Ruane, J. Michael

J. Michael Ruane (Dec. 20, 1928-June 25, 2006) served as a state representative for 29 years. An old-school politician with a passion for his hometown of Salem, Ruane rose from a clerk in the city's motor division to become vice chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee" according to the Salem News.

He was elected as Salem city councilor for five years and three decades in the House of Representatives.

Ruane had his share of health problems, he suffered ulcers over the years. In later life, he was struck by throat cancer and had his larynx removed. He used a battery-operated device to his throat to speak in his later years. He also had personal loss as his two children died young and his mother died when Ruane was only 26. She was hit by a car while crossing the street.

See Also

"Ex-Salem rep dies at 77" Salem News, June 26, 2006, p. 1