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William Ruger Obituary
William Batterman Ruger Jr., 79, of Newport, NH and Bar Harbor, ME, passed away peacefully at his home in Newport on September 15, 2018, after a brief illness.
He was born on June 4, 1939 in Greensboro, NC, son of William B. Ruger and Mary Thompson Ruger. He was a graduate of St. Paul's School in 1957 and Harvard University in 1961. He was employed early on at the Kel Corporation as an engineer, and then, with the family company of Sturm Ruger, where he eventually became Chief Executive Officer.
During his time of leadership of the company, one of his accomplishments was retaining manufacture all of the company products in the United States. This was especially important to his home town of Newport, NH He notably developed new initiatives, including plans for an automobile, which the well-known firearms company was desirous of building.
His detailed knowledge of mechanics, style, and manufacture were well known in the automobile collecting arena. His attention to detail and deep commitment to collecting garnered him many achievements, including awards at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance.
Bill made lifelong friends with many people throughout the country. His eternal optimism and joy for life brought great happiness to those around him. He relished the opportunity to entertain friends at dinner, in hunting camp, and in many instances with his own culinary skills. His conversation at the table and the wonderfully humorous stories he would tell were legendary.
His mind was encyclopedic, which allowed him to recite minute details about many intriguing aspects of music, nature, art, and engineering. This made him immensely interesting and fascinating to friends and family.
He served on many boards, notably the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, St. Paul's School, Salisbury School and with his friends at the Blue Mountain Forest Association.
William was predeceased by a brother James Thompson Ruger. He is survived by his sister Carolyn Amalie (Ruger) Vogel of Harrisville, N.H. and six nieces and nephews, Kurt Vogel, Charles Ruger, Victoria (Vogel) Roberts, Adrienne (Ruger) Conzelman, Alexander Vogel, and Amy (Ruger) Whitely, and twelve grand nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at Mt. Ascutney Hospital, Summercrest Senior Living Community, and at home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summercrest Senior Living Community or to a favorite transportation museum.
Calling hours will be held on Friday September 21, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Newport, NH 03773. A funeral service will take place at Blue Mountain Forest Association, 376 Central Station Rd, Croydon, NH 03773 at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 22, 2018.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Ruger
Sponsored by Newton-Bartlett Funeral Home.
Chauncey Moran
September 24, 2023
Bill and I became acquainted in 1980 at Reading Mass. International Handgun Metallic Association International match. We continued to communicate by phone and began a bonded relationship as life friend in our cross country road trip from Cour d´alene Idaho through Montana, Yellowstone, and Wyoming visiting the RUGER wing of the Cody Museum. During our time we had road trips in the BENTLY and ROLLS . We visited many historic sites and hiked about. One summer, traveled to Isle Royal to hike and canoe about while photographing our adventures. We gained acquaintances along the way who occasionally wrote letters, which Bill treasured to practice of the written word. Constantly reading from his vast library.
We kept in contact over the years by phone and rare visits in person after 1994 as I moved to the UP. In June in 2018 I visited Bill in his residence in Newport for a few days. We did a couple of day trips and had dinner. He called on my birthday in July in great spirits, I play the message when I am really missing his wisdom and special friendship to my family. Attending the Celebration of Life in Croydon was a highlight to see his family especially his Sister "Molly" Mary RUGER. Although the initial connection was Guns we seldom spoke about guns unless it was about an idea for new product. His sincerity surpassed anyone human I had ever known other than my own mother. Appreciate the reminder of the 5th year of his heavenly ascension. Chauncey JERRY Moran.
Riccardo Boehm
September 13, 2020
Billy was my best man. On our wedding day, Billy and I were in the Phoenix Club having a pre ceremony beverage when the ceiling collapsed near where we were seated. We looked at each other and decided it was time to go. We dusted ourselves off and got in his car. He speedily drove over the grass in the Yard and we were stopped by a University constable. Billy convincingly explained the circumstances and got me to Memorial Chapel on time. Helen and I spent many wonderful times with him over the years. We miss him and speak of him often. Bye Bye Blackbird.
Robert Spaziani
September 13, 2019
Rest In Peace my friend
Pebble Beach - 2007
Cameron May
October 8, 2018
Alas, I knew ye well, Bill. RIP
Don Sommer
September 19, 2018
Goodbye dear friend. You made my life fuller with our discussions about vintage cars since we first met at Meadow Brook and our hunts to blue mountain. It's sad when so many of us reach the end of the trail.
So long great friend and rest in peace
Goodbye good friend I will always remember the good times we had discussing vintage cars when we first met at Meadow Brook and
to our visits to Blue Mountain camp.
Rest in peace
Don Sommer, President
American Arrow Corp
Clawson, Michigan
Kelly GLENN-KIMBRO
September 18, 2018
The Ruger Family hired me as "The Ruger Girl", 31 years ago. Bill treated me well and made me feel like I was important to the company. He was a sweet, incredibly intelligent, wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Bobby Spaz
September 18, 2018
Thanks for being my friend
Bill admires the Seal Cove Auto Museum's 1915 F.R.P. with past Board President, Barbara Fox, at the Amelia Island Concours.
Roberto Rodriguez
September 18, 2018
Goodby dear friend.
For some twenty years since we first met, our paths have crossed thanks to a shared passion for history, all things mechanical, fine meals, and fine automobiles. You were generous to a fault, witty, knowledgeable about everything, and great fun to be with. You served on the Boards of several museums that I was involved with over the years, and since 2009 have been an esteemed member of the Board of Directors of the Seal Cove Auto Museum, having first supported the museum as one of our first, charter, members.
I cherish our drinks together and my stays at East of Eden, our "restauranting," in Bar Harbor, and sumptuous meals chez vous at Northville Farm. You are in my thoughts and will be so every time I see an antique fire engine, a vintage maharaja's Rolls Royce, a tan Duesenberg, one of the Ruger built automobiles, and the list goes on...
Charleen & Ed Little
September 18, 2018
Croydon has lost a true friend. R.I.P. Bill, we will miss you.
Riccardo Boehm
September 18, 2018
Bill was a great friend in college where we were both members of the Phoenix SK Club, a very merry place. He was best man when I married Helen Lipsett in Cambridge. We spent many happy times in Bill's company in Southport and in New Hampshire. We shall sorely miss him but treasure so many wonderful memories. "Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely."
Roger Chafe
September 18, 2018
I was hired by Bill Ruger Jr. back in April of 2004. I was always impressed by his depth of knowledge and his willingness to teach, I enjoyed the time that I got to work for him. He was a scholar and a gentleman. I am thankful that he made me part of the Ruger family. Rest In Peace.
Jerry Moran
September 18, 2018
May your spirit at peace my brother. Billy
is my friend. Though now he may not hear
my words, I feel his presence encouraging
my steps as he has done for so many during
his unwavering passion and compassion
by his words and deeds. After many years
apart, we reunited our life bond during a
brief two day visit in mid June of this year.
We spent half a day riding around the countryside around Newport visiting friends
and the original garage where his iconic
car collection waited patiently for the return of his guiding hand on the wheel. We returned to Summer Crest for old stories and new ones. I hear his infectious laughter as I write and allow tears to fall. Priceless is your friendship these past thirty nine years.
I will always cherish our memories.
Peace and most gracious love to the Ruger family and unselfish friends that kept him
in laughter. May the Creator of all protect and guide those left behind to find THE WAY. Remaining hopeful and faithful to whatever end. Jerry Moran
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