May 26, 2010 04:50 PM UTC

Former Rep. Gallegos Dies

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• by: Colorado Pols

We noted early last month that former Rep. Rafael Gallegos of Antonito had been diagnosed with cancer, and were sorry to read in the Pueblo Chieftain today:

Rafael Gallegos, a former state representative for parts of Pueblo and the San Luis Valley, died Monday following a 10-month bout with cancer.

He was 71…

“He was one of the kindest people you’d ever meet in the General Assembly,” said House Speaker Terrance Carroll.

Former state Rep. Dorothy Butcher recalled when Gallegos was appointed to be assistant majority whip.

“I could always count on Rafael,” she said. “He was a very truthful, honest person.”

She added that he worked hard on behalf of poor people, securing the passage of a heating assistance bill.

“Rafael genuinely was an advocate for the poor,” she said.

Rep. Gallegos had many friends in and out of the legislature, and on both sides of the aisle, so we expect that services Friday in Pueblo will be well-attended.