Victor Ruf was born in Sterling on Feb. 14, 1944. He passed away on Feb. 22, 2026 at the age of 82.
Victor was raised on a farm near Sterling until high school. He was offered a football scholarship to Western State in 1962 by O. Kay Dalton. He played under Dalton during his 107-game winning streak and was inducted into the Western State Hall of Fame with his team in 2017.
Vic received his bachelor’s degree in 1966 and his master’s in 1967. He married Olivia (Libby) Fry in 1969 in Gunnison. They were summer residents of Gunnison for many years.
Victor taught his entire career in Adams County District #1 at Mapleton and Skyview High School as a teacher, football and wrestling coach, athletic director and assistant principal.
Victor was also a member of the Colorado High School Activities Association Board of Control that regulated Colorado high school sports.
He is survived by his wife Libby Ruf, his brother-in-law Steven (Mary Kay) Fry, Darrell (Annette) Fry and several cousins, nieces and nephews..
A service is planned for Thursday, May 14, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Arvada.
