David Edward Ruch

David Ruch was born on January 18, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died peacefully in Santa Barbara, California, surrounded by his daughter, and so much love from the caregivers and Hospice nurse at Heritage House. 

He was born in Philadelphia and came with his parents and their next-door neighbors to Burbank California when he was 12. He attended Burbank high school where he lettered in tennis. He graduated from UCLA for his undergraduate. And then USC for his post graduate work. 

He went to work for AC electronics in LA where he met the love of his life, Elaine. He was quickly transferred to Delco in Goleta where they bought an unfinished home in the foothills and proceeded to make it theirs. His mind was brilliant, but his woodworking skills were just as brilliant. He completed the home and then added a pool; where his kids and all the neighborhood kids frolicked for hours on end. 

He was first of all extremely brilliant, he was steadfast, he was gentle, and he was generous, oh so generous. He helped so many people over his life. He was a man of very few words, but his action spoke volumes. He will be missed by so many. He has survived by his daughter, Robin and his son David, four grandchildren, and one great grandson, he adored them all. 

He was a very simple man. He gave to many charities, if you feel so inclined, you can make a donation in his name to any charity of your choice or to Cycling without Age, which gave him hours and hours of pleasure in the last three years of his life. He would like that. 

Rest in peace Papa, your work here is done, and you lived such a beautiful and gentle life. Mom is waiting for you with open arms as always. You will be missed, oh so missed. But your love will continue on. You are never going to be forgotten.