DENVER—Former Colorado state Sen. Paul Sandoval, who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, has died.
His wife, former Denver City Councilwoman and state Sen. Paula Sandoval, confirms he died peacefully Tuesday afternoon as she held his hand. He was 67.
Sandoval was known for dispensing advice to high-profile Colorado politicians who would visit his tamale restaurant. Yet his wife says that when people asked his occupation, he would say, “I make tamales.”
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar issued a statement calling Sandoval a visionary who gave a voice to fellow citizens who wanted better schools, safer communities and a chance to pursue the American dream.
The Denver Post reports ( ) Sandoval also is survived by four daughters from his previous marriage and a son from an earlier relationship.
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Information from: The Denver Post,
