The members of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, along with the entire Commission staff, are saddened by the news of Senator Frank Ruff’s passing.
Senator Ruff’s service on the Commission was incredibly impactful for residents of both Southern and Southwest Virginia. His time on the Commission is notable for many reasons, but perhaps most so for his tireless advocacy in support of educational opportunities for rural Virginians. Senator Ruff’s leadership was instrumental in guiding the Commission to make critical investments in our community colleges, workforce training centers and more over the last 25 years. Those investments have created opportunities for thousands of rural Virginians and will continue to do so for many years to come.
Above all, Senator Ruff believed in the potential of Southern Virginia and the people who call the region home. He sought, through his service on the Commission, to provide them with the tools and resources they needed to improve their lives and communities as well as the opportunities available to future generations. His legacy at the Commission will be one of effective, compassionate leadership in service of rural Virginians across the Commonwealth.
“Senator Ruff has been a role model worth emulating as a business leader and public servant who sacrificially gave of his time and talents to invest in making his community better,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Caren Merrick. “Senator Ruff’s wisdom, kindness, graciousness and sense of humor will be missed.”
“In my time with the Commission Senator Ruff has been a source of guidance and wisdom,” said Tobacco Commission Executive Director James Campos. “It was clear during our very first discussions that he cared deeply about Southern Virginia and rural Virginia as a whole. I will always admire his many decades of public service and his commitment to doing things the right way. The staff of the Tobacco Commission extend our sincere condolences to the Senator’s loved ones, and I promise that we will do our very best moving forward to honor his legacy of service here at the Commission.”
Frank was not only a friend, he was one of the foundation stones on which the Commission was built. His commitment to the people of rural Virginia was underscored not only by his service in the House, Senate and on the Commission, but in the way he lived his life. He will be missed.” – Founding Member and Former Chair of the Commission, Senator Charles Hawkins
“I was saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. His commitment to public service is something that I greatly admired. He was extremely humble in nature and his patience, willingness to listen, and drive to help others is something that everyone in elected office should follow. The Commonwealth lost a great man and he will forever be missed.” – Tobacco Commission Vice-Chair, Delegate Will Morefield.
“I have never known the Virginia Legislature without Frank Ruff. We were both elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1993 and have both served on the Tobacco Commission since its inception in 1999. Frank Ruff was a fierce advocate for Southern Virginia. The Commonwealth of Virginia would be a better place if it had more Frank Ruffs. Debbie and I are deeply saddened for Jessie and his family. Senator Ruff was an exceptional legislator but he was an even better husband, father, grandfather and friend.” – Tobacco Commission Member, Delegate Terry Kilgore
“My father told me as a young man, ‘When you leave this world, will the world be no different, worse off, or a better place?’ Senator Ruff’s quiet service made Southside and all of Virginia a much better place. Frank will be missed.” – Tobacco Commission Member, Delegate Danny Marshall
“Frank and I began serving on the Virginia Tobacco Commission at the beginning of its creation. During his long tenure there, and as a member of General Assembly, he represented Mecklenburg county and the Commonwealth with quiet respect and resolve.” – Carthan Currin, Inaugural Executive Director of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission.
“Senator Ruff’s focus during his time with the Commission was on our Education programs. Frank made sure we maintained a tight focus on funding training facilities and financial aid programs that have been life-changing for tens of thousands of residents across the Commission footprint. He was the model of a selfless public servant.” – Tim Pfohl, former Tobacco Commission Interim Executive Director and long-time Grants Director.