Dear Friends,
For 50 years, I have had the privilege of serving Pueblo families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
I began my career in funeral service in 1976 while attending the University of Southern Colorado. I went on to graduate with honors from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, became a licensed Colorado Mortuary Science Practitioner, and eventually became an owner of what is now Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors.
Pueblo has entrusted my family and me with the care of its loved ones for over half a century. That responsibility has taught me something that cannot be learned from a textbook: when a family experiences a death, professionalism, competence, compassion and integrity matter.
That is why I am proud to endorse Dr. Gregory Grahek for Pueblo County Coroner.
I understand the relationship between funeral service professionals, grieving families and the coroner’s office. I understand how consequential the work of that office can be. And I understand the importance of having a coroner who is properly trained, professionally qualified and prepared to do the job. Greg has demonstrated that he meets that standard.
I also believe it is important to remember how Greg came to this position. He did not enter the Pueblo County Coroner’s Office under easy circumstances. He was appointed to serve during an extraordinarily difficult time for the office and for our community, when confidence had been shaken and Pueblo County needed someone willing to step forward and take responsibility.
Greg stepped in. More importantly, Greg stepped up.
Since his appointment, I have watched him take the responsibility seriously, restore professionalism to the office and demonstrate that he understands the enormous trust placed in a county coroner. He didn’t create the circumstances he inherited, but he accepted the responsibility of helping move the office forward. In my view, he has done a fantastic job.
Now Greg is asking the voters of Pueblo County for the opportunity to continue that work as their elected coroner, and I strongly believe he has earned that opportunity.
Greg has also earned certification through the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators. He has made professional standards, qualifications and accountability central to his service. At a time when there has been considerable discussion about what qualifications should be required of a county coroner, I believe Pueblo County should expect more from this office, not less.
This isn’t simply another county office.
The coroner may enter a family’s life on one of the worst days that family will ever experience. The office investigates unattended and unexpected deaths, and its work can intersect with law enforcement, public health, the judicial system and a family’s ability to receive answers and ultimately find some measure of closure.
After 50 years in funeral service, I know the difference that experience, preparation, compassion and professionalism make.
I see those qualities in Greg Grahek.
Pueblo has entrusted my family and me with the care of its loved ones for half a century. I have never taken that trust lightly, and I do not make this endorsement lightly.
I am asking you to join me in supporting Dr. Gregory Grahek for Pueblo County Coroner.
But I’m also asking you to do more than simply vote for him.
Greg needs our help now.
Winning a countywide campaign requires resources. It takes money to communicate with voters, share Greg’s qualifications, reach Pueblo County families and make certain voters understand what is at stake in this election.
Please make a contribution to Greg’s campaign today.
Whether you can give $25, $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or the maximum allowable individual contribution of $1,425, every dollar will help Greg take his record directly to the voters and help elect a coroner who has already demonstrated his willingness and ability to serve.
For 50 years, Pueblo families have trusted me during some of the most difficult moments imaginable.
Today, I’m asking you to trust my judgment on this:
Please join me in supporting Dr. Gregory Grahek for Pueblo County Coroner — and please make your contribution today.
Sincerely,
Gerry Montgomery
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors
Proudly endorsing Dr. Gregory Grahek for Pueblo County Coroner