Bill Ruoff

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

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.

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 and many other significant races on the Great Lakes.

The crowning jewel of his sailing career was the 2015 Queens Cup race. On Bearly Movin’ Bill, Lisa and crew placed first in their division and first overall.

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 to 8 pm at Macatawa Bay Yacht Club 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.

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