He used to routinely call me at home to ask questions or to get more information. Russ was not computer savvy, so on several occasions he wanted more information on such diverse topics as benthic macro invertebrates (backbone-less animals that in the wild are considered good fish food and their presence serve as an indicator of stream health) and limnology (study of inland waters). I would scan various journal articles or find books for him to read. Often the books I'd recommend were available on Amazon.com so I would buy them for Russ and he'd write me a personal check.
He also confided in me that he wanted to leave this world without the wealth he'd acquired, but it came as a complete suprise to me that he would ask my help in writing part of his endowment. My basic response was always to say "it's your money, Russ, so you can specify how it should be spent." I suggested that the best place to start was with endowed chairs on the campuses as those types of gifts free money up for projects. He commenced with that process while still living. Ken Tate, Randy Dahlgren and Barbara Allen-Diaz were the recipients. At the same time, he set up the endowment that would start upon his passing. I had no idea how large that gift was going to be.
In addition to his wonderful gift you'll read about below, Russ provided many years earlier close to a million dollars in seed money for research on rangeland water quality to a team that included Ken Tate, Randy Dahlgren, David Lewis, Barbara Allen-Diaz and me. That research was conducted at both the Hopland Research & Extension Center and the Sierra Foothill Research & Extension Center.
Russ also created one of the very first rangeland water quality plans that resulted from those early courses conducted by that team and with Mel George. I miss Russ and his challenging questions.
With his gift more research will be possible, so perhaps he's given us a chance to answer future questions. Those answers will benefit the cattle ranching industry of California. I'll be sure to keep his Lake & Mendocino rancher friends aware of the projects that Russ' gift will support.
The following is from UC Davis News & Information.
Late cattle rancher Russell Rustici wills millions to UC Davis for rangeland research
March 8, 2011
The late Russell Rustici, a Lake County cattle rancher who had a scientist’s drive to understand the rangelands that were his livelihood, has left about $9.5 million to the University of California, Davis, to support research and outreach efforts addressing problems that face California cattle producers and rangelands.
Rustici’s gift establishes the Russell L. Rustici Rangeland and Cattle Research Endowment in the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. The endowment will support applied research in water quality, rangeland ecology, animal health and other areas of importance to ranchers and residents across the state.
"Russell Rustici's bequest will assure the long-term health of rangelands and cattle ranching in California," said Neal Van Alfen, dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "His gifts will allow our researchers to solve ecosystem problems facing ranchers and help improve the quality of life for generations to come. Russell clearly understood how private donors can support our land-grant mission of solving society's problems."
Rustici, who died in October 2008, fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a cattle rancher in Lake County after working many years in produce distribution. As he became immersed in ranching, he sought to better understand the science behind rangeland and cattle management.
His bequest follows years of philanthropy in support of research at UC Davis. In 2008, he gave $1.2 million to establish two endowed positions at the university: the Russell L. Rustici Endowed Chair in Rangeland Watershed Science and the Russell L. Rustici Endowed Specialist in Cooperative Extension in Rangeland Watershed Science.
The endowed chair position, held by Randy Dahlgren, professor and chair of the UC Davis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources, is devoted to research that examines water quality, nutrient cycling and hydrology on rangeland watershed. The endowed extension position, held by Cooperative Extension rangeland management specialist Kenneth Tate, is focused on helping livestock producers manage rangelands in ways that simultaneously improve both water quality and ranch profitability.
Rustici’s total gifts to UC Davis are expected to exceed $10.8 million once his estate has been fully distributed. He is among the top 10 donors to The Campaign for UC Davis, which seeks to raise $1 billion by 2014 for expanding the university’s capacity to meet the world’s challenges and educate future leaders.
Author - County Director Mendocino & Lake/Livestock & Natural Resources Advisor - Emeritus