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Support LGBTQIA Students

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In memory of our founder

Celebrating the Life of William Clement Tumelty

July 9, 1944 - July 5, 2023

It is with heavy hearts, yet filled with love and gratitude for a life well-lived, that we celebrate the remarkable life of William Clement Tumelty. On July 5, 2023, our beloved Bill, a proud Air Force veteran, retired banker, and devoted volunteer, departed this world in Palm Springs, California.

 

Born on July 9, 1944, in Trenton, New Jersey, Bill began a life of purpose and service. After proudly serving his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force, he embarked on a nearly four-decade-long career in commercial banking, impacting businesses and communities in Boulder, Golden, and Denver, Colorado, as well as Santa Barbara, California. His journey includes a BA in Economics from Georgetown University and an MBA from the University of Denver. Bill brought financial expertise, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to many organizations and causes he sincerely believed in.

 

Bill was compassionate and selfless. He was a true friend, mentor, and role model. His proudest contribution was creating the Coachella Valley Pride Scholarship Fund, to support the education of LGBTQ+ youth. The fund has awarded over 100 scholarships totaling $90,000 and many more will benefit from Bill’s generosity and vision.

 

Bill was predeceased by his mother, Dorothy Elizabeth (nee McGee) Tumelty, his father, William Clement Tumelty, and sister, Beth Ann Tumelty. He is survived by his sister Barbara Tumelty; her husband William Ewall, his niece Katharine Ewall, her husband Darrin Beek, and his two grandnieces Stella and Annalee Beek. Bill is also survived by his brother Bob Tumelty, his wife Elizabeth (nee Scheffer) Tumelty, his nephews Mark Tumelty and wife Kathryn (nee Spiker) Tumelty, Scott Tumelty, and Todd Tumelty, as well as his grandnephew Parker and grandnieces Camryn and Teagan Tumelty. Bill was fortunate to have an extensive loving and dedicated chosen family.

 

In honoring Bill’s wishes, no formal service or ceremony will be held. His remains will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. In tribute to his legacy, donations can be made to the Coachella Valley Pride Scholarship Fund (cvpridescholarshipfund.com) to carry forward Bill’s passion for education and ensure that his legacy endures. Rest in peace, dear Bill. Thank you for the love, compassion, and joy you brought to our lives. Your spirit is forever with us. May you find eternal peace as your legacy lives on, inspiring us to make a difference in the world, just as you did.

Love Strong, Worry Less, Laugh Often.

To provide students tuition and living funds at the College of the Desert who identify as LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, or Asexual +).

Be a part of the solution and contribute any amount that makes you feel good.

Pay It Forward Project

#PayitForward is our campaign to assist those students that are looking for a better way to support their ability to attend higher levels of education.

Join our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram and share our project with your social networks, family, and friends.

WHAT RECIPIENTS SAY

"My experience as an LGBTQIA College of the Desert student has been an extremely fantastic experience. It was surely comforting to know that College of the Desert supports their LGBTQIA students and is treating them immensely well. By organizing special events, activities, offering multiple scholarship opportunities, health services, and great counseling. Al of which are available to anyone who wishes to participate."

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