

Paul was born on October 15, 1948 in Santa Monica, California, to Willis and Helen Ruffner. At nine months old his family moved to Downey, California, where he was raised. He graduated from Warren High School in Downey. Following high school, Paul went to Cerritos Jr. College where he honed his skills as a basketball player. Upon completion of Jr. College, he was offered scholarships from numerous prominent universities, but ultimately chose to accept the offer to play at Brigham Young University in small town Provo, Utah. Coming from Los Angeles, Paul was looking for a change.

While attending BYU, he went on a blind date with cheerleader Lael Bower, who stole his heart. He also found himself surrounded by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints which was quite a culture shock. As Paul and Lael dated more steadily, Paul decided he wanted to have the missionaries teach him the gospel. He recognized the truthfulness of their message and was baptized June 28, 1969. He and Lael were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on April 2, 1970.

After graduating from BYU, Paul was drafted into the NBA in the second round by the Chicago Bulls, where he played his rookie year. Following the Bulls he played in the ABA with the Pittsburgh Condors, then went back to the NBA and played for the Buffalo Braves.

Paul and Lael loved Provo, Utah, and always returned during the offseason. At the conclusion of his basketball career they made Provo their permanent home. Paul became successful as a property owner and manager of student housing in Provo. Even though Paul’s playing days were behind him, he continued to share his knowledge and expertise of the game through color commentary with Paul James on KSL Radio which he did for 21 years.

He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings. He spent many years serving in the youth program, where he seemed to fit in perfectly. He especially enjoyed serving as a bishop in a singles ward on BYU campus, and working with the missionaries as a branch president in the international branch at the Missionary Training Center in Provo.

Being the athlete that he was, he found great pleasure in sharing his talents in basketball and other sports as he coached his children and many others through the years.

Paul loved the outdoors, and enjoyed nature. He took many backpacking trips with his children, and youth in the Church. He later enjoyed many hours camping, surfing, boogie boarding, and playing outside with his grandchildren.

Above all of his accomplishments in life, the thing that was most important to him was his family. As he would always ask, “What do you call this? POSTERITY!!!”