Buddy Roogow, the director of the DC Lottery since 2009, died Saturday after suffering an aneurysm. He was pronounced dead at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore. Roogow was 65.
"It is with great sadness that I announce that Buddy Roogow, director of the DC Lottery since 2009, passed away on Saturday morning, April 11, after spending Friday evening with family and friends. He was 65 years old. Buddy loved what he did and he was the Lottery's foremost champion. He was a consummate professional, dedicated to making DC's the best Lottery in the country and worked hard every day to achieve that goal. I had the honor of working closely with him over the past year. Buddy was a wonderful colleague and to many of us here, a great friend. We will miss his warmth, enthusiasm, energy and humor. We will keep his family and all of those who loved him in our hearts and prayers," said Jeffrey S. DeWitt, Chief Financial Officer District of Columbia., in a released statement.
Roogow was named the DC Lottery Executive Director in December 2009, bringing over 13 years of lottery experience to the DC Lottery. Roogow started in the lottery industry when he was named Maryland Lottery Director in October 1996. Under his leadership there, Maryland enjoyed 12 consecutive years of record-breaking sales.
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Thanks for this news Todd. Roogow left a hole in the lottery system here in Maryland. His leaving was sorely missed here.
He was a successful leader here. Since his departure from the MD lottery, too many questions have come up about fairness and legitimacy within the system have frequently come up.
RIP.
Ah, that is sad. Condolences to Buddy Roogows family.
RIP Buddy, and condolences to the Roogows family.
Oh no. Sorry to hear that sad news. Rip Buddy. He loved the lottery.
I listened to Buddy give a presentation at the La Fluer's conference three years ago. He was a very likable, engaging, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic speaker. I wish I had gotten to know him. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends, and co-workers, who will surely miss him dearly.
Sorry to hear this. My condolences & prayers go out to his family. R.I.P.
Condolences to family and friends.
Tomorrow is never promised to anyone. We know not the hour or day of our departure from this life. Love all you can today. Hug your children some more.
My condolences go out to Buddy and his family. May you rest in peace.
Condolences to his family and R.I.P. Buddy Roogow.
This is sad news. I always thought that, under Buddy's leadership, the DC lottery seemed to have improved customer service and a more friendly attitude. He always seemed like a friendly, approachable gentleman.
Condolances to to his family, friends, and the DC lottery employees who will probably miss his leadership.
La Fleur's has a very nice tribute page for Buddy, with messages posted by people who knew Buddy:
http://www.lafleurs.com/buddy.html
His funeral is today.