HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4726, by Representatives Chopp, Mason, Dickerson and Tokuda

     WHEREAS, Persons of character, compassion, intelligence, and dedication have made significant contributions to the fight against AIDS and the care of those suffering from the disease in the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, Reverend Gwen Beighle, founder of the Multifaith AIDS Project of Seattle (MAPS), was representative of these qualities and contributions; and

     WHEREAS, From 1987-1992, Gwen Beighle served as volunteer executive director of MAPS; and

     WHEREAS, As a leader in the establishment of the Bailey-Boushay House, which continues to provide housing to low-income and homeless people with AIDS, Gwen Beighle witnessed the early treatment of AIDS patients; and

     WHEREAS, Gwen Beighle worked diligently to improve the treatment and perception of AIDS patients; and

     WHEREAS, Gwen Beighle earned her Masters of Divinity degree from Vancouver School of Theology in British Columbia and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister; and

     WHEREAS, From 1982-1987, Gwen Beighle served as Hospital Chaplain at Harborview Medical Center; and

     WHEREAS, During her life, Gwen Beighle received numerous community service awards, including the Jefferson Award from the Seattle Post- Intelligencer, the National Outstanding Caregiver Award of Merit from the Family AIDS Network, the Human Rights Day Award from the Seattle Chapter of the United Nations Foundation, the Neal Kuyper Award from the Presbyterian Counseling Service, and the New Behnke Award from the Northwest AIDS foundation; and

     WHEREAS, As a wife and mother of four, Gwen Beighle struggled with her own battle against ovarian cancer since 1991; and

     WHEREAS, In 1992 Gwen Beighle appointed Rabbi Anson Laytner as her replacement as volunteer executive director of MAPS; and

     WHEREAS, On Friday, January 5, 1996, Gwen Beighle died of ovarian cancer; and

     WHEREAS, One thousand people attended Gwen Beighle's memorial at the First Presbyterian Church in First Hill;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize, honor, and remember Reverend Gwen Beighle for her tireless and selfless efforts on behalf of AIDS patients in the State of Washington and nationwide; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the family of Reverend Gwen Beighle.

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