Batavia school staff dresses as retiring custodian

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Fred Ruh had about 40 reasons to smile on Wednesday.

As a tribute to the retiring custodian who helped open Hoover-Wood Elementary School in Batavia seven years ago, staff members dressed up as him for Halloween.

Ruh, who came to the new school from Alice Gustafson, dismissed the idea of a retirement party, so the costume idea was born, said Principal Beth Wackerlin.

"It's our tribute to him," she said. "We want him to know we not only appreciate his service, but who he is."

Most of the staff at the school donned blue jeans, blue polos, bald caps, beards, and even "Mr. Ruh" nametags to complete the costume.

Ruh said he had been disappointed the staff hadn't decided on a theme, like they do most years.

"This was the first year they didn't, I thought," he said, shaking his head.

As children walked by him, they called out, "There's the real Mr. Ruh!" and "Everyone is you today!"

"The kids got a real bang out of it," he said.

He accompanied a Mr. Ruh band with maracas, bells and a tambourine leading the school's costume parade on Wednesday. Some teachers varied their costumes, like a "Personal Day Mr. Ruh" in fishing gear and a "Hoedown Mr. Ruh" in a flannel shirt and overalls.

While the beards got itchy and a few fake eyebrows fell off, teachers said it was the least they could do for Ruh.

"He's everybody's best friend," said art teacher Andrea Tyszkiewicz. "He's a part of everything here."

Music teacher Ranea Breen said he goes beyond the responsibilities of his job, helping with everything from fixing instruments to helping with winter concert set designs off the clock.

"He comes across as gruff, but he's a marshmallow," said secretary Cynthia Teegarden. "He's got a heart of gold."