[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 137 (Wednesday, November 12, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1515]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF REGIS GROFF

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 12, 2014

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of one of Denver's 
most respected residents, former Colorado State Senator Regis Groff, 
who passed away on October 5 at age 79. 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. He was an educator, a state senator 
and a community servant. 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.
   Born in a small town in Illinois, Regis Groff first came to Denver 
while serving in the United States Air Force, where he was stationed at 
Lowry Air Force Base for several months. He returned to Illinois and 
attended Western Illinois University earning a BA in 1962. When it came 
time to settle down and raise a family, he chose to make Denver home. 
He taught at Smiley and Lake Junior High Schools before starting an 
African-American history class at East High School. Later he earned a 
master's in Education from the University of Denver in 1972.
   A long-standing interest in politics led him to run for the Colorado 
State Senate. He was successful in his bid and served from 1974 to 
1994. During those twenty years, he demonstrated time and again his 
willingness to fight for fairness and justice, including an effort to 
divest Colorado from South Africa's apartheid government. He cites the 
highlight of his time in the Senate as passing legislation that 
established a holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. in Colorado. His 
colleagues recognized his leadership and elected him the first African-
American Minority Leader of the Colorado State Senate. His efforts were 
also rewarded with numerous awards from the community, including 
Legislator of the Year from the Associated Press.
   Roy Romer appointed Regis as the first Director of the new Youthful 
Offenders System. His dedication to community service then continued in 
his role as Executive Director of the Metro Black Church Initiative. He 
was selfless to the end. As a teacher, Mr. Groff had an impact on 
countless students. I hope some of them are as inspired by him as I am 
and will carry on his work to fight the good fight. His talents and 
perseverance are an example for us all.
   Please join me in commending Regis Groff. His leadership in the 
search for justice and equality enriches our lives and builds a better 
future for everyone living in Colorado.

                          ____________________