sentences:  Ruthven was also a vocal supporter of the Brisbane Lions, after the 1997 merger of Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears.He was involved in the official unfurling ceremony of the Lions' 2001 premiership flag in Melbourne in April 2002, but failing health prevented him from being a part of the Lions' successful national tour with the 2002 premiership cup.On 14 March 2003, 34 days short of his 81st birthday, Ruthven died after suffering a stroke at Wangaratta Hospital.