Regis Groff : ‘Conscience of the Colorado Senate’, April 8, 1935 – Oct. 5, 2014
Editor, GPHN
Park Hill, and all of Colorado, has lost a statesman, a teacher, a role model and an inspiration for generations. Former state Sen. Regis Groff died on Oct. 5. He was 79.
Groff, who served in the state Senate from 1975 to 1994, was the second African-American to serve in the Colorado Legislature. During his tenure, he worked to enhance public education and advocated for veterans and for people with disabilities. He educated generations at Smiley Junior High and East High School. A crowd estimated at 1,200 packed the Shorter Community AME Church on Oct. 10 to celebrate his life.
Here are just a few remembrances from those who learned from him, loved him, and vow to continue his work:
“Regis Groff was a friend, a mentor and an adviser, someone I turned to regularly for guidance and honest counsel. There is no question of the profound impact he had on our entire state with so many, myself included, benefiting from his wisdom and advice.”
— Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock
“Senator Regis Groff exemplified what it means to be extraordinary. As a teacher, he inspired generations. And as a senator, he paved the way for a better Senate. His son, Senator Peter Groff, is a testament to his character, and I hope his entire family will find peace in knowing that his legacy will continue.”
— Colorado Senate President
Morgan Carroll
“Senator Groff changed the trajectory of the Colorado legislature; a career educator and transformational legislator, he was an early and outspoken voice for inclusion and equality. He dedicated his life to fairness for all Coloradans, and left a legacy even more powerful than his legislation: A son who would rise to be Colorado’s first black Senate President. Senator Groff broke ceilings and cleared paths for a generation of leaders across Denver.”
— Colorado State Sen. Mike Johnston,
who currently represents Park Hill,
where Regis Groff served
“One day during my first year in the legislature, Regis stopped by. He asked me if I was enjoying serving and having any fun. I told him being in the minority, some days were better than others. He smiled and asked if I was winning any votes (of course he knew the answer). I told him ‘no’. He said he knew the feeling, but bet I was winning a lot of arguments. We laughed and agreed that it would be more fun to win some votes. Regis was pure class and the personification of a statesman. I will miss his laugh and wisdom.”
— Former Colorado state legislator
Penfield Tate III
“Mr. Groff was how I addressed him. He was my 7th Grade Social Studies teacher and one of two people on this earth who could get away with calling me Rosie. He was a mentor to me from age 12 … Rest in Peace, Mr. Groff.”
— Rosemary Rodriguez, Denver
“Regis – ‘Mr. Groff’ as I first knew him – had a profound and everlasting effect on my life. I learned much more than just classroom work from him at East High School, including a social conscience, understanding of how a person’s environment affects him, and so much more. He was a great role model for me, and so many others. His name brought a smile to all who heard it. We will miss him. “
— Annita Menogan, Denver
“Among my vivid memories of ‘Mr. Groff’ back in his teaching days when I was a student at East High School were of him wearing his colorful African dashikis … considered quite radical, especially for an instructor, back in the ‘70s when we were all (trying to be) so ‘Black.’ I also recall my father telling me that Regis happened to be on the same plane with him returning from Washington D.C. to Denver. I had just written a rather critical letter to the editor to EBONY Magazine and they actually published it. Regis had seen it and came down the aisle of the plane to the row where my father was sitting and said, ‘Dr. Gipson, tell Bruce to give ‘em hell!’ That was Mr. Groff. As Annita Menogan said, one of the most important things he taught us was a sense of activism in the fight for equality.”
— Bruce Gipson, Denver
“Mr. Groff was one of my favorite teachers at East Denver High School. Go Angels! I ran into him many times over the years and he always pretended he remembered me. His personality was a gift. I ran into him on Bourbon Street in New Orleans when the Broncos played the 49ers in 1989 at Super Bowl 24. He will be missed by all of the Angels that knew him. God Bless Him.”
— Bob Willard, Denver
“A great man, a dedicated public servant, and a leader who kept things in perspective. He served his family, his community, and his state with equal passion, commitment, and character. Among the best Colorado lawmakers of the last 50 years, he should be a role model for all who aspire to public service, regardless of their party. Say hi to the old man for me, Sen. Groff, and God’s speed to you.”
— Bronson Hilliard, Brighton
“I had the privilege — the great privilege — of covering Regis Groff when he served in the Colorado Senate. He was the kind of public official who would not approach the microphone unless he really had something to say, but when he did, he always drew the undivided and respectful attention of everyone present. He was a great, good man. I am very fortunate to have known him.”
– Jennifer Gavin, formerly with The Denver Post and the Associated Press, Olney, MD
“My respect and admiration for Regis continued to grow. His leadership, commitment and his love of life made him stand out in all he did. He made a huge difference in our state. When I think of Regis and Paul [Sandoval] working together for Blacks and Browns it makes me proud! I can hear them politicking in heaven now! I will continue to think of him with a smile. Many blessing to his family.”
— Mary Helen Sandoval, Denver
“This remarkable man merits both our recognition and gratitude for his unwavering efforts to stand for what’s right. He leaves behind an impressive record of leadership in social justice and education, and he made an enormous impact on many lives. Regis Groff wasn’t afraid to fight the tough battles when he knew he was standing up for others. He worked to strengthen education and to ensure a fair system for everyone. We in Colorado are fortunate to have had Mr. Groff laboring for equality in our community. The legacy that he leaves behind should inspire us all to continue his fight with a measure of dedication with which he worked.”
— Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver,
from a statement that will be formally read into the Congressional Record this month.