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Hal Charles Ruffridge

July 4, 1947 — July 2, 2023

Ukiah

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Memorial Service

Veterans Memorial Building

Friday, July 14, 2023

Starts at 2:00 pm (Pacific time)

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Hal Charles Ruffridge

Hal Charles Ruffridge, 2 days shy of 76, of Ukiah, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023 after several years of declining health.
Hal was born on July 4, 1947 to parents Virginia and Ray, and big brother Terry in Sacramento. Their family lived in Arcata, Ukiah, and settled in Alameda where he did most of his schooling. After graduating from Alameda High School in 1965. He went on to the “school of life”. During this time he was drafted and sent to South Korea during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to Agent Orange. Later in life he was able to benefit from Veteran services due to this exposure.
After the service he started a series of many jobs. He was an airport baggage handler/factory worker/bartender/roofer/produce stocker and maintenance man for Mendocino County. He had as many jobs as he did vehicles.
In 1972, at a house party in Chico, he met his future wife Margie who he affectionately called “Murph”. They wed in October 1978 while living in Ukiah and went on to have daughters Emily Anne and Laura Frances. Their lives were filled with many cherished animals and endless home improvement projects.
He was referred to by many as Happy Hal. Friends were his family from childhood to present day: Alameda, Richmond, Chico, Male Bond, Hosers and beyond. Whether it was golfing, fishing, camping, enjoying a cold beer, telling old stories, gold panning, woodworking, walking on the beach in search of the perfect rock or taking a ride, these are the things that he cherished. He enjoyed hosting his daughters’ friends at “Hal’s Hangout”. At the tables he built, he shared many Cribbage & Gin games, laughs and food with the people he loved.
Hal was unendingly proud of the family, his lovely wife Murph, daughter Emily (her husband Billy and their children Leona and Emmett Summers) and daughter and Matt and their children Meyer and Rhodes Himelstein). He was fortunate to have two amazing daughters and their super supportive husbands who both loved him very much.
Anyone who knew Hal, knew that he loved his dogs Pearl and Mugsly who brought him so much joy and comfort, along with the many beloved pets who came before them. Please consider making a donation to Mendocino County Humane Society.
Thank you to all of the wonderful people at Ukiah Adventist Hospital for helping him make a comfortable transition. A memorial service will be held at the Ukiah Veterans Hall on Friday, July 14th at 2pm. Please bring a story to share. Hal/Dad/Grandpa you’re in our hearts always, enjoy a cold beer on your ride.

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