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Richard Ruef Obituary
While at Riordan, Rich showed his artistic talent by drawing some of the funniest and goriest posters for various students in our class running for office. Many of these drawings and posters were in the same league as the cartoons in Mad Magazine. After graduation, Rich joined the Marines becoming a squad leader and promoted to meritorious PFC upon completion of Boot Camp. He qualified for Basic Electronics training eventually becoming a Guided Missile Fire Control Technician. After graduating with a meritorious promotion to Corporal, he was assigned to Twenty Nine Palms and finished his enlistment there in 1958.
Rich became an apprentice Electrician in 1959 and spent the next 35 years as a tech and roving troubleshooter on electronic gear and newspaper drive equipment, traveling the western world repairing press controllers and designing systems for newspapers.
After marrying his sweetheart, Cass, they raised two daughters, both of whom have earned a PhD. Their oldest, Anna Marie, is a Clinical Psychologist practicing in New Hampshire and raising Rich's only grandchild, Rose. Barbara Jean holds a Doctorate in Molecular Biology/Bio-Chemistry and is now at the University of Oregon working as curator of a genetic database for an outside organization. On September 8, 2012 Rich and Cass will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
After the Marines, Rich ventured into various "outside activities" such as joining the American Motorcycle Association and racing motorcycles.
He tried TT racing and Flat Track and succeeded in twice breaking his "sliding shoe" foot and ruining his knee. Rich raced at West Sacramento Speedway, Selma Speedway and did some scrambling down in the Half Moon Bay area. He also drove drag boats during the infancy of the sport, with his brother-in-law's boat becoming, at the time, the "Fastest Flat Bottom" in No. California. That is until he flipped the boat at Kingsburg, Ca while doing 98 mph through the clocks. He ended up with a badly cut leg and shin but otherwise survived.
Later Rich got into sailing after buying an El Toro for his girls to sail at the Lafayette reservoir. This soon led to a Daysailer followed quickly by a 26 ft. Columbia sloop.
Next came crewing a friend' s sprint car. Friday nights at Baylands Speedway were great. The car's engine was bought with the proceeds from his boat sale. He was sad about selling the sailboat but his girls were away in college and his wife hated the water so he traded interests for the thrills of auto racing.
After some surgery on his knee which he had wrecked years before on the bikes, Rich retired from the IBEW in 1994 and then took up Water Color painting, taking classes at the local Senior Center.
Rich started exhibiting and sold a few of his works. He joined the Las Juntas art group and the Calif. Water Color Assoc. and entered numerous exhibits with various results. When he moved to Lincoln, CA he planned to continue the artwork but fell into photo work instead.
Hoping to amass a database of scenes for his artwork Rich purchased a top of the line camera then submitted a few shots to the local paper and soon was fully into this form of art. As he says "I hung up my brushes" so to speak!
Rich has been shooting rodeo now for 10 years. He started out by covering the local District #3 rodeos of the Calif. High School Rodeo Assoc. which were published in the Lincoln News Messenger. One of these rodeo photos, along with another photo of Folkloric dancers won Photo of the Year honors in 2002 and 2006 in a competition among the 60 papers in the organization.
Rich joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) in 2003, becoming one of their official photographers and now covers various California and Nevada rodeos including the PRCA Tour rodeos in Reno, Salinas and Laughlin. He also works other rodeos including Oakdale, Auburn, Marysville, Folsom, Livermore, Santa Maria, Truckee and Hayward's Rowell Ranch and also occasionally covers the National Senior Pro Rodeo Tour in California and Arizona.
Rich's photos have been seen in various publications, newspapers and internet web pages such as the PRCA's Pro-Rodeo Sports News magazine, Spin-2-Win magazine, Humps-NHorns, Naples magazine, The Competitor, ESPN's web site and the PRCA's web site.
Various rodeos have used his photos in programs, daysheets and as PR for their rodeos including the Auburn Wild West Stampede, Reno Rodeo, Truckee Rodeo, Oakdale Rodeo, Laughlin River Stampede, Folsom Rodeo, the California Rodeo at Salinas, and the Grand National in S.F.
Working inside the arena, Rich has taken a lot of bumps, bites and kicks, in the ten years, from horses and bulls but he claims to love it. "Great animals and great contestants to be around."
In an incident at Auburn in 2008, a saddle bronc got Rich with a nice kick to his right leg, "mashed it good", and days later, after not taking good care of it, he ended up in the ER at Roseville having a surgeon open up the wound to drain it, followed by five days in the hospital. In addition, internal bleeding and infection had caused a bunch of problems with his heart, kidneys et al. Fortunately he was ready to roll again after two months of homecare and daily nurses visits.
In addition to all these activities Rich managed to design the logo for our 50th Reunion polo shirts and our Class Reunion banner. Currently Rich has submitted a design for the logo for our Class of 1955 Newsletter. You'll see it at the top of the front page.
Rich is currently a member of the following rodeo organizations: The PRCA, Cal Pro Rodeo Circuit, NSPRA and the CHSRA, and recently became a committee member of the Auburn Wild West Stampede serving as their official photographer.
He's also a member of the following professional organizations: National Press Photographers Assoc., S.F. Bay Area Press Photographers Assoc., SportsShooters, Nikon Pro Services, SCLH Vets Club, and the Semper Fi Assoc.
Born: Oct 20, 1937 in San Francisco, California
Died: Feb 06, 2015 in Lincoln, California
About: US Marine Corps, Semper Fi Association, Archbishop Riordan High School Alumni, Professional Rodeo Photographers Association, National Press Photographers Association, S.F. Bay Area Press Photographers Association, SportsShooters, Nikon Pro Services, SCLH Vets Club
Obituary
Richard Edward Ruef, age 77, passed away at home in Lincoln, CA on February 6, 2015. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Cass, daughters Anna Marie and Barbara and their spouses, and grandchild Rose. Rich was born in San Francisco in 1937. After graduating from Riordan HS he served in the US Marine Corps and then worked as an electrician for 35 years. Rich had many interests, which reflected both his creative and adventurous sides. Some of these were: racing motorcycles and drag boats; sailing; crewing a sprint car; hiking and biking; watercolor painting; and his special and long lasting interest, photography. He greatly enjoyed being an official photographer for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Rich will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. Donations in Rich's name can be made to the Riordan HS Class of 1955 Memorial Scholarship (415-586-8200, x. 231) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).
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March 22, 2015
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Rich's photo of Folklorico dancers - (2002) - 2002 Photo of the Year--weeklies Lincoln News Messenger
February 22, 2015
Rich and family at Hoover Dam - (1971)
February 16, 2015
Rich and girls on vacation, Bakersfield - (1969)
February 16, 2015
Rich and daughters at desert property - (1969)
February 16, 2015
Visiting an old prison while on vacation - (1971)
February 16, 2015
Rich with his grandmother - (1938)
February 16, 2015
Sledding with family - (1969)
February 16, 2015
Rich, Cass, Fran at godson's baptism - (1967)
February 16, 2015
Rich on his motorcycle - (1960)
February 16, 2015
With family at swim meet - (1976)
February 16, 2015
Rich's high school I.D.--Junior year - (1953)
February 16, 2015
Working on a printing press - (1969)
February 16, 2015
Rich and Cass on mountaintop
February 15, 2015
Relaxing at the summit
February 15, 2015
February 15, 2015
A glimpse of the "mancave"
February 15, 2015
One of Rich's sunset shots
February 15, 2015
"Reflections" photo
February 15, 2015
Rich's motorcycle racing jersey & plate
February 15, 2015
Rich at a rodeo
February 15, 2015
Ruef family in San Francisco - (1945)
February 15, 2015
Shooting from the fence
February 14, 2015
Shooting at rodeo
February 14, 2015
Rich working on car in SF driveway
February 14, 2015
Mary, Anna, Cassy, Charlie and Rich
February 14, 2015
With roadbike in living room (!) - (Well, at least they were replacing the flooring at the time...)
February 14, 2015
Rich with mountain bike
February 14, 2015
Rich and sister Cassy - (1940)
February 14, 2015
Rich with granddaughter Rose - (2009) - (Broken hand from being thrown by bull in arena)
February 14, 2015
Rich doing a "century" on his bike - (1989)
February 14, 2015
In the arena
February 14, 2015
Rich with his roadbike in Lafayette - (1989)
February 14, 2015
Rich with Matchless - (1960)
February 14, 2015
Cass and Rich
February 14, 2015
Rich and Cass at home in Colma
February 14, 2015
Rich with sprintcar
February 14, 2015
Evading a bull (barely)
February 14, 2015
February 14, 2015
Rich in Anchorage, AK newspaper - (1969)
February 14, 2015
Rich and great-nephew Richard
February 14, 2015
February 14, 2015
Cassy, Anna, Mary and Rich in Sonora - (2014)
February 14, 2015
With motorcycle at parents' home in SF - (1960)
February 14, 2015
"on the Bar" watercolor
February 14, 2015
Rich and Cass at a wedding in Lincoln
February 14, 2015
Rich at home with parrot Harry
February 14, 2015
Rich's USMC portrait
February 14, 2015
Marine Corps birthday - (2000)
February 14, 2015
Rich's Riordan HS graduation photo - (1955)
February 14, 2015
Rich, Cassy and Charlie
February 14, 2015
On a walk with family in Lincoln Hills - (2014)
February 14, 2015
February 25, 2015
Rich and Cass are wonderful neighbors.
Rich always had a smile on his face. We would meet often at the mail box, and exchange greetings and small bits of information. Rich took great pride in his photos of rodeo events, and other community activities. He was a very proud Marine, and a stalwart American
patriot. Cass, the sweet and loving neighbor, would greet us with warmth and love. We are thankful to have had such
a limited but rich relationship with Rich. What a man! He will be missed.
Dick and Arlene Huser
Kim Gay
February 23, 2015
Dear Aunt Cassy, Anna and Barbs,
I can't imagine the pain you are going through with the loss of your husband and father. Aunt Cassy, I always admired and looked up to your loving and loyal marriage. Anna and Barbs, it's always hard losing a parent no matter what your age, but know that he was a great example of a family man that anyone would be proud of.
I am very proud and lucky to have him as my uncle. I say "have" because it's hard to believe that he has passed and I am deeply shocked and saddened. I always looked up to Uncle Rich, who was funny, kind, intelligent, thoughtful and resourceful. He was our "go to" guy for things like finances, photography, technology, and travel...just to name a few.
Some of my fondest childhood memories were spent with your family, and I always enjoyed my visits to your house. My memories of Uncle Rich are many, but my favorites are: evenings playing Monopoly with him, and how he wouldn't let us girls go to bed until HE won the game. Him scaring us girls from outside of the bedroom window at nightwas he wearing Aunt Cassy's pantyhose over his head?? And often after dinner he would rub his stomach and announce to Aunt Cassy that we girls looked like we wanted ice creamso he could have some too.
I want to offer you my deepest condolences. And, though we don't see each other often, always know that we are forever family, we love you very much, and are always here for you.
All my sincere deepest love and prayers.
Milady P
February 20, 2015
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Mr Ruef but after reading his obituary and some of the entries in the guest book I was compelled to offer my most deepest and sincerest sympathies to his families and friends. Mr. Ruef was a well loved man. May the God of tender mercies and all comfort take notice of your grief and give you the inner peace you need.
Diana Gay-Catania
February 19, 2015
Aunt Cassy, Anna and Barbara - You must be proud to read so many testimonials to a life well lived, such positive energy at such a painful time. I know that I was always impressed with how fully engaged in life Uncle Rich always was, how completely he would give himself over to his interests, and to master them. It looks like photography was one that really lasted. I remember being one of his early models, as a 10-year-old, a full 50 years ago.
It's been years since I'd seen him, but I don't expect that I will forget him. My sincerest condolences.
February 17, 2015
Good bye dear friend.
Cass, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love Lou and Jean Lencioni
Anna Marie Ruef
February 17, 2015
I love you, Dad.
Anna Calleja
February 16, 2015
My dear brother Rich.
I admired you from afar as we grew older and lived in different cities. You always had so many fields of expertise that you were good at. You would learn about something and then move to a new subject of interest once you had conquered everything about it. Amazing! An expert in playing pool, shooting guns, making a pattern and sewing a dress for Cass, drag racing, playing horse-shoes, drawing with india ink, (the sultan you painted on the dash board of Dad's '57 Chevy), expertly painting with water color, riding motor cycles, driving racing boats, photographing, editing those photos, and many more inventive thoughts you had.
I'll never forget the pride I felt when I was a little girl and you rode me down the street on your shoulders when you came home from the Marines. I was so proud of you and always agreed to spit shine your boots because of that pride.
I remember all the funny things you did as a teenager. The stories you would tell mom, how you would call her, imitating a Brother at Riordan High School, complaining about all the trouble her son was causing, breaking the rules and how they planned to discipline him. The phony murders you and your friends would plan, driving a car filled with friends, one made up with ketchup to simulate blood - so the old woman' sitting there at West Portal Tunnel, waiting for the Street Car would scream aghast at the fellow thrown from the car, dead. Walking down Market Street, wrapped up like a mummy and all the other things you did with friends as a lark.
You always seemed to know everything even when we were older, or should I say you always had an opinion. It feels like a part of me is missing now because your emails will not come anymore, your phone calls will cease. You led a very diverse and fun life Rich.
Thanks to Cass, The Wonderful One' for being there all those years, she, who has always stood beside you with love and helped to lead you down the path of love and friendship. You landed a wonderful girl, you hit the jackpot when you found her.
Thanks for loving me enough to name your daughter after me, a fact I wasn't aware of until a few years ago, for helping me out when Joe passed away, for caring about me. I'm missing you now and will until we meet again, if you see Joe give him a hug for me.
I Love you Richie, Anna
Vernon Waligora
February 16, 2015
Rich Ruef made me feel invincible. His accomplishments will be talked about for many moons. A very sad moment in our Riordan family. I am personally sorry for his families loss.
Paul Osborn
February 16, 2015
Rich was a good High school friend of mine and, even then, was a fantastic artist drawing pictures and cartoons that would have made Mad Magazine green with envy. We re-connected about ten years ago and I truly enjoyed his accomplishments in his new media, photography. Although I had not seen Rich in years, we corresponded regularly via email and his humor and friendship came through in all his emails to me.
Rich, I will sorely miss you. Thanks for coming back into my life if only for a brief time. We'll meet again bro.
Paul Osborn - Archbishop Riordan High School, Class of 1955
Marv Haukaas
February 16, 2015
Hi Cass, Anna and Barbara,
I am truly sorry that Rich passed. Whatever he was involved with he would put his whole heart and soul into. I enjoyed his friendship over the past 40 years. We have lost a great man.
Much Love,
February 16, 2015
The Ruef Family is in our prayers hoping that they will find some comfort from them. At this difficult time we are aware of the suffering you are going through and willl continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers.
Rich (Class of 1955-Riordan) and Teena Caselli
Don Huth
February 16, 2015
I regret the loss of Rich who was a steady correspondent and an accomplished artist.The family has my deepest sympathy.
Don Huth
Eva Scofield
February 16, 2015
Mrs. Reuf and family,
Praying for God's comfort in this difficult time. I never had the honor or pleasure of ever personally meeting or working with Rich, but I know how highly regarded he has been amongst his fellow PRCA photographers and, along with them, have enjoyed seeing his images in rodeo publications. He will be greatly missed by all.
Very Respectfully,
Eva Scofield
PRCA Photographer
Scofield Photography
Richard & Sandra Levine
February 16, 2015
Hello Cass, Barbara and Anna Marie,
We are so sorry for your loss He truly loved capturing the spirt of our sport ..
All the Best to you and your Family,
Lots of Love,
Richard & Sandra
Richard Field Levine
Photography
Jim Fain
February 16, 2015
Cass & family,
Deepest condolences on your loss.
Jim Fain
PRCA Photographer
Marty Welter
February 16, 2015
I would like to extend my sympathy to Rich's family. Although I did not know Rich, I always enjoyed seeing his images. He will be missed.
Marty Welter
PRCA Photographer
Mike & Iona Copeman
February 16, 2015
Our sincerest condolences to Cass Ruef and the family on the passing of Rich. I never had the privilege of working with Rich, but I did get to enjoy his photographs in PSN. His contributions will be missed. Rich and his family will be in our prayers.
Sincerely, Mike and Iona
Mike Copeman Photography
Kay Kanter
February 16, 2015
Dear Mrs. Ruef,
The legacy of your husband and his photography work has set a standard with us at the PRCA and other rodeo photographers across this great nation. I pray for strength and endurance for your family. My deepest sympathy goes out to you.
With Kind Regards, Kay Kanter
Kay Kanter
Artist/Commercial/PRCA rodeo Photographer
Kay Kanter Photography
www.KayKanterPhotography.com
801.403.7806
Mike Sanko
February 16, 2015
Cass, Barbara, and Anna Marie,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Rich was a true friend in every sense of the word. His cowboy spirit, Marine Corps values, and love for photography and rodeo are the things I admired about him. He had a wonderful impact on my life. I can't imagine a day going by without thinking about him. In my heart, Rich will always be in the arena with me. May you now find solace in the love of our Lord.
.sincerely,
Mike Sanko
PRCA Photographer
Studio California Photography
www.studiocaphoto.com
[email protected]
650.242.8700 (h)
650.346.3217 (c)
Mike Sanko
February 14, 2015
Gail Dummer
February 13, 2015
Cass, Anna, and Barbara - I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Rich as the supportive father of two swimmers (Anna and Barbara), as the rescuer of a bird in distress (Bandit), and as a family friend. My thoughts and sympathy are extended to your family.
Dudley Barker
February 13, 2015
my condolences
Archbishop Riordan High School
February 12, 2015
The faculty staff and students of Archbishop Riordan High School send their deepest sympathy to the Ruef family. You are in our prayers
Mary Johnston
February 12, 2015
I am the fourth of the "Ruef" siblings. Rich has always been a solid rock of our family and he will be greatly missed. My memories are of 32nd Avenue in San Francisco and Twin Creeks in summer and they will keep our family together in the future.
Rich was a blessed man to meet and marry Cass. She was his rock and they had Anna and Barb and now their families. He was a very proud grandpa of Rose Paulina. A good life for any man.
Rich your website is silent now and I miss it so. Please give my love to everyone wherever you are. Until we meet again.
All my love, Mary
Katherine Somervell
February 11, 2015
I always thought my best friend, Anna, had the coolest dad. He raced motorcycles, sailboats, and let Anna watch "Night Gallery." When we were 8 or 9 Anna would regale us with stories from Night Gallery -- the spider that kept coming back, the earwig in the brain. Wow. My dad never let US watch such cool stuff. Anna had a sleepover at her house when we were in third grade -- all the lights were out when suddenly her dad showed up at the window with a flashlight shining in his face. He scared the bejeepers out of us! I still treasure these memories. Rich was a great dad and I know he'll be deeply missed by Anna, Barbara and Cass. My heart goes out to you all.
Flying U Rodeo Company
February 11, 2015
We, the Flying U Rodeo family and crew are deeply saddened with the loss of our dear friend Rich. He was a wonderful photographer. He gave us many beautiful and exciting photos that he took at our shows. He will be missed, not only for his photographs but we will also miss his kind and friendly face at rodeos. Our sincere condolences to Rich's family. Happy Trails Pardner, until we meet again.
Cotton & Karin Rosser
Livermore Rodeo Bareback Winner Brian Bain on 355 Juice Queen
Shoni Jones
February 11, 2015
I received this email from Barbara Ruef yesterday, and was to shocked to even know what to say here.
I met Rich about 14-15 years ago, when he first started shooting high school rodeo, that seems like just yesterday.
He was an amazing man, who had such enthusiasm about shooting his rodeo! Oh, and he was SO excited when he got to shoot his first professional rodeo! He was almost bouncing when he came in the office to tell us.
He went out of his way once to get me a shoot of my favorite bull at the time Reindeer Dipping.. I still have that and so many more he gave me.
One of my favorite Rich photos - Livermore Rodeo, Bareback winner Brian Bain on 355 Juice Queen, had to admire the determination in rider and horse. Just like Rich..
The little kid came out again when he shot photos at Gladding McBean and then for the Lincoln Arts Feats of Clay - I am looking at the last poster he created for the 25th year celebration, that never happened.
I guess I know why I haven't had a beautiful sunrise photo in a while..
I'm so sorry for your loss, our loss too.
Dan Larsen
February 11, 2015
I had only known Rich for the past few years having met him thru our mutual friend Ray Andrejewski. Rich was always filled with energy & enthusiasm to the ultimate level. Rich would, on occasion, e-mail pictures to me of rodeo events that he had taken & I was always impressed at his adventurous nature & love of Rodeos. Rich will be missed by many & remembered by all. My sincere thoughts & prayers to his loving family & friends. Rich was a Good Man.
Jinichiro Shibahara
February 11, 2015
I just received the email from Ms.Barbara Ruef on Wednesday, February 11th of the Japan time. I lost my words when I read that email...
I met Mr. Ruef only twice at PRCA rodeos in Oakdale 2007 and Salinas 2008.
He shot me in Oakdale and I used that photo when I had interview with one of biggest National news paper in Japan.
When I was in Colorado for a PRCA rodeo in 2008, Ms. Yoko handed me her phone and said it was from Mr. Ruef. He said, Jean, if you'd cover your bull tonight, I'll pay for your entry fee. A week later he sent me a check. So he kept his word.
A week before Christmas last year, I sent him season's greeting and mentioned about retirement. He sent me back and mentioned about his cancer. That was the last email I received from him...
I wrote him back with a photo of me and my wife. Hope he saw that.
Only I can tell him is huge thanks. It is great honor to meet great photographer like him.
Shirley Schultz
February 10, 2015
Dear Cass, Anna, and Barbara,
My deepest sympathy to each of you in the loss of your beloved husband and father. Rich was a special person. He was probably the first person I met here at Sun City Lincoln Hills 15 years ago when he was next door inspecting the new home of his sister-in-law, Fran. We have been friends ever since. I have a "Rich Ruef" folder in my g-mail account with all the pictures and articles that he sent. What a treasure! My Richard preceded him to the pearly gates by 14 months, so I am sure that the two of them are telling big stories and capturing beautiful pictures. Eternal rest and peace Rich, and may your sorrow be healed, Cass, Anna, and Barbara.
Shirley Schultz
Tom Murphy
February 10, 2015
I remember how affected Rich was by the 21 gun salute the marines did for dad when we were burying him. I was touched by his deep solidarity with my Dad as a fellow marine. This was layered upon our ongoing connection as family growing up in the City, but also our extended families in Lafayette, where Anna and Barbara helped babysit our kids, as well as the church community we shared. I am thankful for Rich's life and all the people he touched through it. I mourn him.
Cassy McDonald
February 10, 2015
Peace to you Cass,Anna and Barbara You made a full and fun life for my brother. I know I'll think of him every time I see that cowboy jumping the fence in the rodeo ring. Wonderful pictures of beautiful morning skies and a beautiful young girl in a play will be memories of him too. Rest in peace Rich. Love Cassy
Semper Fi.......Rich
Bob & Lorraine Stackhouse
February 10, 2015
Dear Cass, Anna and Barbara,
On behalf of myself and the Lincoln Hills Veterans Group, Please Accept our Deepest Sympathy.
I don't remember when I first met Rich but it must have been at a Veterans Group Meeting not long after we moved here in 1999.Our interests paralleled in many ways. Both veterans in the same era with a love for our country and its ideals. Our interest in Photography and his expertise convinced me to invest in NIKON cameras. The camaraderie we shared with all of our friends especially the coffee meetings at Bill Laws house.
It is heartwarming to know that His Legacy is embedded and endowed in the thousands of photographs he produced by his keen eye and zest for perfection throughout his lifetime.
Semper Fi.....Rich
Jack McCloskey
February 10, 2015
Semper Fi! Marine
Report to the Supreme Commandant
Ed Degliantoni
February 10, 2015
My regrets to the Family. I had the gift of going to High School with Rich and knowing that we served in the Marine Corps. What a guy. Also talking with Rich about his Rodeo photography and the fact that he knew my in laws from Red Bluff, the Growney Family, who are in the rodeo business.
Rich will be added to my prayers until I join him.
Ed Degliantoni
Yoko Kobayashi
February 10, 2015
"Kon-nichiwa" was the first word I heard from Rich: That was 11 years ago at the Livermore Rodeo in my first year of Rodeo photography. 11 days ago, we were talking about photographing the Oakdale over a pizza lunch together with Cass at their home. In-between, Rich was my Rodeo father and taught me all the little details involved in each event. I could not have asked for any better mentor than Rich.
Every year when the Auburn Wild West Stampede came, Rich & Cass generously took me into their home and made the shooting more fun than usual. It will be difficult to imagine the Rodeo arena without his presence, but his legacy will live on in his Rodeo kid(s).
Hope you are enjoying your new pair of boots!
Amy-Jo White
February 10, 2015
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Rich! I will miss his sunshining face coming into my work to show me the latest pictures he had taken of my son Luke!
He and Bob Elliott were my eyes when I couldn't be at a rodeo to watch him! I am sure they are swapping photos in heaven!
My deepest sympathey to the Ruef family! Thank you for sharing such a kind man with his extended rodeo family!
Charlie Ruef
February 10, 2015
Dear Cass,Anna and Barbara I'm deeply sorry for the passing of my brother. My brother that use to beat me up will be missed. Love from brother Charlie
Kitty Sutcliffe
February 10, 2015
My family is so sad to hear the passing of a great man. Richard supported my family with kindness in so many ways. With the e-mail my son, Jon, special photos of horses that he'd taken and thought that Jon would enjoy seeing. Taking the many pictures of the kidos and events for Ride To Walk Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Supporting my girls with Girl Scout Cookie Sales or any other their school functions. OR just an e-mail saying that the hasn't heard from me in awhile. Richard will truly be missed. Barbara, please know we are praying for you and if you need anything, we are here.
Mike Sanko
February 10, 2015
I had the tremendous honor to have Rich Ruef as my close friend—as a brother—as a father figure. Rich had cowboy honor—always a gentleman, always willing to help, and always putting others before himself. As a US Marine, he also had a spirit of strength and unwavering principles—principles that made this country strong and secure. His pride for our wonderful country and for those in the military was something he never hid. Off would go his cowboy hat and down would go his Nikon D3 when his brothers in arms would escort Old Glory in the dusty rodeo arena. How could I not admire this man?! How could I not be inspired by this man?!
As I pursued my long-anticipated dream to become a PRCA rodeo photographer, Rich—enthusiastically stepped up and endorsed me. But this was just the beginning, because he stayed with me through the process by opening doors for me at various rodeos and then lending priceless advice on how to handle myself in the arena and shoot images that the PRCA would value. Rich, truly being a master of photography and well-versed and experienced in rodeo and the cowboy way, did not have to work to get my attention. When he spoke, I listened and I noted. It's funny. Every time Rich told me to do something (for my own good) and I thought I had a better way, I always regretted straying from the master because all too soon, I would see the error of my ways. But Rich never made me feel bad about it. It reminds me of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.”
And with all his qualities and wisdom, I always sought Rich's approval. I would look for that nod from him in the arena if I thought I nailed a shot. When processing pictures, I would be excited to share some keepers with him to get his critique. One of the last emails I got from Rich was regarding a train bridge that I recently photographed. His response was, “‘Great' shot....as per Tony the Tiger.” Yeah, that was enough for me—I called it a good day.
Rich once sent me a picture of his man cave. I noticed all the books, pictures and Western decorations he had. I could tell he was comfortable in this environment that he created. It clearly spoke of Rich. My man cave is my home office that resembles a photographer's office. I have collected decorations, memorabilia and such that would make it truly my productive and comfortable environment. The only problem is, I have not really decorated with all these things yet. But it was my plan that once I did, I would send a picture of my man cave to Rich for his opinion. Well, now there has been a change in my decorating plans. A picture of Rich will now take a prominent place amongst my décor.
Rich, it is true that I will not see you again in this life, but your spirit will live with me forever. I will always fall back on your wisdom and advice, not only at rodeos, but also in other areas of my life. You were an amazing person my dear friend, one of the few who impacted my life to make me a better person. And for all that you taught me, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now in the words of George Strait, “This is where the cowboy rides away.” For me, “Oh the last good bye's the hardest one to say,” so let's refrain from these words. Instead, I will say meet me in the arena this spring and every rodeo season as I do what you and I love so much.
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