Michael Ruff's Obituary
Michael “Mike” Ruff, age 82, of Cornelius, NC passed away peacefully at his home, on May 29, 2024.
Born in 1941 to the late Lt. Col. Herman Ruff and Helen Brodhagen Ruff, in Newton, Kansas, Mike is the beloved husband of Karen Krebeck Ruff, his wife of 20 years; devoted father of Brian Ruff (Kara), Eric Ruff (Paola), and step-father to Amanda Ward (Dan).
Mike began life surrounded by his large and loving family in Newton, Kansas. His father’s career as a US Army Officer took the family overseas and Mike spent his elementary years in Okinawa, Japan and the Philippines; and his high school years in Germany. He liked to say that while growing up in a military family was both good and bad, it was always interesting and allowed for many adventures around the world - his passion for travel and exploration would endure for the rest of his life.
Mike attended Kansas State University, where he met and married his first wife and they would go on to welcome his two adored sons, Brian and Eric. During his years at Kansas State, Mike's insatiable curiosity and passion for learning were evident as in quick succession he earned a BS in Zoology in 1964; a MS in Parasitology in 1966; and a PhD in Parasitology in 1968, and was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. As a lifelong learner, in 1992, he went on to earn a MBA in Accounting from Bowie State University. After receiving his ROTC commission, he joined the US Army and was stationed at Camp Zama, Japan. As a Captain, he served as the Chief of the Department of Medical Zoology, 1968 to 1971. After his military service, he moved to Rice University for his Postdoctoral Fellowship, 1971-1972; and was then an Associate Professor in the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Georgia, 1973-1977.
Following his years in academia, Mike accepted a position with the US Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service (ARS) in Beltsville, Maryland. There he served as a Research Leader for Protozoan Diseases Lab, as well as various leadership positions including the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Technology Transfer. After the events of 9/11, The Office of ARS Homeland Security was created and as the Director of the Office of ARS Homeland Security, Mike was given responsibility for the protection of the 137 ARS locations and assets.
During his time with the Federal Government, he would find more than just professional success - he would meet and marry his second wife, Karen. Years after their initial meeting at a training course for government senior managers, Mike and Karen were married in 2004, in Arlington VA. Excited to start their next chapters together, Karen and Mike both retired from their long and prestigious careers with the Federal Government in 2005. The couple then moved to Wilmington, NC, where, between world travels, they found a wonderful group of friends and became active in community organizations. At last count, Mike had visited the entire United States and well over 100 countries.
Mike’s favorite pastimes were entertaining his friends and family, exploring nature, spotting and "collecting" birds as he traveled, planning a trip or telling a story - often about his travels. As the eldest cousin of the Brodhagen Clan, he proudly held the prestigious title of “Grand Poobah” and cherished spending time with his family in Kansas. His longtime passion was fishing, and he loved his annual fishing trip to Canada with his Kansas cousins and with his Mens Club fishing in the NC Mountains. However, his very favorite fishing trips were anytime and anywhere with his sons and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and children, Mike is survived by his beloved sister, Donna Mackay (Robert), of Philadelphia, PA; his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Ruff, Marshall Ruff, Conor Ruff, Finn Ward and Eli Ward; a great-grandson, Calix Ruff; a host of dearly loved cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
He was predeceased by his grandsons, Carter J. Ruff and Dallas M. Ruff.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Newton, Kansas with details forthcoming.
During his life, Mike was extremely generous in supporting many causes, particularly those that work to end homelessness; provide access to health care; preserve and conserve the environment; and, most especially, protect and nurture children in need. Should you wish to make a donation in Mike’s memory, please consider Save the Children, Habitat for Humanity, Doctors without Borders or The Sierra Club.
James Funeral Home, of Huntersville, is serving the family and obituary lovingly written by the family.
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