Robert Ruby
March 11, 1949 - May 17, 2016
Piedmont
Rob Ruby was born in Detroit, MI on March 11, 1949. His father, Bert Ruby, was a well-known professional wrestler; his mother, Irene Ruby, was bookkeeper/publicist/ historian of the family business, Michigan Wrestling Enterprises.
Rob graduated from Oak Park High School and the University of Michigan. He taught high school English for two years while putting himself through law school. After graduation from Wayne State University School of Law, Rob practiced with Detroit's premier labor and employment firm.
He moved to California in 1985 to be near his brother Allen. He was lucky enough to reconnect with Eileen Rose, an old friend from Detroit. Rob and Eileen recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. She was the love of his life.
Settling in the East Bay, Rob passed the California Bar and practiced workers' compensation law. He also began his devotion to philanthropy and nonprofit organizations, interests which he continually expanded as long as he lived.
Rob and Eileen became leaders in the nonprofit community. Their good judgment, kindness and generosity contributed to the success of a wide variety of educational and service organizations. His retirement from law practice expanded his commitment to the causes he cherished. To take only a few examples, Rob served as president of the East Bay Jewish Federation, as a Board member and Chair of Berkeley Hillel, and as a member of the International Board of Directors of BBYO.
Rob is survived by Eileen, their son Michael, his brother Allen (Cindy), his sister-in-law Janice, nieces and nephews Tyler, Evan, Sarah, Mark, Lauren, Dan, Nora and Oliver, his cousin Don Bale, and the many other cousins with whom he maintained close and loving relationships.
He enriched our lives. No one was more fun to be around. We weren't ready for him to go, and we miss him already.
There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Temple Sinai in Oakland.

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Published by East Bay Times on May 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ruby

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

9 Entries

Ross Barrow

June 14, 2016

I offer my condolences to the Ruby family for the loss of Rob, a Renaissance man if ever there was one, who could command a room with his intellect and voice, but who often chose to simply participate and enjoy others. And Lucia says, his humor, his laugh
Thank you, Rob, for being my poker buddy and friend for all these years. I will always remember standing in the chill air late at night after the game in Pacifica and rambling from topic to topic, snippets of insight and advice flowing back and forth. I want to talk to you now and tell you how much you are appreciated, and now missed. What a generous person with your time and your insights. I am not ready to say goodbye.

Joe Wald

June 8, 2016

Rob was a lifetime friend. He had a quick wit, a brilliant mind and a heart of gold. Rob was one of those special people who we will never be able to replace. He was one of those special friends that one might not speak to for a number of years, but when we did, the conversation (and humor) would pick up exactly where we left off. His absence will create a huge void. He will be missed.

Fred Bluford

May 21, 2016

I remember Rob from my days as a "new kid" when I moved to Oak Park from Detroit. He was very friendly and welcoming, making my transition a little less strenuous. Often, that is all it takes, a friendly gesture that leads to a new friendship. Even with the passage of time, I will always think of him fondly.

May 21, 2016

Rob was a gentleman...a savvy attorney ...and exhibited an understated sense of humor. I am sorry to hear of his passing. -JAN P FUCHS

Patricia Miles

May 19, 2016

My condolences to Rob's family. He was one of my favorite people. I am privileged to have worked with Rob at Schmit Law Offices in Oakland, where he was always willing to impart wisdom on cases and had endless patience. He was warm, exceptionally intelligent and personified integrity. He will always be one of the fond memories of my time at that firm. His jovial laugh was a quick identifier. I could find Rob in any crowd upon hearing his distinctive laugh. As recently as a year ago, I called Rob with a question and he gladly spent several minutes offering suggestions and ultimately, a referral. Rob was a wonderful, compassionate human being who definitely left a positive mark on this earth. I will never forget him. I want his family to know that he was very proud of them, particularly his son. I feel as though I know them because of his colorful anecdotes. I regret that I am unable to attend tomorrow's services, having a prior commitment pertaining to my child's school. I know that Rob's spirit will brighten whatever space he occupies for eternity. He will live on in our hearts. Patricia Miles, Administrative Law Judge, San Francisco.

Kaia Eakin

May 19, 2016

I had the pleasure of meeting Rob in the 90's at the San Francisco WCAB and enjoyed many fascinating conversations with him over the decade. He was my librarian of choice, always recommending the best histories and biographies. Rob was a fabulous story-teller too. If we discussed politics, we generally agreed, but on those occasions when we didn't, he always taught me something I didn't know and helped me see the issue in a more nuanced or different light. Rob was gentleman and a scholar. It was an honor to know him.

Rob Ruby

May 19, 2016

I didn't know Rob that well. We met him at an Israeli celebration in San Francisco a few years ago. It's not often that you meet someone with the same name as your own. He & I were both from Detroit and I learned then that we dated the same girl while in high school.

Condolences to the family.

May 18, 2016

I will miss so many things about Rob-his intelligence, sense of humor, broad knowledge of history and current events, kindness and compassion, but most of all, his incredible voice. What a treat it was to discuss any topic under the sun, as his thoughts and opinions were always delivered in such mellifluous tones. Like so many others, I thought the world of him.

The Gunsberg Family

May 18, 2016

From cousin Larry Gunsberg : My condolences and deepest sympathies to the entire Ruby family from the Detroit Gunsbergs. Rob will be remembered fondly as a sweet and gentle guy who spent time in our home, was good friends with my brother David, and was always part of family simchot. A life well lived, taken much too soon.

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