64. Passing of David Ruhe, Former Member of the Universal House of Justice

64

Passing of David Ruhe, Former Member of the Universal House of Justice

8 September 2005

To all National Spiritual Assemblies

64.1 The passing of David S. Ruhe, our dearly loved former colleague, deprives the world community of a steadfast, tireless, long-standing servant of the Blessed Beauty—a loss deeply deplored. Imbued with an enthusiasm for the Teachings based on a vast knowledge of the Cause, and gifted with a capacity to nurture dedication in others, he pursued a wide range of Bahá’í endeavours over a period of more than six decades. These were marked by his work as a member and later as the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and were subsequently highlighted by his outstanding services as a member for 25 years of the Universal House of Justice. Physician, artist, author, film-maker, he devoted the force of his many talents to the promotion of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh with a humanitarian spirit and strength of will characteristic of his approach to the teaching and administrative activities that engaged his energies. Moreover, during his sojourn in the Holy Land, he contributed significantly to educational efforts of the medical institutions in Haifa. We extend our loving sympathy to his beloved wife, Margaret, who shared in and supported his services throughout the period of his distinguished professional career and his constant labours for the Cause of God, and to his bereaved sons and other family members. May his valiant soul receive a joyous welcome in the Abhá Kingdom and be blessed with perpetual progress throughout the spiritual worlds. We ardently pray in the Holy Shrines for these divine bestowals.

64.2 The friends everywhere are advised to hold befitting memorial gatherings, including commemorative services in his honour in all the Houses of Worship.

The Universal House of Justice