SAN DIEGO—Assembly Speaker Toni G. Atkins today announced the passing of Dr. Bill Beck, a San Diego community leader who fought passionately for equality and civil rights, raised millions of dollars for AIDS and other worthy causes, and opened the door for many San Diego LGBT elected officials.
“San Diego has lost a true pioneer in LGBT rights in San Diego, as well as a force of nature in politics, in business, and philanthropy,” said Speaker Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “More than 20 years ago, Bill Beck had a vision for the LGBT community in San Diego to have a voice in the halls of power. Thanks to Bill, LGBT San Diegans have been speaking out for our community in the Assembly and state Senate, the Board of Supervisors, the City Council, the school board, the District Attorney’s office, and the court. Bill’s loss leaves a huge void—but an amazing legacy.”
Over the course of several decades, Dr. Beck raised more than $10 million for AIDS charities, local business associations, philanthropic foundations, and LGBT candidates. He has served on numerous boards, including the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, the Gay Families of American Project, the AIDS Assistance Fund, and the Greater San Diego Business Association. He was a co-chair of Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) and a founder and board president of the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation.
“Bill Beck dedicated his intellect and energy to advancing equal rights for LGBT San Diegans through political action,” added former Senator Christine Kehoe. “By working to elect a generation of openly LGBT office holders in local, state, and federal offices, Bill was part of a wave of progressive change in San Diego and across the country. I am forever grateful for the tireless support he gave to each of my campaigns and to those of so many others.”
San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said, “Bill Beck’s legacy of leadership is profound. His philanthropic work helped raise millions in San Diego’s fight against HIV/AIDS and other charitable causes. He will also be remembered as a key figure who made it possible for LGBT candidates to make history and secure a seat at the table. While Bill preferred to work behind the scenes, his contributions to our community have always been front and center.”
San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts added, “Bill Beck was a transcendent presence in San Diego’s LGBT, civic, and business community. An early, strong, and steady voice for the gay community, he cared deeply about San Diego and was a trusted friend and counselor for decades. This is a sad day for all of us.”
Dr. Beck received many awards and accolades, including being honored by the state Legislature in 2010 during LGBT month and winning the San Diego Democratic Club’s President’s Award, the LGBT Center’s Jess Jessop “Founder’s Award,” and Nicky Awards in 1998 and 1999. He is survived by his husband, David Huskey.
