PORTSMOUTH--Kanen Lee Ruff, lovingly known as "Bubba," passed away unexpectedly on May 1, 2025, at the age of 38. Born on September 3, 1986, Bubba lived a life defined by generosity, quiet strength, and deep devotion to the people he loved.

Bubba was known for his hands of steel and heart of gold. He was a man who worked tirelessly and gave selflessly. He showed up without being asked, lent his last dollar, or spent his last ounce of energy helping someone in need. He never looked for recognition; his joy came from seeing others cared for. For most of his life, Bubba worked in construction, and in recent years, he worked in concrete, where his hard work and dedication were evident in every project he took on.

He was a loyal and true friend, always ready to listen, support, and stand beside those he cared about. If you were lucky enough to call Bubba your friend, you knew you had someone who would be there, no matter what.

Bubba had a sharp wit and a gift for making people laugh, often when they needed it most. His humor wasn't loud or showy; it was quick, clever, and always perfectly timed. And when he really laughed, it was genuine and contagious, the kind of laugh that filled a room and made everyone else laugh too, even if they didn't know the joke.

Bubba was a devoted father to his beloved son, Justin Ruff, who was the light of his life, and a caring presence in the life of his stepson, Solus Holloway. He is also survived by his parents, Jane and Benjamin Ruff; his sister, Peggi Ruff; his half-sister, Tiffany Brickhouse; his grandmother, Geneva Buckman; his loving uncles and aunts, including his dear Aunt Carol and Aunt Ann; his double cousins, Angela Martin and John Ruff; and his treasured nieces and nephews: Christopher Ruff, Riley Davis, Emma Davis, Jackson Davis, Jarred Ruff, George Martin, and James Martin.

Bubba loved to play video games, especially Pokémon Go, alongside his friends and his son, Justin. He was a fan of singing karaoke and loved to dance, often bringing laughter and joy to those around him. His playful spirit, whether through a game or a song, was one of the many ways he made others feel special and loved.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, James C. Buckman, a man Bubba admired deeply and who instilled in him many of the values he lived by.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 16, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 34 Afton Parkway, Portsmouth, VA. The family will receive friends an hour prior. Burial at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens will immediately follow the Mass. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.

Though his time with us was far too short, Bubba's memory will live on in the lives he touched through his kindness, strength, and unwavering heart. He will be missed more than words can express.