William “Doug” Douglas Ruoff Jr. passed away on May 4 of 2024 in the comfort of his home in Los Osos California at the age of 82.
Doug was born on April 26 of 1942 to William and Dolly Ruoff in Detroit, Michigan. He spent his younger years traveling and working jobs around the world and creating lasting memories with friends. From working in an ice factory in Hawaii to spending time on a safari in Africa, Doug loved to explore and try new things. Eventually, he settled down in LA and owned a local clothing store, WD Silk in Century City where he met people like Tom Selleck. He also enjoyed spending time with friends on the UCLA campus and watching Dodger baseball and listening to Vince Sully over the radio whenever he had the chance. Later, Doug went on to own a restaurant called Nat’s Early Bite in Van Nuys.
After having his only child, William “Willie” Ruoff III, Doug and his then wife moved to Los Osos to raise a family. They chose Los Osos because of the small community and the ability to open their new restaurant called The Garden Café. From 1995 to 2005, Doug cooked breakfast and lunch for the Los Osos community and won over the community’s hearts through his food and cooking.
Doug was a man of few words but showed his love through his food and wine. When hosting parties, he preferred to stay in the kitchen and make amazing food for his guests rather than spending time socializing. He also enjoyed spending time with the American Wine Society where he enjoyed tasting and experiencing different wines from around the world.
When he wasn’t cooking for his community and family, he enjoyed spending time watching his son play sports. Doug coached t-ball and spent years with the “Roo-Rats” and the Morro Bay Pirates cross country team watching his son compete in sports. He also spent his later years helping local farmer “Parez Produce” selling vegetables and fruit at the Los Osos Farmers Market, hiking with a local hiking club, and taking care of local dogs through his dog sitting service. Even without the restaurant, he was involved in the community and gave back whenever he could. He was well loved throughout Los Osos and beyond.
Services will be held at Spooners Cove in Montana De Oro on Friday May 24th at 11:00 Am. In lieu of flowers, please bring your memories with Doug and your favorite bottle of wine or favorite dish for a receipt book.
