Benito Lucio comments on the passing of Rodolfo G. Lira

“When I first came out of migrant steam in 1974 there was one person everybody talked about for his honesty and integrity in working with the migrant farmworker population—that person was Rudy Lira...a great gentleman and citizen.
 

“I want to point this out because Mr. Lira passed away this past week, and I wanted to remember him and remind all of us of the tremendous local leaders that have helped shape us and our community. Mr. Lira was one of those individuals—a fighter for justice and culture.

Rudy Lira

“I had the pleasure of knowing him and working with him when we were the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services—the administrative staff at OBES, back then, we would consult with him on migrant issues and he was someone that you always wanted to get his input on things....especially when it came to migrant farmworkers.

“For me it was always a pleasure to see him regularly at the Latino Festivals…I still have a picture of him and Mrs. Sofia Quintero..two great leaders, who are no longer with us. [He] was humble and exemplary in life.

“Gracias Rudy, you will be missed....my condolences to your family.”