Walter Allwein Ruch Jr. ’51

Walter died Dec. 16, 2021, after a career as an obstetrician/gynecologist in his native Memphis, Tenn., and a leadership role in the national Planned Parenthood movement. 

Walter came to Princeton from The Hill School and majored in psychology in preparation for a career in medicine. He was a member of Charter Club, roomed with Norman Sage and Stuart Sperry, sang in the choir, and was associate editor of The Daily Princetonian. 

Following medical school at Washington University, Walter remained in St. Louis for postgraduate training and served in the Army for two years before returning to Memphis to join his brother, Robert Ruch ’45, at the Ruch Clinic, which was founded by his father. 

Following retirement in 1995, he and his wife, Carol, spent much of their time at their vacation home in Basalt, Colo., where he became an accomplished fly fisherman and enjoyed skiing, tennis, cooking, and entertaining. 

In addition to his wife of 38 years, Walter is survived by two sons as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.