Robert Thorne Ruckart

Robert Thorne Ruckart, born September 6, 1925, the son of the late Betty Ruckart, went to be with the Lord November 26, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Marie, to whom he committed his life through relentless service and, in her later years, compassionate caregiving. He also outlived his brother, Donald Ruckart of Baltimore, Maryland, and his sister, Patsy Gray of Cockeysville, Maryland. He is survived by four step-children, Bryant Moore, Jonathan Moore (Yai), Kevin Moore, and Katherine W. Lawson (Russell); and four grandchildren. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Bob served as a Navy Corpsman in the Korean Conflict. Later, he graduated from George Washington University School of Pharmacy in 1957 with a MS in Pharmacology. He spent a distinguished career as a Senior Research Biologist in neuro-pharmacology at A. H. Robins, where he published 17 papers on a range of subjects. One of his most fond memories was the work he accomplished with Elaine Perkinson, a collaborator on multiple initiatives at A. H. Robins. Bob Ruckart was a member of Charles City County Ruritan Club, and, in 1990, began his service with Providence Forge Rescue Squad. A committed emergency responder, he was certified in advanced cardiac life support and served as a driver and EMT, as well as the squad’s treasurer for 21 years. A member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church since 1982, he was a faithful supporter of Kings Daughters and Sons, No Greater Love, and served as the church’s organist and a member of the choir. He gave abundantly to members of his community both as a parent while living in Richmond, raising four children with Marie, plus serving as a volunteer musician among area nursing homes, as well as after relocating to Charles City County in the early 1980’s. While operating Lonesome Pine Christmas Tree Farm in the county with Marie, they often gave trees to charity and to families who could not afford to buy one. He was known as an astute model train collector and could be found wearing his engineer’s cap when he displayed model layouts through the years with Dr. Robert Singer and other members of the Virginia Model Railroading Club at the Science Museum of Richmond. Bob will be missed by his family and friends. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church or the World Wildlife Fund. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Monday December 4, 2017 at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 19300 The Glebe Ln, Charles City, VA 23030.

Robert Thorne Ruckart

September 6, 1925 - November 26, 2017