Robert "Blair" Rugh

Robert “Blair” Rugh was born on June 8, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, and he grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14th surrounded by family. Blair is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Rugh and Suzanne Rugh, and his beloved wife of 57 years, Betty Rugh.

He is survived by his children Cindy (Ken) Kenneth (Kim) and Leslie, in addition to his grandchildren Chase, Carson, Clay, Caroline, Hannah, Lauren, and Blair.

Blair earned a Batchelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Kansas, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He attended law school at Southern Methodist University School of Law, where he graduated Summa cum laude and served as Editor-in-Chief of the SMU Law Review. While a student in law school, Blair married his high school sweetheart, Betty. Following his graduation they lived in Dallas, Texas where they started a family and Blair began his distinguished legal career, specializing in real estate law.

In 1973 Blair relocated from Dallas to Orlando, Florida, where he and Betty raised their three children. There, Blair practiced law and founded a successful commercial real estate company. Later, he served as the Chief Banking and Regulatory Compliance Officer for the Kirchman Corporation for 17 years, earning a respected reputation within the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Blair was deeply involved in his community. He coached College Park Little League, was a long-standing member of The Country Club of Orlando, served on the board of the Central Florida Fellowship of Christian Athletes, served seniors through the Meals on Wheels ministry, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Orlando. Blair’s passion for golf, a sport he loved since the age of 10, brought him great joy throughout his life. In addition, he loved fishing and the Florida Gators.

His Christian faith was strong with his beliefs reflected through his actions and the constant kindness and generosity he showed to others. With his God-given intellect, he had a rare ability to process daily life in a perspective of life’s bigger picture. He maintained eternal optimism and viewed any problem, no matter how seemingly large, as just a “minor problem.” Blair was known for his wit. Whether telling stories at the dinner table, jokes on the golf course or giving a humorous speech at someone’s birthday party, he especially loved to make others laugh. Above all, Blair treasured his faith, family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, kindness, and devotion. He had a profound impact on the lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any gifts be made as donations to Grace Medical Home (gracemedicalhome.org).

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 26th at 10AM in the chapel at First Presbyterian Church of Orlando, followed by a reception at The Tap Room at Dubsdread.