Eight Bells: Bill Ruoff

William (Bill) Ruoff

William (Bill) Ruoff, age 70, of Grand Rapids (MI) passed away peacefully on September 12, 2017 at his home after a well fought battle with cancer.

Though successful in his work and other community service endeavors, his greatest passion was sailing, which he began at age 9. Although a very skilled sailor, he mastered the bowman’s position for the many boats on which he raced. Bill, the “Island Goat”, completed 34 Chicago to Mackinac races, and a similar number of Port Huron to Mac races along with many other significant races on the Great Lakes. The crowning jewel of his sailing career was the 2015 Queens Cup race in which Bill, Lisa, and the team on their 44-foot, DuFour Bearly Movin’ placed first in their division and first overall.

Bill, the son of Doug and Helen Ruoff, was born and raised in East Grand Rapids. He is survived by his wife and love of 19 years, Lisa, his sister Mimi Casement (Russell); his 2 daughters, Kirsten R. Rice (Adam) and Courtney R. Cinglie (James); and his 5 grandchildren: Emmalin, Rylan, Camden, Carter, and Ethan.

In lieu of a memorial service, it was Bill’s wish to have a celebration of life party. Please join us Friday, October 6 from 4-8 pm at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club (Macatawa, MI) to share stories and pictures and to celebrate a life well lived. For those who wish, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Source: obits.mlive.com