David Lewis Rugg, known to family and friends as Dave, passed away on September 28, 2026, at the age of 90. A devoted husband, father, and lifelong learner, Dave lived a full and active life marked by professional accomplishment, community involvement, intellectual curiosity, and a love of family.

Dave was born on January 16, 1936, in Roseburg, Oregon. At the age of nine, he moved with his family to San Diego, California, where he spent the remainder of his childhood. He later attended the University of Redlands, where he met Fran Talmage. The two married in 1957 and went on to raise three children: Molly, Ken, and Dan. Dave continued his education at Chapman University, earning a degree in geology.

In 1963, Dave and Fran moved their young family to Ridgecrest, California, where Dave began a long and distinguished technical career. He initially worked for Genge Industries and later Comarco before joining the civil service at the Naval Weapons Center at China Lake. Over the course of his career, Dave contributed to a variety of important military aviation and weapons programs, including the Sidewinder air-to-air missile, the A-6 Intruder, and the A-12 Avenger.

Dave took great pride in his work and earned the respect of his colleagues for his technical expertise and dedication. Among his professional achievements were receiving the prestigious Technical Director's Award and presenting at an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Technical Community on Software Engineering conference in Paris, France.

Outside of work, Dave was an enthusiastic long-distance runner and an active member of Ridgecrest's running community. He participated in the Over the Hill Track Club and devoted time to coaching young runners through the Maturango Milers. His involvement reflected both his love of physical activity and his willingness to share his time and knowledge with others.

Following his retirement and the passing of his first wife, Fran, Dave began a new chapter in his life when he married Carol Van Verst in 1997. In 1998, Dave and Carol purchased a farm and moved to Medford, Oregon, returning Dave to the state of his birth to garden and hike with their two pet llamas.

In Oregon, Dave discovered another opportunity to put his energy, curiosity, and leadership skills to good use. He became deeply involved with the Oregon Master Gardeners, eventually serving as president of the state organization. His dedication to gardening reflected his appreciation for learning, working with his hands, and contributing to his community.

Throughout his life, Dave remained intellectually curious and physically active. He enjoyed exercise, hiking and backpacking, solving crossword puzzles, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family. Whether exploring a new place, working through a challenging puzzle, tending a garden, or sharing time with loved ones, Dave approached life with an enduring desire to stay engaged with the world around him. His life was one of continual learning, purposeful activity, and devotion to family. He leaves behind a legacy of accomplishment and memories that will be cherished by those who knew him.

Dave's 90 years were filled with accomplishments, friendships, and experiences that touched many lives. He will be remembered for his intelligence, his dedication to his work and community, his wide-ranging interests, and, most importantly, the place he held in the lives of those who loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be October 30, 2026 in the Sunrise Room at the Rogue Valley Manor at 2:00 PM.