[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 57 (Thursday, April 10, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORIAM: RICHARD EDWARD GENSER, 1944-2008

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RAUL M. GRIJALVA

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2008

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I rise today 
to honor an environmental leader whose work and passion has made the 
Sonoran Desert truly a better place.
  Richard Edward Genser, known as Rich, Rex, and to many of his good 
friends as Geronimo, was born in Newark, New Jersey and spent his 
childhood in South Orange, New Jersey. He served in the Air Force 
during the Vietnam war.
  Rich came to Tucson, Arizona in the late 1980s. Although in the real 
estate business, his passion was preserving natural areas, protecting 
wilderness, and ensuring that development was directed away from the 
most sensitive lands.
  Rich was a lifelong member of the Sierra Club and served the 
organization in several capacities including as chair of its Grand 
Canyon Chapter as well as its Rincon Group in southern Arizona. He 
helped to found the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection and was key 
in the efforts to Save the Scenic Santa Ritas from mining threats, a 
threat that has not yet been extinguished.
  Rich was a good friend to many and there was no one who was more full 
of life. He loved Arizona, he loved the Earth, and he loved the Sierra 
Club and all of his many friends there. Rich also loved a good fight 
(for the environment) and helped with numerous efforts, including a 
successful effort to promote Pima County's Sonoran Desert Conservation 
Plan.
  Richard Genser passed away on February 27, 2008 at the young age of 
63. He is survived by his wife, Claire; father, Lester Genser (Agnes); 
son, Jordon Genser; sister, Susan Bulger; brother, Jon Genser (Annie); 
step-daughters Carol Bailey Stevens (Eloy), Ashley Ronen (Shlomi); four 
grandchildren, Zaida, Blue, Hailey, and Samantha; three nieces, Laura, 
Jane, and Courtney, a nephew, Gregg; several great-nieces and nephews, 
and his ex-wife Jill Genser.
  Rich leaves a legacy that cannot be adequately expressed in words, 
and gives all of us who have known him and worked with him inspiration 
to follow our passion and know that one person can make a difference 
for the better.

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