Former San Diegans and transformational philanthropists Raymond (Ray) Chavez and Rupert Keesler were best friends, business partners and life partners for over 65 years.

Ray, born in 1925 and Rupert, born in 1923, met as they began new careers shortly after serving in the military. To say they formed an immediate bond would be an understatement.

Ray’s degree in economics helped with their business development. It led to his love of debating economic policies, while Rupert’s degree in social work was the perfect complement to drive the couple’s success. Together, they amassed significant wealth by purchasing and developing land and commercial real estate across California and Arizona.

But it was never about accumulating money. It was how they could use it.

They cared very much for each other and were happy to live and work together in Escondido. Throughout their lives, Ray and Rupert always found ways to give back to the community, and they deeply loved animals and people.

As Ray put it, he “made it in America” and was proud of his Chicano heritage, which meant that he also had a responsibility to help others with similar backgrounds. As a result, Ray and Rupert developed programs for underserved Chicanos at the high school and college level, one of many initiatives and charitable causes they supported.

Selfless Philanthropists

Together, Ray and Rupert lived a life for others.

Although they could afford to live a life of luxury, that was never their desire. They preferred to keep a low profile and live humbly, while sharing all they could with those who needed it most.

Rupert’s estate planning attorney Laura Nichols shared a memory that perfectly encapsulated the couple’s personality. While at a grocery store shopping together, Laura asked Rupert what he wanted to get. He responded, “Apples and ice cream.” When she asked what type of ice cream, he quickly answered, “The kind that is on sale.”

Today, Ray and Rupert’s legacy lives on through the charitable causes they supported and the endowed legacy funds at San Diego Foundation (SDF) that continue to make a difference.

Ray and Rupert always said they wanted as much money to go to charity as possible.

After Ray passed away in 2013, Rupert actively engaged more nonprofits. He worked with SDF to donate more of his assets to charity, including gifting the condominium he lived in when he moved into a retirement home.

Rupert would pass away a few years after, but shortly before that time, he told Laura to review a packet of financial documents on his kitchen table. The documents were his final will and trust. After looking at the documents, Laura asked him, “What are your thoughts about all this money going to charity?”

He said simply, “I lived a very good life, and I hope that others can as well. This money will last a long time and do a lot of good.”

In addition to donating real estate, Ray and Rupert both created Charitable Remainder Trusts with SDF that provided them with an income stream for life and consistent tax deductions.

Most importantly, upon their passing, the value of those trusts, combined with their legacy gifts, was more than $35 million, which has since gone on to help dozens of San Diego charitable organizations, helping orphans and foster youth, supporting the Episcopal Church, improving animal welfare, and numerous other passions of theirs.

Ray and Rupert were never the most well-known philanthropists in San Diego, but their impact is as profound as any.

Gifts like Ray’s and Rupert’s prove that giving back can last a lifetime and beyond. A legacy fund of any size can provide lasting benefits for you, your family and the causes and charities you care about most.

If you are considering ways to make an impact through a legacy fund, submit the form below to download our Guide to Building Your Charitable Legacy or contact our Donor Services team today.

Download the Charitable Legacy Guide

This valuable resource will help you understand how to set up a legacy fund and the lasting impact planned gifts can have for you, your family and your community.

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