Lasting Memories

Glen Ruffner
Jan. 24, 1919-Oct. 20, 2014
Redwood City, California

Glen Ruffner was a remarkable, well-loved and much admired man; smart, kind, giving, soft-spoken and a wonderful host of countless parties and celebrations.

Glen had what some people might call, "the gift of hospitality." He loved to host gatherings ? bringing people together and watching them enjoy each other?s company with conversation, laughter, food and drinks.

Sometimes to celebrate something special, but more often just because it was fun, and he delighted in seeing people have fun and being the one to provide them with the opportunity (some would say that he just enjoyed a good party, more the merrier).

He was a wonderful and gracious host, and by example, his children learned to be as well.

Glen had an exceptional ability to connect with others, especially young people to whom he felt a special affinity.

The family moved many times during his career and he was often the Pied Piper (for adults and children) of the neighborhoods in which they lived. His enticements being backyard barbecues and his famous homemade ice cream.

As one of his sons said recently, "He loved all of our friends and they loved him." And it was more than just the enticement of a good party that drew people of all ages to him ? he took a genuine interest in who they were and how they were doing; he knew how to talk to them; he was curious and accepting.

He valued people for who they were, helped them recognize their strengths and had a special gift for making them feel good about themselves and more confident in who they were. He was involved in Boy Scout Leadership for over 15 years and many a man today is better for it.

Glen?s priorities were, first and foremost, to be a good husband, father and provider - to support, encourage and nurture those he loved. Second, to do well at work. And third, to be of service to his community and country.

Glen was born in Vevay Park, Illinois and grew up in Greenup, Illinois. As a young teenager Glen, along with a school pal, built an unregistered Greenup radio station transmitter in the Greenup candy store, where the local farmers would come to town to play their own music. The radio station operated until a stranger came to town in a car with a radio looking for them.

He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1941. Glen joined the Masonic Order, Greenup Lodge No. 125 A.F. & A.M in September 1940, 32 Degree Mason.

During World War II he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1942 until January 1946, holding the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served in England, France and Belgium and was decorated with a Bronze Star and The Order of the Night of the Crown, a Belgian honor.

While in England, Glen resourcefully scavenged the bits and pieces needed to create a large, power-driven ice cream maker that could crank out ice cream for several thousand troops at a time.

When the war ended, he returned to work for Western Electric and, then, American Telephone and Telegraph, staying with them from 1941 until he retired in 1981.

He first worked as an engineer for two years, then spent the rest of his career working in various accounting capacities. His work required many moves for the family ? they lived in Chicago, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Denver, New York City, White Plains, San Francisco and Kansas City.

Glen loved two wonderful women. His first marriage was to Ann Greer Ruffner of Helena, Arkansas, from October 1943 until her death in January 1984. They met in New York City during World War II while Glen was preparing to deploy.

His second marriage was to Helen (Smith Fleming) Ruffner of Stockton, California, from June 1985 until his death. They met through close family friends and lived in Woodside Hills.

He leaves his loving children and their spouses: Glen Charles and Donna Ruffner; Diane Spence Ruffner; Mark Rhoads and JoAnn Ruffner; Alan Fleming; Scott and Stacy Fleming; Annette (Fleming) and Tim Gravett. Glen was blessed with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Bradley Greer Ruffner and Amy Duggan Ruffner, Harper Grace Ruffner; Jolie and Kevin Coon, Courtney Coon, Max Coon; Adrienne and Paul Rutenis, Anna Rutenis, Alexandra Rutenis; Heather Dale-Shea Thorpe; Nathaniel Glen Ruffner; Maren Fleming, Ryan Fleming.

Upon his death, Glen wanted us to throw "a party and have a drink for me. This is a happy occasion, you are celebrating my life, and I have had more fun and enjoyed more life than anybody." A private celebration of life for Glen Ruffner is planned.