Richard “Rick” R. Ruland, 89, of Bethlehem Township, died Wednesday, March 31, 2021 in his home.
Born May 29, 1931 in Clarks Green, PA, he was a son of the late Royd A. J. and Thelma R. (Cook) Ruland. His wife, Dorothy “Toby” (Kellow) Ruland died in 2006.
Rick graduated from Wilson High School in 1949 and Lafayette College in 1953 with a BA in Economics and Business. He then served in the US Army at Fort Benning, GA as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was an executive at Bethlehem Steel Corporation for more than 30 years. Later he served as President of Green Pond Golf Course. In addition he was on the Board of Directors of Green Pond Golf Course and General Supply Company.
He and Toby were volunteers for Meals on Wheels. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends on the Delaware River at the family summer cottage in Foul Rift, PA and was an avid deer hunter.
Surviving are his daughter, Ricki R. Briggs and her husband, Jeffrey M. Briggs of Lyme, CT; his son, Rodd R. Ruland and his wife, Lorie F. Ruland of Amherst, NH; and four grandchildren, Devin T. Briggs and his wife, Terese E. Briggs, Chase R. Briggs, Reid R. Ruland and his wife, Dana H. Ruland, and Paige I. Ruland. His brother, Donald B. Ruland and his sister, Irene R. Potter died earlier.
Services will be private. Donations can be made to The Greater Lehigh Valley Meals on Wheels, www.mowglv.org. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Jacqueline Sylvia
April 7, 2021 at 8:17 am
Rodd and family, I am so sorry to learn about the loss of your father. My deepest sympathies are with you and your family. The Bethlehem Township community has suffered a great loss.
Teri Lyn Ruland Scharle
April 9, 2021 at 3:05 pm
Dear Uncle Rick, You recently departed from this earth, and only now do I fully appreciate the enormous force and presence you were in my life. Difficult to fathom that Tim will never again test your grip; I won’t look into your beautiful blues, smell your hair, and kiss your cheeks. Please accept my apology for our annoying behaviors. I’ll forever admire the manner in which you raged against death. Your body failed, not your brilliant mind, kind sir. A heartfelt thanks to you Elaine, for the many years that you cared for and loved him. He filled a huge hole in your heart, as you did likewise. Unc, I trust that in some fashion, you, Royd, Donny, and Melvin are fishing for walleye and northern pike in the waters of heaven. Please share an occasional cocktail with your beloved wife, Toby. May we meet again…hope you approve of my outfit! God bless you. I love you, Teri Lyn