John Ruttan was born in Anchorage , Alaska where his father, Charles H. Ruttan, was a partner and co-founder of Alaska Star Airlines which continued as Alaska Airlines. John became a Canadian Citizen following his family's move to Victoria, B.C. He has been married to his wife Dianne for 40 years. They have two grown children, Ryan and Lisa.

Education:

John attended Monterey Elementary School , Oak Bay High School and Victoria College .

Employment (Nanaimo):

- President of Ruttan Holdings Ltd. - 1993 to present

- Owner of Nanaimo Travel & Cruise – 1980 to present

- President and Operator of Seafun Divers Ltd. - 1972 to 1997

- Branch Manager of Traders Group/Trans Canada Credit - 1959 to 1973

Current Community Activities (Nanaimo):

- 2008 “Citizen of the Year” - Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Sterling Awards

- Chairman – Support YCD Committee (Nanaimo Airport expansion project)

- Director – Nanaimo & District Museum Society

- First Vice-President – Tourism Nanaimo

- Chairman – Community Policing Advisory Board (CPAC)

- Member – City of Nanaimo Parking Committee

- Member – Downtown Nanaimo Partnership Business Development Committee

- Treasurer and Past Commodore – Loyal Nanaimo Bathtub Society

- Member and Past Director – Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

- Member and Past Director – Nanaimo City Centre Association

Previous Community Activities ( Nanaimo ):

- Chairman (Municipal Appointee) of Nanaimo Port Authority

- Commissioner (Federal Appointee) of Nanaimo Harbour Commission

- Chairman of Port Advisory Committee (PAC)

- Past President of Tourism Nanaimo

- Former Member of Nanaimo Conference Centre Committee

- Past Member of Nanaimo Parking Commission/Downtown Development Committee

- Former Government Appointee to the British Columbia Travel Advisory Board

- Former Member of Nanaimo Downtown Rotary Club

- Former Member of Nanaimo North Rotary Club

- Former Member of City of Nanaimo “Imagine Nanaimo” Committee

- Former Vice President of Nanaimo Jaycee Club

- Former Member and Pilot of Nanaimo Flying Club