[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 15, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E40]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING STEPHEN THOMAS COVINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 15, 2020

  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor my constituent, Stephen 
Thomas Covington, who passed away on December 21, 2019. Steve was an 
incredible activist who sought to better our community from the ground 
up. With his creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Steve worked 
to fulfill his vision to positively impact the community of Hemet.
  As the owner of the Downtown Deli & Coffee Company, Steve sought to 
rebuild Hemet's historic Downtown District. Since the Downtown Deli 
opened its doors in 2014, it quickly became a local favorite and 
neighborhood landmark, as well as one ofmy favorite lunch spots. With 
Steve's passion for his community and his excellence in his craft, he 
fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere that celebrated Hemet's 
history and culture.
  Steve's presence in the community transcended the Downtown Deli. As a 
board member of the City of Hemet's Traffic Commission, Steve served as 
a local leader committed to uplifting Hemet. He constantly gave of 
himself to better the lives of his neighbors as he worked with numerous 
local community initiatives, such as the Ramona Bowl and Tinsel 
Triathlon and the restoration of Hemet's Historic Theater.
  A devoted family man, Steve was known for his passion, honesty, and 
loyalty by friends and loved ones. As the Hemet community grieves his 
loss, my heart is with wife Karen, his mother Diana, and grandparents 
Tom and Sally. Steve's legacy will be felt for years to come, and his 
memory will live on in the hearts of the lives he touched.

                          ____________________