Obituary of Robert Michael Ruehl

On the morning of Tuesday, September 19, 2023, the world lost a life that defined selflessness. The wisest man one could come across, who would never disrespect a soul, encapsulated the fight against oppression: human and nonhuman. A beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, and nephew, Rob was an intelligent and motivated inspiration able to open the minds of anyone he met. The lessons he taught and the lives he touched are insurmountable; remarkable is an understatement. With countless scholarly accolades, he was an even more noble, humble learner of life and all that is nature. Students adored the professor that all yearned for the luck to encounter. No one’s life was left unchanged once knowing the therapeutic, exceptional mind and the infectious laugh that was his. Hold onto his admirable strength, whether that was in combat or his ups and downs of life. Carry on his legacy, and continue on for the good he so holistically fought for. In the words of the intelligent, beautiful writer that is loved by all, “So don’t mourn for me but be glad and know that my spirit is now free. When you see the sunrise, when you feel the wind blow on your cheek, or by chance cross paths with a cuddly grizzly bear know that I’m around sending my love, strength, and encouragement. I’m holding you in my heart, and may you hold me in yours” (Dr. Ruehl, Ph.D., M.Phil., Syracuse University; M.Div., Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School; B.A., St. John Fisher College; AAS, Monroe Community College).

Rob is survived by his mother, Debra Ruehl, sister, Christine (Mike) Breen, nieces and nephew, Samantha Breen, Michael Breen, and Caroline Breen; aunts and uncles, Glenn and Lisa Davie, Mike and Roseanne Davie; cousins, Cortney Davie and her son, Blake, Ashley (Rob) Green and their daughters, Kylie and Ella, Michael Davie and his son, Dakota.