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Lane Carl Ruoff

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Carnegie Mellon University

Lane Ruoff Obituary

Lane Carl Ruoff Passed away on 11/15/2010. He was born in Philadelphia on 11/21/1952, and attended Carnegie Mellon University as a Drama major. He was an accomplished actor, model, and vocalist. He is survived by his partner, Todd Willis, and by his brother, niece and nephew.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Nov. 23 to Nov. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Lane Ruoff

Sponsored by Al Worthington.

51 Entries

Todd Willis

November 20, 2010

I met Lane 11 years ago right here, at The Mint. He introduced himself and asked if I would like to audition for his vocal group: The Starry Knights. I was impressed with Lane's direct, sincere approach. He was a very handsome gentleman and we were both attracted to each other. I never auditioned for the group. Nevertheless, Lane and I developed a very special friendship afterwards. Two and a half years later, I invited him to join me on my first trip to Hawaii. We were an instant couple.
I finally joined The Starry Knights, first as recording engineer, then as baritone. Concurrently, I was conducting my chamber music group: the Pacific Wind Ensemble. It was a very memorable, musical time for Lane and I. We sometimes disagreed on musical direction, but mostly supported and encouraged each other.
Six years ago, we held our commitment ceremony here at The Mint. we were joined by family and friends. Our friend, and fellow Starry Knights bass, Eric Jansen, gave us a wonderful roast. Lane and I read our statements to each other in front of a captive audience. For me, the highlight of that event was the Everly Brothers duet I sang with Lane called "Let It Be Me".
Lane and I went everywhere together: San Diego, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, cruising the Mexican Riviera and the Caribbean, camping in the redwoods, Hawaii, and New York City. We were always there for each other, despite the occasional crisis and disagreement.
The last nine months were the most difficult. Lane´s body had weakened from repeated abdominal surgeries. His emotional state suffered as well. I was with him at the end, holding his hand and singing to him. I whispered in his ear, "you don´t have to hang on any longer, Lane." At 4:50pm, Monday, November 15th, 2010, he passed on and continued his journey. He will be missed.

Mike Persh

May 4, 2018

I see that this memory book website for Lane will be off line in 2019. I wanted to let folks know that I have recordings from 1966 or 1967 of Lane and the Lost Souls Band. For 14 or 15 year old kids the tracks are not bad, and with surprisingly good vocals! Please send me an email if you would like the clips. All the best.

Ben Aptaker

November 4, 2017

It is November 2017. I just learned of the passing of my high school friend Lane in 2010. Lane's name came up in a conversation which included a mention of the film 'The Warriors'. I learned from the final credits that Lane was one of the members of the baseball players gang. My sister then searched the internet to raise an article about Lane which included his death notice. I had heard that Lane was HIV-positive, but the news of his death was a shock.

Lane and I were very close. He was not out of the closet in those days, and the girls were all but tackling him.

Lane and I were in some plays together in high school. We were Jets together in West Side Story, and we had a wrestling match in The Teahouse of the August Moon, to name just two. He was very serious about acting.

Although he has been gone for years, the freshness of the news has left me feeling sad and nostalgic.

Gerrit (Lane called me Gary) Timmer

April 25, 2013

I met Lane in 1972 in New York. It was my apartment on Sullivan Street in which he lived shortly after arriving in the city. We met at a dance at the Gay Activists Alliance Firehouse, on a spiral staircase, where we literally stopped traffic. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen.(note the photo from 1972) I was smitten. Shortly afterward, he moved into my apartment, and we had a loving, fun, at times, tumultuous relationship. Lane had a wonderful singing voice, plus charisma, and was ambitious to get his career going. He was performing with Zit Blemish and the Hot Rods at the time. He was also very vulnerable and frightened, and sweet. I was a student at NYU. We were very young. He was a wonderful first love for me. Of course, as such, the relationship ran its course eventually, and Lane moved out and on to pursue his career. We would run into each other occasionally. Then, about 25 years ago, I ran into Lane in the Village one night when he was visiting from San Francisco. We caught up briefly on the street, and then he thanked me for having provided a secure and stable home for him when he first came to New York and for taking good care of him. It was very touching, and the last contact I had with him.

My partner and I have recently retired to Florida and I have started to do occasional google searches of people from my past. I guess it's an age thing. At any rate, tonight I thought of Lane,as I often do, fondly, and looked him up. I was saddened to learn that he has passed away. I guess we always carry memories of early loves, and wonder what has become of them, and what it would be like to see them again. I'm glad Lane had a good life, and that he was loved.

Matthew Gray

November 1, 2012

Lane, thank you for encouraging me to sing. For being a very sweet dear friend. You are one of the nicest men I have ever met. You had a heart of gold. You never gave up your decent respect for others even where there some very unconscious people testing your patience. And you were one hell of a great singer! You have influenced me in so many ways, and I will never forget you!

Jack Rasmussen

July 5, 2011

I got to sing with Lane and Todd from 2002 - 2004. I had to move back to the East Coast, but I still miss Lane and The Starry Knights. I am sure he is snapping his fingers on a corner of heaven.

Al Worthington

June 16, 2011

Look at me
I'm as helpless as a kitten up a tree
And I feel like I'm clinging to a cloud
I can't understand
I get misty
just holding your hand

Walk my way
and a thousand violins begin to play
Or it might be the sound of your hello
that music I hear
I get misty
the moment you're near

You can say that you're leading me on
But it's just what I want you to do.
Don't you notice how hopelessly I'm lost
That's why I'm following you
On my own
would I wander thro' this wonderland of love?
Never knowing my right foot from my left,
my hat from my gloves
I'm too misty
and too much in love.

First friend, first band, first to die; saddened by Lane's passing but there's a song I will always remember him by.

Sam Ross

January 4, 2011

Lane and I went back many years. He and I toured in Babes in Toyland together, my first Equity show. We were both kids! I fell in love with this handsome hunk of a man! We became friends, he was working as a travel agent and he arranged my first trip outside the USA now after 130 Countries I think back on all the fun we had being friends, performers, and just buddies.

Janet D

November 28, 2010

I had the great fortune to stand next to Lane for two straight years in high school choir. He had such a lovely voice. We used to kid each other about having to listen to each other sing in our ears. And we were in "Guys and Dolls" together in our senior year where he was such a handsome Sky Masterson. I had hoped to see him sing this holiday season with the GMC after finding out thru FB recently that we both resided in San Francisco. My condolences to Todd and all of Lane's family; a beautiful voice has left this earth to find a more beautiful place to sing.

Scott Walker

November 24, 2010

I had such a wonderful time during my year in the Starry Knights. It was exciting to learn from Lane, who had so much doo-wop running in his veins. He knew how to take a song and turn it into a real entertainment experience. What a gift it was to be a part of that! My thoughts are with you, Todd.

Dave Ruoff (nephew)

November 23, 2010

My Uncle and I always had a special bond between us. He was kinda like a mentor when I was growing up. We had a somewhat of a distant relationship but that never stopped us. We never lived close to each other. I was alway a kind of free spirit growing up. When I was little I remember telling my friends in Elem. School my Uncle was a actor in the Superman movie and did commercials etc. He was the coolest to me and I bragged about him. When I was youger and a teen he used to send me some of his music recordings (awesome stuff) to listen too along with a few letters, and or a letter on tape the size of a small book. He always had alot of good wisdom in those letters too. I should have probably taken more of it. LOL! He could always relate to me in one way or another.Or me to him. He always showed genuine interest in my life and doings.I always respected and appreciated that my entire life. I only saw him a handful of times through out my life, but they were always great times when we did get to spend time together. When we got to talk on the phone we never ran out of things to talk about and he always made me feel loved. I am very deeply saddened by his passing and hope He reads this wherever his journey takes Him.I only wish I could have talked to him one last time, I do and always will love you Unk. Our Hearts and Prayers go out to Todd and the rest of Uncle Lanes Family and Friends....God's Blessings to All.

Jen Snyder

November 22, 2010

This memorial website is a beautiful tribute to Uncle Lane. Todd, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for everything you have done.

Carol..........Chip's mom

November 22, 2010

I was so glad when Chip found someone to share his life with, and Lane seemed to be the perfect person for him. They had so much in common. They made each other happy. We shared almost every holiday together, and I will always keep those memories alive in my heart and soul. I know Lane is going to be missed by a multitude of people. I'm one of those people......

Bill Bauman, AHS, '70

November 22, 2010

I, too, was part of that Abington High School group that met at one anothers' houses on Friday nights (it was our alternative to the yucky Friday school dances). How I longed to be as talented and popular as he. I remember a group of us going to Philly to see him in the tour company of Grease; disappointed that he wasn't on that night, but he was there, watching the show from the house right box. We recently re-connected when he reached out to me via Facebook - discussing supportive opportunities for young people in theatre and music (I work for PA Youth Theatre & the Moravian College Theatre Company.) A real charmer - I'm certain he's with my other talented friends who have gone before. May they have found a place where all is kind and good. My sincere condolences to you, Todd. May time and the love of others heal your heart.

S. Lovett

November 22, 2010

My heartfelt sympathies to the Ruoff Family on their loss. May your joyous memories comfort you now and later. Know that the God of peace has given us a hope. May that Hope rest in your heart until the Day when you may see him again. Acts 24:15

Nancy B. Claflin

November 21, 2010

Rest in peace Lane. You, Biff, Jeff, and Gary Ermelin are together again in choir...God's Heavenly Choir...and Dad is on the follow spot!
Nancy B. Claflin, AHS '76

Barb Kelly

November 21, 2010

What fond memories of Lane in high school. He was part of our group and what fun we had. It was so nice to reconnect thru FB. He was so talented and he will be missed. Todd, you are in our thoughts and prayers. As Dan Markgraf said, he is part of the heavenly choir now and it is enriched by his presence.

Chris Tracy

November 21, 2010

Thank you for including the music clips of Lane's arrangements and vocals; I remember those same arrangements as a baritone with "The Dream" with Lane, Jay, John & Paul, and smiled reading the memories that so reflect his varied nature. I'm grateful that he shared his gift of music with me and all of you, and glad that he found a partner in Todd with whom he could share a life.

Margaret Harberger Hadley

November 21, 2010

The memories are many, and all of them are good. Lane was part of our extended family during high school years. We acted together, sang together, worshipped together, partied and played together. I remember a moment one evening in the darkened sanctuary of our church when we were reflecting on life, and the challenges of being a teenager, preparing for adulthood. Lane was trying to discern how he "fit" in God's plan. The grace with which he lived his life, in a time when acceptance was hard to find...that is one of his many legacies. He spoke to me of the gratitude he had for our little "gang" of high school friends, all of whom remember him with love. Another beautiful voice has been added to the heavenly choir. He lives on in every song we sing. Todd, thank you for loving and supporting Lane to the end. While many of us are strangers to you, you are also part of our "family", and I hope you can feel the caring and support we are sending your way.

Susan Ward DeLaurentis

November 21, 2010

I will always remember the years that Lane and I traveled the state for the Nat'l Association for Retarded Children. I had started a group at our Abington High School, in Abington Pa. and Lane was President. We also sang in Concert Choir together, acted in the hi school plays. We went to a "memorable" junior prom with our dates together with a group of 6 couples and enjoyed a post prom party at a mutual friends house, Barb Kelly. "Memorable" because Lane was dating a girl at that time who was of Brazil I think, Claudia, and when they fought, she would yell at him in Spanish. They had broken up before the prom and "had" to go together because the tickets were purchased, gowns fitted etc. It was a very interesting evening!

We only reconnected thru Facebook, a short while ago, but I was so happy to hear from him and to know he was happy and in a long term relationship.

I am so sorry that he was taken too early.

Dan Markgraf

November 21, 2010

Lane was my best friend in high school - we shared adventures, family, church, acting, music, in general life. We made those formative years happy and interesting and for me unforgetable. While we had our falling out, once Lane went to college, we recently had reconnected and had started down the path of foregiveness and new friendship. Now my friend's life here is over, but his journey has just begun as a "welcoming angel" to the hereafter. May he always live on in our memories.

Mike Persh

November 21, 2010

I knew Lane as a friend and band-mate just a short, few years when I lived in Glenside, PA from about 1963 to 1967. I haven't, and I won't, forget him. My dad shot some video of a live performance of The Lost Souls in 1967. I uploaded it to YouTube...although the memory of that day and time blurs with subsequent shows, that performance has stood out for me as a blast!

As they say, it has been a long strange trip...I'm very sorry to hear of Lane's passing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcvDNgPHreI

Donna Buck-Johnson

November 20, 2010

I knew Lane from our time together at Abington High School. Always a smile and a genuine nice guy. My most vivid memories are of Lane's performances on stage in our high school plays. I am deeply sorry for your loss Todd.

November 20, 2010

We are very sorry to hear about Lane´s passing.
We have been fortunate to enjoy Lane´s talent for many years through The Mint Karaoke stage.
Lane has always shined in his professionalism, knowledge and talent, whether he was singing a solo or directing a special blend of vocals featuring his own original musical arrangements.
It was obvious from the beginning when Lane and Todd met, they shared something "very special" in their personal relationship as well as their musical interests in which they both performed together.
Our hearts are with Todd and Lane´s family. We are very thankful for the smile, music and talent that Lane shared with us all. Jacquie and Marcia

Glenn Ruoff

November 20, 2010

Memories of my brother began when he was born into our family in 1952. I was already 12 years old and had to get used to a little brother that always wanted to 'tag along' with me. He was a feisty little guy always interested in music and acting and was encouraged by my parents, Amy and Al. As he matured he followed his dream. Memories of Lane will always be with me.

Donna Buck Johnson

November 20, 2010

I knew Lane from our years together at Abington High School. He always had a smile and was a genuinely nice person. But mostly I remember his stage presence during our high school plays - he had "it" even then. Todd I am so very sorry for your loss.

Ronnie Maynard

November 20, 2010

I knew Lane at Abington High School...we had many classes together..he always had a smile and was very friendly.
Todd, I am sorry for your loss and know that there are people who care. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Miriam Moore

November 19, 2010

I'll always remember Lane from long Saturday afternoons at the Mint. Songs would be interspersed with slightly rambling conversations about our mutually eclectic taste in music as well as whatever the passing scene might be that day.

He was funny, charming, erudite, and incredibly talented. I mostly associate him with 50's and 60's pop, but he could also do Country, Rock and Jazz.

Lane was part of my Mint family and I will miss him greatly.

Lane in a somber mood - (1972) - Photo by Ted Benz

November 20, 2010

Lane by Tree - (1972) - Photo by Ted Benz

November 20, 2010

Prior to SFGMC Holidy Concert - (12/2009)

November 20, 2010

Humorous Album Cover - I created this "album cover" for The Starry Knights in 2004.

November 20, 2010

Starry Knights at KQED Performance - (2004)

November 20, 2010

The Hit Computers - (1968)

November 20, 2010

Lane's 1998 Head Shot - (1998)

November 20, 2010

The Dream at Westbeth Theatre - (1979)

November 20, 2010

Curt Davis Review of The Dream

November 20, 2010

Lane, 18 years of age

November 20, 2010

Lane and Todd - Golden Gate Park - (2005)

November 19, 2010

Lane at the Beach

November 19, 2010

Lane's Tuxedo Shot - (2000)

November 19, 2010

Lane and his Tiki Torches - (2007)

November 19, 2010

The Dream - (1980)

November 19, 2010

Zit Blemish and the Hot Rods - (1972)

November 19, 2010

Modeling Shot - (1972) - Photo by Ted Benz

November 19, 2010

Grease National Tour - (1977)

November 19, 2010

Burger King Commerical - (1978)

November 19, 2010

The Great American Dream - (1979) - The first iteration of "The Dream", an a capella doo-wop group that Lane performed and later directed.

November 19, 2010

David Krasner

December 14, 2020

I went to school at Carnegie Mellon with Lane. Great person. Sadly will be missed

Drew Channer

May 3, 2018

I am so sorry to hear of Lane's passing! We used to work together back in the 80s. Lane was very thoughtful and spiritual person. We had many talks on Buddhism back in the day. He will be missed.

Scott Hinkal

March 9, 2017

I knew him when we were both young. He was a very outgoing and engaging. I lost track of him and was sorry to hear of his passing.

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