Regis Groff was known as the “conscience of the Colorado Senate” — a man who fought every obstacle in front of him to become one of the most respected politicians of his time.
PHOTOS: View more images from Regis Groff’s funeral.
He inspired everyone who came in contact with him, friends said Friday.
About 1,200 people packed the Shorter Community AME Church in east Denver to honor Groff, who was remembered as someone who never backed down from a challenge or a challenger.
There were numerous former and current politicians in attendance, including Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, who last saw his mentor about two weeks ago at a nursing home.
Groff died Sunday at the age of 79.
“I walked in thinking I would give him inspiration. He inspired me,” Hancock told the crowd. “All we talked about was politics.”
But Groff, the second black state senator in Colorado history, was much more than a politician. He was a teacher, a friend, a husband, a man who friends said worked hard and played hard.
He enjoyed golf, music and dancing, as well as helping young people reach their potential. After Groff left the Senate in 1994, he was appointed as the first director of youth-offender corrections after the summer of violence that year.
“As a teacher, Regis brought history to life,” said Allegra “Happy” Haynes, now president of the Denver Public Schools board. She said Groff, unlike other teachers, didn’t try to stunt her interest in the Black Panthers.
Starting in 1974, Groff served as a Colorado senator for two decades. One of his proudest moments came when he helped pass legislation in 1984 to make Martin Luther King Jr. Day a Colorado holiday.
Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher recalled when he and Groff were first elected to the Senate. There were so few Democrats in office at the time, “we could probably meet in the closet,” Gallagher said. But Groff reached out to politicians across the aisle and quickly gained their respect.
“He had perfect elegance,” Gallagher said. “He could reach out and talk to the hearts of the most ardent.”
Groff’s daughter-in-law, the Rev. Regina Groff, gave the eulogy, which she called the most difficult one she has ever had to write.
She echoed the words of others who spoke at the service.
“Regis was a fighter,” she said. “He was no chump.”
Among those who spoke at the service was Calvin Smyre, a longtime Georgia state representative who, like other politicians across the country, was proud to be included in “Groff’s Posse.”
Smyre was among the countless people inspired by the man.
At the end of his speech, Smyre had a simple message for his friend.
“Job well done, faithful servant,” he said. “Job well done.”
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175, cillescas@denverpost.com or twitter.com/cillescasdp