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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E530-E531]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE STAN FURMAN
______
HON. GREG STANTON
of arizona
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Mr. STANTON. Madam Speaker, today I want to recognize the Honorable
Stan Furman who passed away on April 1, 2019 at the age of 87 in
Phoenix, Arizona.
The two-term Arizona State Senator was born in St. Louis, Missouri in
1932 and experienced a humble, often difficult upbringing. He lost both
his parents before he turned 10 years old and spent his formative years
in the Vista Del Mar orphanage in Los Angeles.
This experience shaped him, contributing to his strong beliefs in
justice and equal rights. It formed Stan's social conscience as he
developed a profound need to stand up for those who couldn't stand up
for themselves. That
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time also instilled his deep love and appreciation of his family and
friends--people he never took for granted.
From 1952 to 1956, Stan served our country in the U.S. Air Force
which took him to Japan during the Korean War. After an honorable
discharge, Stan moved to Mexico City where he earned a degree in
business and foreign trade from Mexico City College. His time in Mexico
would forever change the course of his life.
It was there that he met Gloria, his soulmate and wife of 58 years.
They married in Mexico City in 1960 and moved back to California where
Stan worked for a fabric wholesaler. Their three children were born in
California.
In 1969, the Furman family moved to Phoenix where Stan opened and
managed a new branch for the fabric company. After some years in
Arizona, Gloria entered local politics as a volunteer, which inspired
Stan to get involved-and ultimately led to him running for public
office himself.
Stan was elected to the Arizona State Senate and served two terms
from 1991 to 1995. During his tenure, Stan focused on the issues that
were instilled in him early on: civil rights, criminal justice,
education. He served with compassion and dignity, always motivated by
doing the right thing. He advocated for the 1992 referendum to make
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day a paid state holiday in Arizona--an
accomplishment that made him incredibly proud. And between his
lawmaking, he found time to volunteer, and encouraged his colleagues in
the legislature to volunteer at a local elementary school, too.
After leaving elected office, Stan's passion for service never
wavered. He served on many Arizona boards and commissions and worked
for the Arizona Corporation Commission. Following many years of
extensive work with the Arizona Civil Liberties Union, Stan served as
the President of ACLU Arizona from 2002 to 2006 and was honored to be
named Arizona Civil Libertarian of the Year in 1995. He also served for
several years on the National ACLU Board of Directors. It was no
surprise, when in 1998; Stan was named `` Mediator of the Year'' by the
Phoenix Community Mediation Program.
In his personal life, Stan was a man of many passions. He was an avid
tennis player and golfer, quick-witted and a natural joke teller. He
loved crossword puzzles and all word games. He enjoyed playing board
games and online games with his children and grandchildren. He loved
going to the beach while enjoying time at the family's vacation home in
Rocky Point, Mexico. But those close to Stan knew that his work brought
him as much joy as any of his hobbies. Stan Furman is survived by his
wife and love of his life, Gloria, his daughters Diane (Randy) and
Susan, his son Phil (Deb), his grandsons Spencer, Dylan, Nate,
Harrison, Alex (Jessi), Hugo and Oscar, and his great-granddaughter
Cheyanne.
Stan had a life well lived and will be deeply missed.
____________________
