Mr. George W. RugglesCullum: 25734 Class: 1965 Cadet Company: D2 Date of Birth: December 8, 1941 Date of Death: October 13, 2022 Died in: Redmond, OR Interred: Creamated - View or Post a Eulogy |
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George W. Ruggles, the son of Dr. Alfred C. Ruggles, a veterinarian, and Isabella Ruggles, was born December 8, 1941 in Bremerton, WA. His mother died when he was 10 years old. His father re-married; George grew up with his dad and a new mother, Sally Ruggles, in Portland, OR, graduating in 1959 from Washington High School. He died peacefully October 13, 2022 in Redmond, OR. He is survived by his son, Jonathan Ruggles; Susan Burns, his wife of 36 years; his stepdaughter, Stephanie Burns; his sister, Susan Ruggles; his brother, Carl Ruggles; and three grandchildren: Alita, Parker, and Hayden.
George had prior service as an enlisted man with the Military Police. At the urging of his company commander, he applied to West Point. He attended the USMA Prep School at Fort Belvoir, VA, where the close friendships he established with future classmates would reverberate during his four years as a cadet and thereafter. One of those Prep School classmates fondly recalls George’s close support as a confidant, their double dates, some great escapades to New York City, and his support in Russian class.
Another classmate cites a key moment in plebe year: As a former MP, George mentored him and other L-2 plebes. They would never forget George’s precise “driving” directions during a plebe skit in the mess hall, as he designated other plebes to be “vehicles” at dinner; then he would direct traffic while the vehicles crashed into each other to entertain the upper classmen in order to finish the meal without bracing. George was also probably one of a select number who could say that he had the same roommate all four years, despite having to change companies.
Classmate John Lyons did not know George well while he was a cadet but was reunited with him in Belgium in the early ’80s when George was working for a firm marketing chain saws and related hardware. John was at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons; George arrived at his ancient farmhouse one day to help him with chainsaws, chains, and techniques to cut trees and create firewood effectively and safely. That connection led to meals together for another year. George was always charming, engaging, and sincere, accompanied by that remarkable, laconic sense of humor. He loved telling stories about his MP days; he was particularly proud of that famous plebe skit in the mess hall.
Upon graduation, George was commissioned Field Artillery. His first assignment was Stateside with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. The unit deployed to Vietnam in 1966; he was executive officer in a howitzer battery. He finished his tour in Vietnam as a battery commander in the 4th Artillery Regiment, 9th Infantry Division stationed in the Mekong Delta region. In that role, he had an opportunity to brief General Westmoreland, who visited his unit. Years later he acknowledged some regret in not being more candid and forthright in his personal assessment as to “how the war was going” in his briefing to the commanding general, who the class knew from his time as Superintendent. George subsequently served with another Artillery unit at Fort Benning, GA before deciding to leave the service.
Upon resigning his commission as a captain in 1970, he then worked for Omark Industries in Portland, with positions in engineering, manufacturing, and marketing. He was promoted to product manager for the company’s European headquarters, residing in Belgium for several years in the early ’80s. Upon returning to the U.S., he finished his career serving as marketing operations manager for the company, now named Blount International, until his retirement in 2004. He retired in Coos Bay, OR after a successful 34-year business career.
Despite traveling the globe, he maintained contact with family and classmates, enjoying social encounters and athletics with both. He golfed annually with classmates, who visited him at his condo in Palm Desert. He once called one of them, announcing, “We’re coming down [to San Diego] for the Holiday Bowl” (presuming that the “host” would house them). The host responded by noting that he didn’t remember inviting him and who is the “we’re?” George said he was bringing his stepdaughter, who had attended Northwestern, which was playing in the game, and her husband (further noting that none of them needed an invitation). They showed up and had a tremendous weekend.
George also managed to create adventures while devoting a lot of time to the family. He sent postcards to his son everywhere he visited; the collection is still intact. He made time for fishing and hiking but not camping, as it reminded him of Vietnam. He would not let Jonathan play football but watched Star Wars a dozen times with him. On trips in Europe, they would visit castles and dungeons to view the weaponry and hop in the car singing Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.” He devoted time to his grandchildren as well, enrolling them in tennis camp as youngsters. Two of his grandsons, when in high school, enjoyed a week-long swim camp at West Point, with George in close attendance the whole time. He played racquetball and pickle ball. He was particularly proud of his son graduating with an MBA in international business.
Throughout his life, George always seemed willing to lighten the moment with an appropriate bit of humor, a quick wit, while fostering loyalty among his classmates, and demonstrating devotion to his family. May he rest in peace.
— Family and Classmates; John Lyons and Bob Bradley, Classmates; Jonathan Ruggles, Son
