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Good morning,
My name is Veda Ruiz, Jr. and my father, Veda, Sr. was a graduating member of the class of 1964. My mother gave me the letter about the re-union and asked me to e-mail letting the re-union committee that unfortunately my father lost his life on February 3, 1993 in an airplane crash. He served in the Air Force Reserves and was a flight engineer for Lockheed Aeronautics at the time of the crash. I have included a link to a local newspaper article about the crash. My mother wanted to find out from the committee if they would be interested in having a picture of my father for his classmates to remember him. I look forward to hearing from you and think it is a wonderful weekend planned for your re-union.
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/21616674/article-MDJ-Time-Capsule--The-1993-Dobbins-Crash
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Carol Hanes (Smith)
dear veda and family, thank you for sharing the article with us. I remember there was a short article about the crash in the Saginaw News ( I do not have a copy). I did not know your father well as our class was so big. He always seemed very nice and I am sure you are very proud of him. We thank him for his service to our country
Carol Hanes (Smith)
Veda's obit showed he was survived by his wife Gloria Llamas of Kennesaw, Ga. , 2 daughters Cathy Kelso Oklahoma City, America Ruiz of Kennesaw,Ga. along with 5 sisters and 5 brothers. and 1 grandson. Funeral took place in Marietta, Ga.
Thomas Hersem
He was "Billy" to the football team: always quick with a smile and tough as nails. For a "smaller" player, Billy packed a good hit. It was a pleasure to play with him and to know him.
Lee Ann Trask (Becker)
Veda, or Bill as I knew him grew up together. We went to grade school, South Intermediate and then Arthur Hill. We remained friends throughout. He was one of my favorite people, always smiling and always super friendly. I saw the article when he passed and cried. I'm sure he is still with you and guiding you in your life. Maybe someday we can meet, he was a very special guy. I have a wonderful picture of him, Ross Mattern (sp?) and me together at our first reunion. If I can find it I'll email it to you.
LeeAnn Trask Becker
paulandleeann@gmail.com
Patricia Wescott
What wonderful memories and kind words to say regarding "Bill" Ruiz. Personally I didn't know him, having gone to North prior to going to Arthur Hill. I think it would be a wonderful idea to honor our members who have passed to gather pictures of them at some time frame in their life. (For those of us who might recognise these folks with a picture versus a name).
I so wanted to share in the work that many of you have put into our "50th" Reunion, but ended up going into Midland hospital with a pulmonary embolism. Maybe I still can still help in some way. But, I'm having to change my life style in many ways.
God Bless,
Patricia (Patti) Wescott
Gwen Bussinger (Keinath)
I didn't know Veda (Bill) either, but I want to say that the letter Veda Jr. wrote shows what a wonderful son he is.
The pride and love in his words are a great tribute to his dad. God bless the Ruiz family.
Gwen Bussinger Keinath
Ross Mattern
I knew "Billy" when we went to Durand grade school, thru junior high and high school.
We lost touch after high scool but meet up at the 10 year high school reunion.
I had heard about his passing about a year after the accident and was truly sadend.
He was my friend.
William Laverty
In the fondest memory of my best friend of elementary school; living only a block away, we spent much time playing kick-the-can under the street light, going out to the creek by the old airport at the end of Arthur St and catching frogs - even occastionaly eating the legs when they were big enough, exploring the old tunnels of the demolished glass factory.... your memory will never be lost, Bill. With deep sympathy to your family, your friend, "Billy"