DcWitt C. Rucker Jr.

Additional Information

DeWitt Cyril "Ladd" Rucker Jr. passed away at his home in Camarillo, Calif. Sunday, May 6, 2012, at the age of 92. Ladd was born in April of 1920 to DeWitt and Helen Rucker in San Francisco, Calif. at Stanford Hospital.He grew up in San Jose, California. Ladd attended the University of Oregon where he was on the track team. Everyone knew Ladd to be an avid football fan who always cheered for his beloved Oregon Ducks and San Francisco 49ers. When the attack on Pearl Harbor happened, he proudly enlisted in the Marine Corps, serving with Marine Intelligence. After World War II, Ladd worked as an actor for Warner Brothers Studio. He acted in movies with stars including Cary Grant and Errol Flynn. Ladd moved back to San Jose where he took over The Rucker Company, his family''s real estate business that was established in 1874. However, he later returned to work in the film industry. He worked as a location manager, production manager, and producer on various television movies and specials. Ladd worked on the Motion Picture Development Council in 1979 and was appointed to the California State Film Commissioner in 1985, where he served for over a decade. He was also a member of the San Jose Lion''s Club and served a term as president. Ladd moved to San Luis Obispo in 1984 with his wife Lavon and granddaughter Becky. He served as director of the San Luis Obispo Film Commission and was an active member of Rotary, where he made many close friendships. Upon his wife''s death in 2001, Ladd moved to Ventura and later Camarillo to be near his granddaughter and her family. He was a member of the Ventura Lion''s Club and Camarillo Rotary. Ladd lived life to the fullest, always known to be a vibrant, social man. He enjoyed family barbeques, sport fishing, athletics, and gardening. As someone who worked with many of the great entertainers of his generation, Ladd enjoyed sharing his passion and knowledge of Hollywood with his friends and family. Ladd is survived by his daughter, Susan Rucker; sons David Rucker and Paul Rucker; granddaughter, Becky Crowell; grandsons Christopher Rucker, Derek Rucker, Kyle Rucker, and Clinton Rucker; great-grandchildren Camille Crowell, Elise Crowell, Charlotte Rucker, Emi Rucker, and Connor Rucker. He was preceded in death by his wife Lavon Rucker and brother Roderick Rucker. Ladd''s family wishes to thank the wonderful and dedicated staff at Atria Las Posas, Camarillo Hospice, and Buena Vista Hospice. In keeping with his wishes, there will be a small private memorial for family only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camarillo Hospice or St. Jude''s Children''s Hospital.