Rusty Rose, who was known for everything from being a successful businessman, Texas Rangers co-owner, art collector and philanthropist to being “Lela’s and Will’s dad” and “Deedie’s husband,” died last night.
While the University of Texas at Austin and Harvard Business School graduate was at home with business titans and U.S. Presidents, he was just as comfortable watching the birds of the sky or others shine in the spotlight.
Deedie in accepting the 84th Linz Award in April 2013 thanked her husband saying, “After 48 ½ years of marriage he still doesn’t agree with me on everything, but has supported me in everything.” It was that partnership that helped establish the Deedie and Rusty Rose Foundation, create The Pump House and was part of the group that made “unprecedented gifts of their private collections” to the Dallas Museum of Art in 2005, among so many other contributions.
Most recently Deedie and Rusty presented a $1M gift to Trinity Park in September and served as honorary co-chairs for the Perot Museum’s annual fundraiser in November.
His death leaves a void in numerous lives, projects and organizations. Hopefully, the memories of his achievements and the twinkle in his eye will continue to inspire others to carry on in his stead.
Our most heart-felt condolences go to his family, universe of friends and those who have been touched by his generosity.