Lawrence L. Ruhf

Lawrence Lindstrom Ruhf, 73, of Buckland MA, died peacefully in his sleep on January 10, 2021. He is survived by his children Adam Ruhf, Zoe Ruhf, and Daniella Ruhf, his twin brother Peter Ruhf, sister Robin Ruhf, sister-in-law Hilton Caston, niece Fawni Ruhf, ex-wife Kathryn Ruhf, nieces Adrienne Isaac and Anna Hunt, ex-wife Kristina Johansson, and his two granddaughters Via Rogers and Sylvia Powell, who were the lights of his life. Born March 28, 1947 in Allentown PA, Larry was raised in a warm and eccentric family. He was a standout baseball player in his youth, and went on to coach his children and countless others while residing in Belchertown and Buckland, MA.

Larry graduated from the University of Michigan in 1969 with a degree in psychology, and received his Doctorate of Education from the University of Massachusetts in 1977. He was an innovator in the field of psychology, co-authoring a book on drug crisis and helping to develop family and network therapy as a psychotherapist at the Mt. Tom Institute in Holyoke, MA in the 1980s, followed by several years at ServiceNet in Northampton. He was a beloved adjunct professor of counseling psychology at Antioch University New England in Keene, NH for over twenty years, where he trained many therapists currently practicing in New England and beyond. 

Larry is considered a pioneer and founding father in the sport of competitive boomerang throwing. He competed on the first USA Team against Australia in 1981. He organized the first-ever International Team Cup in 1987, and was a national champion and world record holder. Later in life Larry became an accomplished painter, sculptor and musician. His many brilliant artworks will keep his spirit alive in the homes of his friends and family around the globe. Larry will be remembered by his wide community as an inquisitive, encouraging, and loving person who genuinely cared about other people and made a positive impact on many who knew him.

There will be a Zoom ceremony to honor his memory on Jan 30th, 2021 followed by an in-person memorial service to take place this summer, pandemic pending. 

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