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“He did what was best for football,” said former Ottawa Sooners president Rob Raistrick. “He had great integrity. I had tons of respect for him.”

A big man in stature, the biggest part of Ruckstuhl was always his heart. He had time for everybody. He’d had some health issues. Mobility at times was a problem, but that didn’t keep him away from the football field, even if he had to watch from his car.

“I spoke to him just over a week ago,” said Costanzo. “He sounded really good. He was happy, we were joking around.”

His involvement with community football meant everything to Ruckstuhl, but he couldn’t have done it without the support of his wife, a marriage that lasted 51 years.

“As they say, behind every great man, there is a better woman, that’s the case here,” said Costanzo. “For the great contributions he made, his wife Linda was there, too. They were a dynamic duo, a great couple.”

“One time, we were on the sidelines talking,” said Palladino. “We were talking about pretty women and he pointed to the other side and said, ‘Look over there, look at that girl, she’s gorgeous.’ I’m looking and I said, ‘Where? I see your wife …’ He said, ‘That’s who I’m talking about, isn’t she gorgeous?’ He really loved his wife.”

Somehow, his legacy has not yet been recognized in the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, which has so many great stories within its walls. With the thousands of lives he touched, there has to be room for Ruckstuhl.

“He had a big soft spot and that’s how most people would recognize him,” said Palladino. “But he was also one of the biggest competitors I’ve met, he had that huge competitive streak in him.”

Ruckstahl brought many smiles to the faces of others. What he did, what he meant, won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

“I’m reading some of the messages on Facebook and I start crying all over again,” said Palladino. “He’s not suffering and he’s with his son right now, that’s the comfort.”

Visitation will be Thursday at Kelly Funeral Home, 3000 Woodroffe Ave. (2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.). Location of the funeral Friday is still to be determined.

Twitter: @TimCBaines