Sherman Russell "Rusty" Selix, Jr. passed away peacefully Tuesday in San Francisco at age 68, after an inspirational three-year battle with ALS. He was surrounded by his family.

Rusty was born on September 23, 1950, to Doré and Sherman Selix Sr. in San Francisco. He attended Town School for Boys, Lick Wilmerding High School, Northwestern University where he received a degree in economics, and University of California at Davis where he was awarded a Juris Doctorate. Most of his professional life was spent in Sacramento, where he initially practiced as an attorney for the League of California Cities. Later, he served as a lobbyist and Executive Director for the Mental Health Association of California and the California Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies for over 30 years.

Notably, Rusty collaborated with Darrell Steinberg to launch Proposition 63, which became the California Mental Health Services Act of 2004, one of the first such acts in the US to provide funding for mental health services. Rusty devoted his professional life to serving others, giving a voice to those whose voices were unheard. Once he was diagnosed with ALS, he used his political acumen to garner significant state funding for wrap-around clinical care for those with ALS.

Rusty is survived by wife, Nancy Whittington Selix, his three children, his stepson, and their partners whom he loved so much: Amy Selix (Ryan Little), Shae Selix (Jason Lillie), Sydney Selix, and Daniel Green. He is survived by his siblings, step-siblings, and their partners: Joan Selix Berman (Mitch Berman), John Selix (Dena Selix), Greg Gabby, Maria Gabby, and Tina Gabby (Daniel Moynihan). He is survived by his mother, Doré Tonkin Selix Gabby, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. His father, Sherman "Sherm" Selix, and stepfather, James Gabby, preceded him in death.

Rusty will be remembered for the tireless work that he has done in mental health and his never-ending devotion to the underserved. He was an avid hiker, golfer, Skylake Yosemite Camp counselor, a world traveler, and a life-long Grateful Dead, Forty Niners, and Giants fan. His life will always be remembered by the good he has done in the world, the love he had for helping others, and his devotion to his family and friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 30th, at 11am at Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St, San Francisco, CA 94118.

In lieu of flowers, Rusty requested donations to two charities:
ALS Association, Golden West Chapter, PO Box 565, Agoura Hills, CA 91376, http://web.alsa.org/goto/shae, OR Mental Health America, 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 820, Alexandria, VA 22314, http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Sherman Selix

8 Entries

Fred Stout

January 26, 2020

I knew Rusty from grade and high schools. He stood out as a genuinely nice person in the fiercely competitive environment of grade school personal male dominance. He was neither a participant, nor a follower. Safe travels, Rusty.

Kathleen Nemetz

September 18, 2019

Rusty was a sweet affable man and an amazing intellectual who had a gift for making his wife happy. I enjoyed working with him professionally, and as a friend.

John Coleman

September 10, 2019

Rusty was always amazing and remain so throughout his life. He was always curious, kind and sought to improve the lives of those around him. Rusty was recognized nationally as a thought leader in combating mental illness. He, more than anyone else, was responsible for writing CA Prop 63 and then shepherding the initiative through the political landscape, culminating in a ballot box victory. Most importantly Rusty was a devoted son, a caring father, a loving husband and a loyal friend to many. The footprints he leaves are large indeed. John Coleman

Clare Smith

September 2, 2019

I was very sad to hear this news. Rusty was a true champion and a treasured advocate in California. Peace and comfort to his family and friends.

Elizabeth Yznaga

August 30, 2019

He brought bright light and hope to many. Condolences to his loving wife Nancy and family.

Kelly Dillon

August 30, 2019

Condolences to his family and friends. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love and support.

Tammy Christel

August 30, 2019

Rusty, what a gift to the World you were. It is unthinkable, still, that you have left us. Climb the high mountain, dear Rusty. We miss you so deeply and always love and cherish you.

Carolyn Cooper

August 29, 2019

Memories will live on for Rusty Selix. a dedicated advocate in the family movement. May his legacy live on. as one of the founding Mothers for UACC\UACF you will be missed. Condolence goes out to his wife and family. sincerely, Carolyn Cooper

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