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Howard Gelt

Howard Gelt

Howard Gelt

Howard Gelt, a low profile whirlwind in Democratic politics who worked for two Colorado governors, a US senator and helped elect President Bill Clinton, passed away July 8, 2016, in Denver. He was 73.

Rabbi Steven Foster officiated at the July 13 graveside service at Emanuel Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.

Mr. Gelt was the senior chief of staff for Gov. Richard Lamm, chaired the finance committee under Gov. Roy Romer, led the Colorado Democratic Party in the early 1990s, and was a pivotal force in Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential bid.

Most recently he was on the finance committee for US Sen. Michael Bennet.

Colorado Democratic Party Chair Rick Palacio praised Mr. Gelt’s accomplishments and personality in a statement released July 10.

“Colorado is a better place because of Howard Gelt’s commitment to public service,” Palacio said in the statement.

“Howard served as the chairman of the Colorado Democratic Party, [as] a mentor to so many, and was critical in a number of victories in Colorado, including the 1992 election of President Clinton and Gov. Roy Romer’s 1994 re-election.

“But even though Howard was a Democrat through and through, he was a Coloradan first. He was quick to credit others for successes. We will greatly miss Howard’s presence here in Colorado.”

Mr. Gelt was born in 1943 in Mason City, Iowa.

A superior athlete who excelled in football and basketball, he attended CU to play football. But injuries he sustained in a car accident put an end to his athletic aspirations.

Mr. Gelt graduated from the University of Arizona in 1966 and earned his JD in 1969 from DU.

A partner in Ackerman LLP in Denver, he specialized in commercial and residential real estate development and transactions.

Mr. Gelt married Sandy Vanghagen 16 years ago.

He was previously married to Susan Barnes-Gelt.

Mr. Gelt is survived by his wife Sandy Vanghagen Gelt and children Anna Gelt and Ben Gelt.

Copyright © 2016 by the Intermountain Jewish News




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