David Ruch was born on Jan. 18, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He died peacefully on Nov. 19, 2024 in Santa Barbara, surrounded by his daughter, and so much love from the caregivers and Hospice nurse at Heritage House.

David 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 degree, then USC for his post graduate work.

He went to work for AC electronics in Los Angeles, where he met the love of his life, Elaine.

David was quickly transferred to Delco in Goleta, where he and Elaine bought an unfinished home in the foothills and proceeded to make it theirs.

His mind was brilliant, but David’s woodworking skills were just as brilliant. He completed the home, then added a pool, where his kids and all the neighborhood kids frolicked for hours on end.
 
David 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 actions spoke volumes. He will be missed by so many.

David is survived by his daughter Robin and 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 David’s 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.