Former State House Lobbyist Diane Rees

REES, DIANE DOLORES, died in Arvada Nov. 11, 2024. She was 85. Diane was born in Muskegon, MI, Jan. 8, 1939, to Robert and Elizabeth DeMuro. She moved to Colorado Springs in 1959 where she met and married/divorced Thomas Rees, who preceded her in death.

While in Colorado Springs, she was a reporter for the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph. She also worked as a reporter and librarian for the Pueblo Star-Journal and the Pueblo Chieftain.

Diane lived in Boulder for more than 60 years where she graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in English and a Master's degree in English Literature.

Following graduation, she was a writer for the University of Colorado Conference and Visitors Bureau. She left there to assume the role of press secretary for Boulder Congressman Donald G. Brotzman.

Diane was a member of the 1969 Electoral College appointed by Gov. John Love. She served as the Colorado House of Representatives Republican caucus press secretary  in 1975-1976. She left the House to become the legislative research director for AMAX, soon advancing to become the company's director of state governmental affairs.

Diane left AMAX to established her own  lobbying and public relations firm, Friendly Persuasion, Boulder, 1985. In 1992, she partnered with former House Speaker, Carl Beverley "Bev" Bledsoe and former Speaker Pro Tempore Frank DeFilippo to form the lobbying firm Bledsoe DeFilippo Rees.

Diane was active in Republican politics as Chair of the  Boulder County Young Republicans, 1971; Secretary of the Boulder County Republican Committee, 1972-73; She was a member of the Colorado Republican Central Committee 1972-1980.

She was active in a number of organization serving in numerous roles. She was a member of the Colorado Mining Association. She was the first woman president of the International Rodeo Writers Association and the first woman member of the Boulder Pow Wow Rodeo Board. She was a director (now trustee) for the National Western Stock Show where she ran the volunteer program. She also served as a member of the Fort Howard  Paper board of directors. She also co-founded Pandas International. Upon retirement, she volunteered for the Salvation Army.

Diane loved to travel – having been all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, China, Kenya, Tanzania, Europe, Grand Cayman, Turks and Caicos. She eventually bought a condo in Australia. She also loved reading, writing and cooking.

Diane was what some have called a force of nature, a mentor and tough cookie. She was firm, but fair and did not suffer fools. But she also was a loving mother, sister, cousin and aunt. She loved rodeo and horse shows, animals and food.

Diane is survived by her three children – Elizabeth "Totsy" Rees, Denver; Dana Rees (Marc Loebe), Etna, WY; Andrew Rees, Boulder, CO. Two brothers, Alan DeMuro (Susan Jones), Scottsdale, AZ; David DeMuro (Linda), Denver; Four nephews, and a great niece and three great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Roberta Nielsen.

For those who wish to honor Diane, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army , the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado and Wyoming or the Alzheimer's Association: Colorado Chapter .

A memorial will be held on December 6, 2024, 3:00pm at Ellyington's in the Brown Palace 321 17th St, Denver, CO 80202.