Rudy Campas

Rudolpho (Rudy) Gastelum Campas passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 17th, 2025. Rudy was born on October 22, 1940 to Ramon and Dolores Campas in Tucson, Arizona. He spent the first 16 years of his life in Tucson before successfully pursuing a career as a Jockey until retiring to his beloved horse ranch, Casa de Campas, in Riverside California in 1982.

At the age of 7 Rudy started his lifelong passion of Horse Racing, starting with match racing in his hometown of Tucson. From there he made his way as a young child to Southern California where he successfully pursued his career as a Jockey, a career that took him and his family all over the country. He was known as a long shot rider, winning over 1,700 official races and riding in many prestigious races including the Kentucky Derby. After retiring to his ranch he continued to pursue his other passion for horses where he owned, bred, raised, boarded, and trained them. Here he also proudly served as a mentor to a young Aaron Gryder. In retirement he was a fixture at the Fairplex in Pomona and on multiple occasions took part in the Rocking Chair Derby in Del Mar. He raised his last race horse from birth after the mother passed during labor, naming the colt after the first horse he had ever won a race on, Clipper R.

In 1961 Rudy married his wife of 64 years, Jerri Jo Dewar. Together they had six children: Rudy, Jerri, Thomas, Candice, Carolyn, and Christopher. He is survided by all of them as well as 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and his brother George and his sister Irene.

Rudy's first and foremost passion was always his love for his family and friends. He loved visiting with people and sharing stories with them. He was always generous, humble, and never knew a stranger. Rudy leaves behind a legacy that will always be cherished by those who knew him. A viewing will be held on Thursday 1/8 from 4:00pm to 8:00 pm at Preston and Simons. A mass will be 1/9 at 10:00am at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church.. Celebration of life to follow at the Casa De Campas 4960 Riverview dr

Riverside Ca 92509