Judd Gregg: “one of New Hampshire's leading citizens, William B. Ruger, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of Sturm, Ruger & Company died…”

“one of New Hampshire's leading citizens, William B. Ruger, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of Sturm, Ruger & Company died peacefully at home on Saturday, July 6, 2002. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill Ruger for several decades. He was one of America's great gun designers and a true American entrepreneur. Not only was Bill a giant in the firearm industry, his other interests were noted nationally as well. His philanthropy was especially evident through charities in communities throughout New Hampshire, as well as the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, WY where he served as a member of the Board of Trustees for over 15 years. Also, his Western Art Collection is thought to be one of the finest in the country. In 1999 he was honored by the Camp Fire Club of America, one of the most prestigious hunting and conservation organizations in the country. In awarding Bill their Medal of Honor, they appropriately said, ``he embodies a natural sense of justice and a passion for exploration, not only in the traditional sense, but in a business sense as well. Through the various and substantial endowments he has created, he has established a way to train and educate the youth of our country in the importance of personal responsibility, conservation, and truth.'' New Hampshire, and especially the community of Croydon, has lost a great citizen, and he will be sorely missed.”