Kenneth A. Ruby

Ken was a man who was truly loved, respected, and admired. He passed away peacefully on May 19, 2024, with his family by his side. Ken had the wonderful life he deserved. He worked hard as a successful real estate developer, but he always made time to be with his family.
Ken moved to Southern California in the late 1950's after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, with a BS in Economics and a Real Estate Finance major followed by a 2 year deployment in the US Army.
Ken began his career as an appraiser at Home Savings and Loan, where he became interested in real estate. He left that job, and started is first company, R&B Development Company with his brother, Howard, and two others.They built over 3,500 apartment units.They were well known for starting the South Bay Club Apartments which were for singles only, fully furnished with a recreation room, kitchen, gym, pool tables, pools, jacuzzis, and tennis courts, all included on the property. It was a pioneering adventure whose time was ripe in the early 1960's. Ken followed the singles theme apartments with family style, large apartments with lots of outdoor, grassy space as well as playgrounds and childcare available on the premises. The next phase was the fully furnished Oakwood Apartments which still exist today.
In 1968, Ken left R&B and formed his own company, Ken Ruby Construction Company, a real estate development and management company where Ken was the contractor. He built apartments first, followed by commercial and industrial buildings.
Ken was a successful real estate developer for close to 63 years, and a philanthropist who gave generously of his time and expertise.
He was a member of the Los Angeles County Real Estate Management Commission from 1977 to 2002. He was active in his synagogue, Stephen Wise Temple, where he was a past president, and for many years chairman of its building committee. In addition, he was an Emeritus member of the Hebrew Union College Board of Governors and was a Board member and Chairman of the Construction Committee of the Skirball Cultural Center, and a Board member of Milken Community School. He was also on the Board of Visitors of the UCLA Medical Center and on the Board of the Jonsson Cancer Center at UCLA. Additionally he was Vice Chairman of Friends of Elnet, the European Leadership Network.
Ken passionately engaged in his work in these organizations and felt satisfied that he was making a difference with his involvement.
He was predeceased by his wonderful parents, Ben & Jeanne Ruby, and is survived by his adoring wife Wendy, his three daughters, Jill, Cindy (Christopher), and Debbie (Eric), and his granddaughter, Jenna, as well as his brother, Howard, and his many nieces and nephews.
Ken will remain in our hearts for eternity. His memory is a blessing and we were so fortunate to have had him in our lives.
Donations may be made in Ken's memory to: Milken Community School, Elnet, Skirball Cultural Center, or Stephen Wise Temple.