Roger Paul Cracraft

Roger Paul Cracraft was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Wichita, Kansas, to Ruth (Clinton) Cracraft and Paul A. Cracraft. He graduated from Newton High School in 1956 and attended the University of Wichita (now Wichita State) for two years, and then transferred to the University of Denver, where he graduated in 1960 with a B.A. in radio-TV-journalism. He spent 14 years at KBOL in Boulder as a news director and was instrumental in KBOL earning Associated Press Station of the Year awards. In 1974, he and his wife Jane were named Colorado Journalists of the Year by Sigma Delta Chi, the Society for Professional Journalism. Together they taught Reporting Public Affairs classes for the University of Colorado School of Journalism.

In 1974 Roger was hired as an executive producer at Channel 7, KMGH-TV in Denver. A few years later, he joined KOA-TV as their news director. In 1984 he changed careers and became a stockbroker with Boettcher & Co., Piper Jaffray, and Smith Barney until he retired in 2010.

In addition to his professional careers, Roger was active in the Jaycees and Boulder Rotary Club. He had a lifelong interest in urban planning and public transportation. He was a board member for Boulder Parks and Recreation in the 1960s, Boulder Planning Board in the 1970s, Colorado Highway Commissioner and RTD Board Member in the 1980s. Roger also served as Commissioner to the Colorado Department of Transportation from 1994 to 2001. Even after retiring in Arizona, he continued public service as a member of committees for the Pima County Regional Transportation Authority from 2011 to 2022.

Roger loved traveling to Europe, in part because of the extensive and efficient train network, but also the food, wine, history, and music. He was a big sports fan and enjoyed attending CU football games and Arizona basketball games. He was an avid reader who appreciated quality journalism.

Roger Cracraft married Jane Minier in 1959 in Denver and raised three sons in Boulder during their 25-year marriage. Roger married Linda Capra (Wise) in 1990 and lived in Aurora until they retired to Marana, AZ to play golf and tennis. Roger and Linda were married for 27 years. He eventually moved to Green Valley, AZ where he met Janis Gallagher, whom he wed in March 2022. Janis was by his side when he passed away.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert K Cracraft, and his son Paul W. Cracraft. He is survived by his widow, Janis Gallagher-Cracraft of Green Valley, his brother Keith Cracraft (Martha Wiren Behrle) of Grand Junction, son Jim Cracraft (Susan) of Boulder, son John Cracraft (Angela) of Alexandria, VA, grandchildren Austin Cracraft, Abby Cracraft, and Alex Cracraft.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the Cracraft family.