Remembering William Ruff

We are sorrowful over the loss of beloved father, brother, professor, photographer, peer counselor, botanist, astronomer, skier, songwriter, comedian, musician, mentor, and friend & inspiration to many, “Your Highness” William Randolph Ruff (October 10 1948 – May 19 2020).

This website offers an opportunity to celebrate and remember William’s profound impact on many lives across the southeast and beyond. Please visit the links above to share your memories of Bill and learn ways you can support the continuation of his legacy in lieu of flowers by contributing to causes he held near and dear.

We hope the offerings here will help us all find inspiration despite his absence, through uplifting the courage and compassion he exemplified in his life. Thank you for helping us celebrate this amazing human being.

Click the links above to view William’s accomplishments, share your memories, find inspiration, and contribute to the causes he loved most in his honor.

Thank you to all who joined us on Summer Solstice for a Celebration of Life for William Ruff. Click here to request access to view William’s Celebration of Life, held online Summer Solstice June 20, 2020.

William was a prolific songwriter.
Enjoy two of his songs, “Hold On” and “Red Wheels in the Sunset”
Hold On (for Kenny Wiechens) (c) 2006
Red Wheels in the Sunset (c) 2016

Those Who Came Before

Inscribed at Bryce Memorial Hospital, Spring 2010

The anguish of broken minds surrounds and overwhelms us.
But those who suffered yesterday enlighten us and open doors once sealed.
Let us now remember their sacrifice, so that we may live better lives today,
As our children will surely do tomorrow.

– William Randolph Ruff