April 25, 2012 01:08 AM UTC

"Godfather of Colorado Politics" Paul Sandoval Passes Peacefully

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• by: ProgressiveCowgirl

Former Colorado Senator Paul Sandoval, beloved by just about everyone in Colorado politics for the last few decades, died this afternoon. According to Lynn Bartels, Paul passed peacefully. Several weeks ago, Sandoval entered hospice care for pancreatic cancer.

Former Senator Sandoval was a political kingmaker, an effective legislator, a loving husband, and an unsuccessful seminary student (ejected for questioning God’s willingness to allow evil in the world), but he preferred to describe himself as “just a tamale maker.” In 5280’s excellent oral history of Paul Sandoval, the former Senator shared a boyhood memory of selling a paper to then-President Eisenhower for $5, then selling the autographed $5 bill for $10. That business sense served him well later in life, as an entrepreneur; a statesman; a mentor to others in politics; and, yes, as a tamale maker, starting his first restaurant while still serving in the state Senate.

Paul Sandoval received the Colorado Democratic Party’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. His loving wife, Paula Sandoval, accepted on Paul’s behalf. The room was at a standstill as Paula smiled and laughed about her many happy years with a husband as famous for his sense of humor and devoted friendship as for his political achievements and entrepreneurship.

Memories and tributes are pouring in through social media:

From Representative Casso, on Facebook:

“God’s speed Senator Paul Sandoval. You have and will continue to inspire generations of Latino legislators who have followed your landmark career…”

Terrance Carroll, on Facebook:

“RIP Paul Sandoval. A true giant has passed on. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”

Jason Bane:

“RIP Paul Sandoval. I’ll always remember Brkfst Queen mtgs with cigarettes, coffee & bacon for Paul.”

Andrea Merida:

“Thank you for everything, Paul Sandoval. May you rest in peace.”