Julian David Ruff

Julian “David” Ruff, 76, died Friday, September 1st, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana following a brief and unexpected battle with Acute Pancreatitis. He is survived by his children, son Terry Ruff, son Brandon Ruff, and daughter Kari Ruff; his siblings, sister Carolyn Gober and brother in-law Tommy Gober, and brother Oland Ruff and sister in-law Mitzi Ruff; his grandson Julien Kelly Ruff and granddaughter Carlisle Ruff; his partner of the last 6 years Dr. Annrose Guarino and her sister Nancy Bourgeois; niece Tammy Fitzner and niece Julie Myers; favorite nephew Ryan Ruff; ex-wife Charity Ruff; daughter in-law Candy Ruff, and his close friends. David was born in Marshall, TX to loving parents Julian “Frank” Ruff and Louise Ruff both of whom precede him in death. Shortly after high school, David joined and proudly served in the military during the Vietnam War as a Petty Officer in the United States Navy. He returned home safely, was honorably discharged from service, and with his family in Baton Rouge began a career with Exxon from which he retired. David had a passion for words. His poetry, quick wit, and humor were easily and often mixed in with most of his conversations. Whether in a heartfelt letter, a phone call to catch up, or just hanging in a living room, those who had the privilege of talking with him quickly discovered that he was quite the wordsmith. More often than not, you were left laughing and a little bit happier than you were. David enjoyed this as well. This creativity was extended to his love for music, and his ability on the piano, which he could play by ear, and often improvising pieces with his own imagination and flair. He was a tremendous talent, and true artist. David also loved spending time with his partner Annrose at his property on the river. Often hosting his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. Seeing his children and grandchildren succeed in their goals and their passions was very important to him. He enjoyed encouraging and motivating everyone to follow their heart and follow it well. This was captured perfectly in a letter to his son while he was in military basic training: “Usually when people accomplish something over a long period of time, their perspective of the goal itself is overshadowed by the recollection of the time and effort it took to reach it. You can do anything you want Brandon, but whatever you do, do it well and do it for yourself…” – Julian David Ruff He is gone too soon and will be dearly missed, but he will continue to be loved, and loved well. BELOVED DAD Written by Charity Ruff What makes a father transcend to a beloved Dad? Perhaps one could look through his children’s eyes and witness. The transformation. Some fathers are tall, and some are short, Some wear suits to work, and some wear jeans. One wore a hard hat, safety glasses, and a blue jumpsuit with seams. Every day like clockwork he would dress in his blue jumpsuit. And drive down the driveway to that mystery place called “work.” When it was time for his return at the end of the day His children would line up at the door to wait, anticipating his soon arrival. Because they knew his pockets were never empty but held for each a treat Such squeals of delight to see what he had brought them that day. What did you bring me today they would all say, Mama knew he was faithful to always bring the most important things, all the comforts for their home and a full table for his family. What do you do all day long at your work one son would ask? Why do you come home all sweaty and grimy, what is your task? Oh, I do crossword puzzles all day long he would reply with a grin! And that’s when that son determined to be just like him. Another son was hyper, jumping around all day, he never. Could sit still at all, as he dreamed of catching a huge fish someday. So, Dad arranged a trip to Sea world to see all the wonders of the deep And made sure his son had a front row seat. Suddenly there was such a splash. A great whale jumped straight up out of the water. So, close he felt he could touch that great fish. Wow Dad look at that! his son shouted with glee, What a sight to behold he never forgot. and ever after that He would sit just as still as could be and never even flinch. Because he loved fishing with Dad, baiting his line, Waiting and dreaming of catching that BIG FISH this time. There was a daughter when she was just about twelve, decided she wanted to play tennis. just like Dad. He took her along with him to see what it was all about as he played with his friend. She decided she loved the game and wanted to learn, So began a long journey of trial and error, tennis is a hard skill to learn you see. Dad taught her the basics and she learned that the game of tennis was a lot like life. You will win and you will lose but the most important thing is to be strong, resilient, persistent, and never give up. Dad’s gift of tennis opened for her such life opportunities, scholarships to attend college not in the least. But the most important thing to her was to make her dad proud. When the last son was just about 13, he decided he wanted to join the football team along with his friends. So off to school he went with thoughts in his head, well now l will see what this game is all about. He went to his first practice after school was out, and my oh my he sure learned some things that day, Seniors loved to push you around, push-ups are hard, and so is running around the track in the heat. He got home from school and went to his room, saying to himself all the while, I’m not going back there again. When Dad got home from work dressed in his blue jumpsuit all sweaty and tired He walked down the hall and stopped by his son’s room to see how practice went. The son said with tears in his eyes, I can’t go back Dad it’s just too hard. Dad’s answer to him was yes you can son, and you must. I will take you to practice myself. There was nothing left for him to do but go back and try again. So, the son became part of a great team and made many good friends. He enjoyed a wonderful four years of high school, as he learned the life lessons that. Dad hoped he would. You will not always win, it will be hard, it will take a lot of sweat and tears, and maybe some broken bones, but the lessons of persistence, hard work, reliance, and never giving up, always pay off in the game of LIFE. Yes, if you look through the eyes of his children, this beautiful man transcended the name of father to become his children’s BELOVED DAD.

Tributes

Julian David Ruff

January 24, 1947 - September 1, 2023