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Kahlo Benavidez Obituary
In 1997, Kahlo and his family moved to Las Cruces where he resided until 2007. Kahlo lived life with a joy and a passion that was remarkable. He was a graduate of Mayfield High School, Class of 2004 and his passions there were poetry, media production and yes, cheer. Mayfield had not seen male cheerleaders since the 1960's and Kahlo was responsible for himself and three other young men being accepted to the cheerleading squad in 2002.
Kahlo attended New Mexico State University for a year and a half and became involved with Camino de Vida as staff member and a strong advocate for the prevention of HIV and AIDS. In October 2007, he and Jeffrey MacDonald of Silver City, NM were selected to represent New Mexico as delegates in a caravan called the "Campaign to End AIDS." It began in San Francisco, California and accrued delegates in many states across the country to march in Washington, D.C. Their political goal was to lobby for AIDS reform. Thus the creation of the film documentary of that trip was been made into a movie titled "Closer to God." The film will be released to the general public later this year and available in DVD.
Kahlo became a part of Operation Get Tested in 2007 and addressed many people of all walks of life to deal with the reality of AIDS in our society today. He was a committed advocate for the prevention of AIDS and for change, and in his words, "I firmly believe the world we choose to create today benefits the world we choose to create tomorrow."
Kahlo lived his life passionately, and he has touched the hearts of many throughout the country. Family and friends who wish to honor his memory are invited to a casual gathering at his family home at 1751 W. Hadley #191 from 4 PM to 8 PM on Friday, May 1, 2009. The family is requesting that those who attend be prepared to share in the funny, happy life of Kahlo Benavidez with a story or two and bring their favorite photo of him. At his request no other services were held.
Kahlo is survived and loved by his partner, Adam Gomez, maternal grandparents Josie and Ubaldo Benavidez Sr., his three wonderful siblings Camila Garcia, Roberto Garcia and Yvette Romero and J.R., husband of Yvette and nieces, Brianna, Jasmine, Mhia and Celeste of Silver City, NM. Kahlo's paternal relations Armando and Vera Garcia, grandparents as well as uncles, aunts and cousins too numerous to mention.
Kahlo Salvador Antonio Benavidez has completed his circle of life and joins his friends and relatives who have gone before him to begin a new life on the other side.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels and Baca's Sunset Crematory. 527-2222
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kahlo Benavidez
Love, Mom
May 30, 2009
Mijo, we miss you! I thank you for your joy, your laughter, your passions and for the person that was so totally YOU.
I look forward to the day when we meet again, once our own circles of life are complete. Until then, know how proud you've made us by doing all that you've done in such a short time.
Jennifer Croy
May 17, 2009
I felt very fortunate to have known Kahlo and felt his amazing energy to help others. He will be greatly missed.
Toni Bueno
May 14, 2009
May Almighty God receive you in his loving arms as you enter into the kingdom of Heaven your efforts to Educate on this deadly disease did not go unoticed. May your family find comfort in Gods healing and love......GODSPEED to you my friend
May 14, 2009
May 14, 2oo9
Words still escape me in terms of the loss those of us who worked with Kahlo every day feel. At the Santa Fe Mountain Center, where he worked, Kahlo was a breath of fresh air and so very talented. He was adored and respected by staff and clients(kids and adults alike). His energy, passion and ability to connect with people was remarkable. He is so missed and always will be. He left a legacy here that will never be forgotten and that will always be cherrished.
To his family, and to Kathy in particular, we offer our deep and thoughtful sympathy.
Sky Gray,
Executive Director,
Santa Fe Mountan Center
Matt Stevens
May 8, 2009
Kahlo was such an amazing person. He always knew what to say or do to cheer a person up. He will be missed always. May his family have comfort knowing how special a life he lived and how much he meant to everybody.
Daniel Maese
May 8, 2009
I miss Kahlo so much. I'm so sorry that I lost touch over the past year. He was such an incredible, caring friend. My heart goes out to all who knew him. This world was truly a better place because of him. This is so heart-breaking. I loved him very much. I hope he's watching over us now.
Erin McClanahan
May 7, 2009
I met Kahlo when he joined our cheer squad in 2002. I'll never forget the laughs we all shared on the bus rides,games and at practice. I am so proud to have had the opportunity to know such an amazing person. The angels will be lucky to have him!
Olivia Melendrez
May 6, 2009
Kahlo was such an amazing young man. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. Kathy, I want you to know we love him and will miss him very much. I’m so glad we got to know him.
The Melendrez Family
Mara Lopez
May 6, 2009
I haven't seen Kathy or the family in about 15 years now... but I remember Kahlo as a baby- and he was absolutely adorable! I loved playing with him; I think I saw him at least 2 times a week back then since my mom was his Nina... I never forgot his birthday and always thought of the little cutie on June 18th. A little ironic, but I thought of all of them about a week before this tragedy- but I had no idea how to contact them... I'm glad my mom was able to make it to the services in NM. I read up on some of Kahlo's blog- what an amazing person he grew up to be. May God be with all who were touched in some way by an amazing young man.
Tom Donohue
May 4, 2009
All week I thought about Kahlo, his family, partner, and friends. Kahlo was such an amazing guy. I recall marching with him in DC telling him that we together were going to fight HIV and affect this world. His smile before and after his braces (LOL) warmed the room, or brightened a day. His dedication to making a difference against HIV/AIDS will never be forgotten and his work with Who's Positive and Operation Get Tested will affect people for ever.
Kahlo, I miss you my friend. I wish you a journey which will allow you to give us strength to continue your fight. Thank you for all you've done, the friendship you gave me and your guidance and support - until our paths cross again... on behalf of all of us on the tour, Richard, Marissa, Cree, Richard, & D'Jaun take care.
Tom Donohue
Founding Director, Who's Positive
Rosie Morales Limon
May 4, 2009
Kathy, It is with great sympathy that I offer my condolences to the family. May you be comforted by Kahlo's memory; and knowing that he touched the hearts and lives of many.
Imelda Chacon
May 4, 2009
My sincere condolences to Kathy & her children. I never knew Kahlo and I wished I would have, because he seemed like a bright young man. I know that even though he is gone his beautiful spirit will live in your hearts forever.
Anita Montgomery
May 3, 2009
To the family, the partner, and friends my deepest sympathy I am sorry I was not able to Attend the service by may the love of God wrap you in his arms and shed some light to console your heart. And we as the class of 2004 from Mayfield High School will continue to remember his determination and strength and will continue to advocate for AIDS Preventation. May you rest in peace Kahlo. Until we meet again my friend.
Colin Gromatzky
May 3, 2009
Thank you for sharing your life with us, Khalo. You touched so many lives. May you find peace. Adam, family, and friends, my condolences and may you also find peace. He blessed us all during his journey through this life.
MICHAEL YBARRA
May 2, 2009
KAHLO WAS A DEAR FRIEND OF MINE MY SR. YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER MY TIME I HAD WITH HIM IN CHEER, AND FRIENDSHIP. GOD SPEED MY FRIEND, YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Lisa Murillo
May 2, 2009
The first time I met Kahlo he was one of the cutest, smartest little kids I had ever met. He had the knack of making a bunch of college girls laugh and no matter how hard the day was he was wise years sharing his wisdom even though he was about 5 he would surprise us with his unique way of thinking. I have never forgotten him and by luck I was at his graduation and thought " this kid is awsome He will change the world for the better" Though I did not know him well I see by his blog he did change his little part of the world. I was privelaged to have known him.I send my love to his family who I know miss him
Kathy
May 1, 2009
I didn't know Kahlo, but was touched by the obvious commitment he had to make the world a better place. I am very sorry for your loss, and wish you peace
Audrey Jacques
May 1, 2009
I always had so much fun cheering with you and you always knew how to make me laugh. I still have the superwomen magnet you gave me and every time I see it I think of what you told me when you gave it to me. I will always miss you Khalo.
LISA BENAVIDEZ-DURAN
May 1, 2009
This is for Kahlo,
I will always remember your beautiful smile and your beautiful personality. When I heard of your passing I just couldn't believe it. You touched the lives of so many people, you were truly a tool for God. I also remember your silliness during the games when you and my daughter Audrey would get together. Kahlo may you know rest in peace and know that the work you did here on earth will be rewarded in Heaven. You are an angel in Heaven watching over us all and espiceally your loved ones. You will truley be missed by all who loved and adored you
Love ur cousins,
Lisa Benavidez-Duran & Audrey Jacques
To kahlos Family,
Please except my condolences for your lose. Kahlo was indeed one-of-a-kind and will never be forgotten. Thank you for the gift of Kahlo. An angel has earned his wings. May Gods Peace and Love comfort you all during this difficult time but always cherish all the memories each one of you shared with Kahlo and that will keep you going when u feel u can't go on. God Bless You All
Lisa Duran(Audrey Jacques' Mom)
RICHARD AND THERESA YBARRA
May 1, 2009
WE KNEW KAHLO THRU OUR SON WHO ALSO WAS ON THE CHEER SQUAD WITH HIM. HE WAS ALWAYS SO FULL OF LIFE AND READY TO TAKE ON ANY CHALLENGE. THIS WORLD IS A LITTLE MORE EMPTY WITH HIS PASSING. MAY YOUR MEMORIES OF KAHLO AND THE SUPPORT OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY HELP SUSTAIN YOU THRU THIS TRYING TIME. WE WILL MISS HIM TOO!!!!
Sara Ash
May 1, 2009
My deepest sympathies to Kahlo's family, dear friends, and partner; my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Kahlo was a friendly and sincere person, who brought a smile to my face every time I ran into him at Mayfield HS and around Las Cruces after we graduated. He made a lasting positive impact on those who had the chance to meet him. He will be missed.
Tom Donohue
May 1, 2009
Kahlo,
I miss you already. I recall the day we met when you first comfronted HIV in Washington DC, I recall telling you that together we would change the world, that I would wrap my arm around you and that we would work together. Your work on the Operation Get Tested tour impacted so many people including the lives of 6 HIV positive youth.
Your friendship, guidance, opinions help form Who's Positive, made it thrive, just like your personality. I will miss you grately.
Tom Donohue
Founding Director
Who's Positive
Kahlo's voice was heard all over the world during the tour. His words touched so many students and influenced many more to empower themselves to know their status. Who's Positive is deeply saddened of his death and will always remember his smile, professionalism and warmth.
Kahlo wanted to make a difference, that he did. In a survey that he completed for the tour Kahlo said 'I firmly believe that the world do today benefits the world we choose to create tomorrow" Kahlo the world you helped create,the impact you've made on lives across the country, the hearts you've touched will remember you and your work forever. Our loss is heaven's gain. Your work continues through those you've touched.
A profile of Kahlo can be found at: http://www.whospositive.org/ogt_kahlo.php
Pictures of Kahlo and his Who's Positive family can be found at:
http://www.whospositive.org/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=520
Allison Prescott
May 1, 2009
I knew Kahlo since high school, he was an amazing, funny, caring person. We both wanted to be models and even went to some model thing at the hilton maybe in middle school or ninth grade. He will always be in my heart. I love you Kahlo. My condolences go out to Kahlo's Family.
Sabrina Jimenez
May 1, 2009
I knew Kahlo from high school and he truly was a beautiful person. Since Mayfield he has done many amazing things, and I hope the family can find some comfort in knowing Kahlo had such a positive impact in peoples lives. Love ya Kahlo!
Kathleen Gardner
May 1, 2009
To Kahlo's family,
I am so sorry for your pain and loss. It was my pleasure to be Kahlo's TV broadcasting teacher when I was at Mayfield High School. Kahlo was an effervescent, dynamic and brilliant young man with so much to share. His energy and creativity were an inspiration to the students on our staff and to me. His passing is truly a tragedy.
Although I won't be able to attend this evening's memorial, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
T. Medina
May 1, 2009
May God Bless Kahlo's family and friends at their time of grief. I was a fomer classmate oF Kahlo's and was sadden to hear about his passing. He was an amazing, caring and giving person. Until we meet again!!
helbo
May 1, 2009
Kahlo, you changed our lives.
I cannot imagine the sense of loss Adam and your family are feeling. Your time here was too short. We will miss you so much.
Thank you Kahlo, for making it ok to be gay at Mayfield.
Goodbye I hope we will meet again
Patsy Daniel
May 1, 2009
I knew Kahlo at Mayfield where I was an AES facilitator and worked closely with the cheer squad. As his obituary said, he made a huge impact on cheerleading at Mayfield. He was a kind, funny, and sincere person. My sympathies to his loved ones. I wish I could attend the gathering today and hear "Kahlo stories."
Andres Corral
May 1, 2009
Im grateful for the few moments i spent with kahlo in conversation, i will never forget your heart kahlo you have done more for me than anyone can ever know! keep haunting us ! RIP one love!
A.corral
Cindy Martinez & Ubaldo Benavidez IV
May 1, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
~Teddie Riehl~
May 1, 2009
I remember Kahlo well as a special friend of my son in high school. I am saddened that his life ended the way it did, but so pleased to hear of the many things he accomplished for the advocacy of acceptance for all. From what I remember of him he was like that in high school too. I hope he finds peace and that his family and partner will find comfort and understanding.
May 1, 2009
Kahlo was an inspiration to us all at Mayfield. He wanted us all to practice safe sex and to know that being gay was ok. We will miss him. I cannot imagine how much Adam and Kahlo's family will miss him. Thank you for being an example of a supporting family. Goodbye Kahlo, thanks for all you did.
Tim Miller
May 1, 2009
Kahlo touched a lot of lives and will be remembered as an inspiration to many of us. On behalf of Camino de Vida, i want to thanks Kahlo's family for the gift of him. We were blessed to have Kahlo's energy, enthusiasm and commitment on our staff. Personally, I am sorry for your loss, I know he will be greatly missed.
Stephani Ash
May 1, 2009
Kahlo was an amazing person; his dedication and passion for the causes he supported was inspiring. He was always a pleasure to visit with, and will be missed.
Jennie Brown
May 1, 2009
Ms. Benavidez, Camila, Roberto & Adam -
I am so sorry for your loss.
Kahlo was such a great person. He was so empathetic towards others. I loved coaching him at Mayfield and working with him in UCA. He always had a such a great sense of humor and made events/practices fun for everyone. He had a great work ethic and was just a joy to be around. I cannot say enough good things about him. He was an amazing person & I love him tons! Anyone who knew Kahlo was blessed and a better person for knowing him.
May 1, 2009
It is so inspiring that Kahlo was a committed advocate for the prevention of AIDS. I didn't know Kahlo but it seems that he has touched the hearts of a lot of people. May his family have many happy memories of the fulfilling life he lived.
Nicole Fuchs
May 1, 2009
My heart goes out to Kahlo's family and partner. I have not seen Kahlo for many years, but he had been in a summer program that I worked for many years ago. He was one of the most popular kids in the group. I remember him as having a lot of talent as a cheerleader and being an all around great kid!
J.J. Gonzales
May 1, 2009
I'm so sorry i cannot make it down for the gathering..I pray for you and your family Khalo..I Miss you everyday. you truly were a Great inspiration in my life.. a promise to you , I will do my next charity in your name my friend..I love you and miss you so very much..
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