Carl Thomas Ruegg

Carl Thomas Ruegg
March 24, 1967 - March 24, 2025
Loving partner of Susan Buckalew; son of the late Dr. William (Bud) Ruegg, O.D. and Phyllis Ruegg; brother of the late Paul Ruegg, Donna (Lester) Aseere, George (Alana) Ruegg, Mark (Bryony) Ruegg and Bill (Marcy) Davis; and uncle to Dagan, Delena, Kenny, Kristina, Kaleigh, Rocky and Rosie.
Carl Ruegg passed away on his 58th birthday in Destin, Florida, after a brief but courageous battle with an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer.
Carl was born and raised in San Francisco, "The City by the Bay," in the Midtown Terrace neighborhood. He attended grammar school at St. Brendan (Class of 1982), followed by Archbishop Riordan High School (Class of 1986). Carl graduated from St. Mary's College of California in 1991 through the Integral Program of Liberal Arts-an intensive curriculum rooted in seminars, tutorials, and laboratories focused on the great books. Conversations with friends about Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Dante, Austen, and Tolstoy inspired Carl to think deeply and live authentically.
Carl had a natural flair for the stage. He was active in high school and college theater, delivering memorable performances in productions such as Annie, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Euripides' Iphigenia in Tauris, and Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. In recent years, he rekindled this passion by joining Florida's Act4Mystery!, an award-winning professional murder mystery troupe. Carl brought new life, energy, and insight into every role he played.
Carl was a true adventurer.
He worked in both Alaska and Costa Rica as a canoe and kayak guide. He spent extensive time at his uncle's Isla Gitana paradise in Costa Rica, where he bartended, led multi-day kayak excursions, and enjoyed the company of eclectic and interesting characters.
After moving to Destin, Florida, Carl became a counselor and multi-day river guide for Outward Bound USA, the country's leading provider of outdoor education programs for teenagers. He found great purpose in helping young people discover their strength and potential in nature.
For decades, Carl carved out a life he loved along the beaches of Destin / Miramar Beach Florida. He was a beloved figure among locals and visitors alike. A beach service savant, he masterfully secured the most coveted spots on the sand, set up umbrellas and chairs with grace, and provided top-tier amenities-all with charm, kindness, and a playful spirit. Carl loved this "job," and it showed in every interaction. To him, it was never work-it was a lifestyle. He listened to stories, shared his own, and lived his life guided by connection and joy.
During the off-season, Carl often returned to his beloved San Francisco to reconnect with childhood, high school, and college friends. He walked the city, hung out at the beach, visited his favorite haunts-like the Toronado, Zeitgeist, and Miraloma Club-picked up gig jobs at catering events, and simply relished being back in the place that shaped him. He also took on other seasonal roles, including shrimp boating and landscaping-adding to his Renaissance-man reputation.
Carl lived actively and passionately. Whether hauling chairs, cycling, or swimming, he was committed to movement and health. He recently completed the F45 Training Program-an achievement he was immensely proud of. And of course, Carl loved to dance. Whether at Camille's, on the beach, or wherever a boombox was playing, Carl found joy in rhythm and celebration.
Carl was kind, gentle, generous, philosophical, and full of energy. He brought light, love, and laughter to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed.
Carl's life is best summed up in the words of the many who knew and loved him:
"He truly was one unique man who really loved life!"
"He always had a smile on his face, always had a great attitude."
"I will hold dearly our epic adventure backpacking through Central America on our way to Costa Rica."
"Carl had a loving and joyful spirit. Truly a wonderful soul."
"Incredibly intelligent guy with a great sense of humor."
"Carl will be missed dearly...what a beautiful, kind and loving soul. He was so sweet and funny and I always enjoyed our visits."
"Thank you for your enthusiasm and joy. He loved the beach, loved music, dancing."
"I only knew him a short time but he was a very positive force in my life."
"It was a joy knowing Carl. He brought so much energy into Act4Mystery and gave new life and insights into the characters he played. He will be missed."
"We shall miss Carl on the dance floor! Carl is dancing in Heaven now!"
"Carl was such a spark plug of enthusiasm, wit, and kindness."
"Carl lit up the beach or any place that he frequented. His smile and love for life were infectious. He was such a joy to know."
"A special piece of humanity passed from us yesterday. There is only one Carl Ruegg. His kindness and peaceful demeanor are a legacy I strive to replicate."
"Great guy! One of my favorites at the lake. True sweetheart."
"Carl was a giant of a heart and a joy to behold. In my experience, he was always very much himself in all that he did-a rare feat. He will indeed be missed in this world (and welcomed in the next)."
"Carl, you will be missed, my friend! Your carefree spirit and positive vibe were infectious. The beach isn't the same without you."
"He leaves the legacy to: live life to the fullest, be kind to everyone, and spread joy wherever you go. Keep dancing in heaven, Carl."
"You'll always be my disco partner, worm eater, baby pool in the living room lounger, temple dweller, parking lot demolition derby champ, stinky-footed little Buddha. You brought so much mirth and ridiculousness to our lives. Thank you for being born."
"Always living life with the volume at 11. You made me laugh so many times. We shared laughter that was so intense it hurt. What a gift."
"Carl Ruegg-such an amazing guy. Carl was our aka Bosley, and we were his aka Charlie's Angels. He was so full of life and loved to dance. He made sure he danced with us all. Destin will not be the same. We love you. Fly high, Carl, until we meet again."
"Carl was genuinely one of the best people I have ever met! Caring, loving, happy, always concerned with the well-being of others. He loved to dance and just genuinely made the world a better place. I take comfort knowing he is with our Father in Heaven, but I will genuinely miss his sweet spirit! The world lost another wonderful man."
"Carl, I'm not sure if I ever told you, but my four years at Beach Liquors were life-changing because of you. I valued your opinion more than anyone else's. Every day was a new adventure. You made me excited about life, and I felt like a cheerleader every time you walked in. You're more than just a friend; you're my hero. Thank you, Carl, for being my inspiration."
In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl's name can be made to Outward Bound USA.
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