David Frederick Ruch

Culminating a lengthy battle with health issues related to strokes, on May 8, 2023, David Frederick Ruch peacefully escaped the earthly bonds and joined Jesus, and loved ones gone before, in heaven. Dave defied the odds, and doctors’ prognoses, by surviving eight years after his first stroke, at which time he and his beloved wife Patty were advised to get Dave’s affairs in order. During those God-given bonus years, Dave earned immeasurable pleasure seeing his older son Kevin graduate in electrical engineering from Kennesaw State, embark on a promising career, and marry his love Katelyn Hayes; and his younger son Randy graduate with highest honors in Physics from Georgia Tech (two days before Dave passed) to go on and pursue his PhD. Dave relished the additional time with the love of his life, Patty, as well as family and friends, managing health-related issues and life in general with his hallmark determination and tenacity. Dave was born on May 16, 1960, the third of four children, to NASA Engineer Robert Ruch and his lovely bride Joan Ann Huber Ruch. The family moved from Lorain, Ohio to the Atlanta area when Dave was in third grade and his father began working for the Environmental Protection Agency. With his up-for-adventure nature, Dave promptly developed close friendships in his new hometown, some of which lasted the remainder of his life. Dave graduated in 1978 from Shamrock High School in Decatur, Georgia. Dave and Patty met at the University of Georgia and quickly became inseparable. He finished college in 1983 with a specialized degree in biomedical engineering and forged his 29-year career at AVL Scientific, later to become Idexx Laboratories’ OptiMedical Division. He fully supported Patty in excelling in her nonprofit marketing career, which often called her to travel. During the times Patty had to be away, Dave juggled household and parenting duties like a champ. Dave’s hobbies included cheering on UGA football, boating on Lake Lanier, studying astronomy and working in the yard. Whether it be fine-tuning the art of grilling steaks or continually tweaking his top-notch basement workshop, Dave approached his earthly endeavors with the goal of perfection. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Patricia Lynn Pickard Ruch, and his sons Kevin Stephens Ruch (Katelyn) and Randall Thomas Ruch; his sister Katherine A. Willis (Bob), his brother Richard W. Ruch, and brother and best friend Douglas R. Ruch. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Robert Ruch and mother Joan Ann Huber Ruch. Those left behind will miss Dave’s dry wit, his faithful friendship and devoted nature. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home in Buford, GA., with Dr. Lamar Holley officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

David Frederick Ruch

May 16, 1960 - May 8, 2023