Yesterday morning, news broke that beloved Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan died at the age of 69. In March, he revealed he had cancer and, just Wednesday, he announced that he was entering hospice. Following news of his death, Governor Hickenlooper ordered flags to be flown at half staff from sunrise to sunset today.
As a testament to the incredible legacy he left in Aurora, his praises were sung by those from across the political spectrum.
Deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mayor Steve Hogan. He was a great mayor. He was a great man with a great heart. I won’t forget all the times we talked #copolitics and vision for the City. Mayor Hogan made Aurora a better place. My thoughts are with the family. #RIP Mayor pic.twitter.com/tHU53yAB2F
— Rhonda Fields (@senrhondafields) May 13, 2018
Steve Hogan cited his love of Aurora in his statement upon entering comfort care. The speed of his illness and his passing was a shock but his candid & dignified description added even more honor to the man’s life and accomplishments. Thank you, Steve. https://t.co/BoJ2NnP60B
— Floyd Ciruli (@FloydCiruli) May 14, 2018
@AuroraGov Mayor Steve Hogan passed away on Sunday from the cancer he was recently diagnosed with. His passion, diligence and drive to make his community a better place was unmatched. Rest in peace Steve. It was an honor to serve with you and a privilege to call you friend.
— Mayor Mike Waid (@mikewaid) May 14, 2018
Hogan, who spent 24 years beginning in 1979 on the Aurora City Council before taking the helm as mayor in 2011, is probably best known for helping to steer Aurora through a population boom over the past few decades. He also presided over one of the worst mass casualty events in Colorado history – the Aurora Theater Shooting. During this horrific event, he showed courage and compassion for the victims and their families.
According to a City of Aurora website, the family is asking in lieu of flowers for donations to one of the four Mayor Stephen D. Hogan Memorial Funds: the University of Denver Stephen D. Hogan Scholarship Fund, the 7/20 Memorial Fund, the Aurora Korean War Memorial Fund, and the Aurora History Museum.
A memorial service has not yet been announced.