Ruff, G. Robert (George Robert), 1918-2015
Dates
- Existence: 1918 - 2015
Biographical History
G. Robert Ruff (1918-2015) was an advertising executive in Utah.
George Robert Ruff was born on November 5, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to George Alma and Mary Ruff. He was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and attended Provo High School. After graduating he studied at Brigham Young University, where he also served as editor of Banyan yearbook. During his time at the university he met Betty Clark, whom he married in 1943. They later had four children.
Shortly after completing his degree, Ruff was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps. He served as a pilot and instructor in Italy for three years during WWII, completing 51 combat missions and earning two air medals. After the war he returned to civilian life, beginning a successful career with Evans Advertising in 1946. He eventually served as corporate president. He retired from the agency in 1984.
Ruff was also involved in community affairs. He served on the Sunday School General Board for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 13 years, and as a missionary at Temple Square for five years. He also served as president of the Youth Chorus and Symphony from 1992 to 1999.
Ruff passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 5, 2015.
Citation:
Familysearch, via WWW, Feb. 14, 2020 (George Robert Ruff; G. Robert Ruff; George R. Ruff; b. Nov. 5, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah; parents: George Alma Ruff and Mary Jensen; baptised into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1931; d. Aug. 5, 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah)Daily Herald, Aug. 9, 2015 (G. Robert Ruff; attended Provo High School; worked for BYU Press while in college, editor of Banyan yearbook in 1941; served as pilot in U.S. Army Air Corps in Italy, 1942-1945; completed 51 combat missions, earned two air medals; m. 1943 to Betty, four children; worked at David W. Evans advertising, 1946-1984, served as corporate president; served on Sunday School General Board for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 13 years; served as missionary at Temple Square for 5 years; president of Youth Chorus and Symphony, 1992-1999)
Found in 7 Collections and/or Records:
G. Robert Ruff letters, 1943 March-August
Contains letters written by G. Robert Ruff to his family during his time in the United States Army in 1943, first at Fort Douglas and then at Maxwell Field to train as a pilot in the Army Air Force. His letters discuss matters of home, personal philosophies, demanding army life, and make particular mention of his younger brother Jean and his girlfriend Betty. Dated March 8, 1943 to August 7, 1943.
G. Robert Ruff papers on the Alumni Association, 1947-2001
Contains G. Robert Ruff's work with the Brigham Young University Alumni Association. The material focuses on Ruff's preparations for when he co-chaired the Brigham Young University Alumni Centennial Celebration in 1993, including memos, correspondence, logo designs, and scripts for the event. Also contains memos, programs, and other materials on the planning and participation in the BYU class of 1941 50th and 60th year reunions. Dated 1987 to 2001.
G. Robert Ruff photographs, approximately 1939-1943
Contains various black and white photographs, negatives, and color transparencies. Images are mainly of Brigham Young University campus life, especially Ruff's participation in various sports. Also includes images of Utah landscapes, skiing and Ruff's family members and friends. Dated approximately 1939 to 1943.
G. Robert Ruff printed ephemera, 1912-2011
Contains a variety of printed materials collected by G. Robert Ruff, including Brigham Young University campus newspapers, a BYU student's handbook, programs from campus activities, a brochure listing fallen BYU military personnel annotated by Ruff, a BYU staff directory, and other campus publications. Dated 1912 to 2011.
G. Robert Ruff professional papers, 1942, 1981-2001
Contains G. Robert Ruff's materials on the establishment of a school of communications at Brigham Young University, dated 1942, and 1981 to 2001. Includes correspondence related to his assignment as a member of the advisory board for the BYU Department of Communications, clippings, various meeting minutes and notes, and studies and drafted proposals for the establishment of the school. Also contains materials on aircraft pilot training, dated 1942.
Ruff family history collection, approximately 1937-2020
Digital copies of diaries, photographs, letters, autobiographies, articles, poems, and other writings, and ephemera such as clippings, programs and invitations. Also includes artwork and other advertising work by G. Robert Ruff, and his military records. Stored on M-disc and a flash drive. Dated appproximately 1937 to 2020.