Creating A Legacy That Lasts
The Valley Rock Foundation Vision
The Valley Rock Foundation was born from the vision of Edward A. Keith, a man defined by his humble beginnings and relentless perseverance. After facing childhood homelessness on the streets of San Francisco, Edward volunteered for service in the South Pacific during World War II.
His superiors quickly realized Ed’s organizational talents and he was brought in from the trenches to run the base Post Office and commissary. Ed spent four years in service to his country during that war and he returned decorated with the Victory and Good Conduct Medals.
Having relied on the support of organizations like the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and the Salvation Army during his youth, Edward dedicated his success to paying that kindness forward. Today, the foundation honors his legacy by providing critical support to youth organizations.
In the late 1960s, business associates McBride and Ed Keith established the Bar 49 Ranch to provide dedicated support for building leadership youth programs through yearly summer camps. Ed became involved in the Guardsmen (https://guardsmen.org) and hosted bus loads of inner city students every year.
Edward Keith’s early childhood was defined by resilience and humble beginnings. While his father worked as a laborer on the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, the family faced significant hardship, including the tragic loss of Edward’s brother to appendicitis.
Ed Keith with a group of his business associates.
Established in the 1950s, the Keith Realty office in the Richmond District marks the beginning of Edward Keith’s legacy. It was from this San Francisco storefront that his real estate empire first took root.
During World War II, Edward Keith served in the South Pacific, where he worked in the Army post office.
Edward Keith’s dedication to youth was matched only by his spirited personality. Always the life of the party, he maintained a playful, youthful side that fueled his passion for helping others.