Bert Ruiter

Bert Ruiter (born 26 November 1946 – 14 March 2022) was a Dutch bass guitarist, record producer, and composer. He was best known for being the bassist for Focus from 1971 to 1978.

Ruiter was also the bassist for Earth and Fire from 1978 to 1990, later having a long-standing relationship with the group's lead vocalist Jerney Kaagman. They were together for over three decades, up until Bert's death from cancer in 2022.