[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 172 (Friday, October 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1056-E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING RICHARD STAHL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GREG STANTON

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2021

  Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Richard Stahl, who passed away on January 3, 2021. A community leader 
and LGBTQ+ advocate, Richard

[[Page E1057]]

was a fearless champion for LGBTQ+ causes and fought tirelessly to 
bring us one step closer to eradicating HIV. Today, Arizona is a better 
and brighter place for his presence among us.
  A New Jersey native, Richard had a profound love for Arizona. Put 
best by Richard himself, ``I will retire here someday.'' After moving 
to the Grand Canyon state, Richard immediately rooted himself firmly 
giving all his time, heart, and soul to the betterment of our 
community. Casa Ben Dita--his beloved McCormick Ranch home--became a 
gathering place for some of the premiere LGBTQ+ organizations in 
Phoenix--particularly Lambda Legal, the oldest national legal 
organization dedicated to working for the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ 
community. Year after year, Richard inspired so many and had a unique 
sense of bringing people together for the common good.
  When Aunt Rita's Foundation brought the AIDS Walk back to Phoenix, 
Richard was one of the first to jump in and support its success. He 
also was relentlessly active in Aunt Rita's Red Brunch to celebrate 
World AIDS Day and joined the Foundation's Red Purse Club, generously 
donating his time, talents, and treasure year after year.
  His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and the eradication of HIV extended 
beyond excellence in service and volunteerism. Together, with community 
partners, Richard helped form permanent financial legacies for the 
Southwest Center for HIV/AIDs. His generosity transformed the Southwest 
Center from a small organization to a thriving pillar of our community. 
Richard showed that by giving, anyone and everyone can change the 
world.
  Today, the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDs is known as Arizona's 
premiere leader for financially accessible, culturally competent, 
LGBTQ+ friendly healthcare. For his lifetime achievement, he received 
the Southwest Center Philanthropist Lifetime Legacy Award and was named 
a Partner for Life. In his honor, the Center named its clinical trials 
division the ``Richard P. Stahl Research Wing''.
  As we reflect how long we have come in the work to eradicate HIV, 
there is no doubt our progress was shaped by Richard Stahl. Arizona 
owes him a debt of gratitude, and he will be deeply missed by his 
friends, family, and all those he uplifted with his positivity and 
unwavering support.
  Madam Speaker, in this spirit of remembrance, I rise to honor the 
life and legacy of Richard Stahl. I thank Richard, and Godspeed.

                          ____________________