Remembering McGregor

Keli McGregor’s life was symbolized by his numerous accomplishments, but is, by no means, who he is because of what he does.

He was born in January 23, 1963 in Primghar, Iowa. But as he grew up in Lakewood, Colorado he would remain a proud Coloradoan the rest of his life.

He was a standout football player at Lakewood High School but slipped through the cracks of the major college football radars. Although the setback, and in perfect McGregor fashion he went on to walk on at Colorado State University and become an All-American and named to the CSU All-Century team as a tight end.

He was drafted by the hometown Denver Broncos in 1984, but his career didn’t pan out. He remained steadfast and involved in football being the assistant athletic director at Arkansas as well as assistant coach at the University of Florida.

Again in 1993 he came home when the Colorado Rockies were formed. With hard work and dedication which were not new to Keli he moved up the ranks in the front office of the Rockies. In 2001 he was finally awarded the role of president over the Colorado Rockies.

He and Dan O’Dowd, the general manager, had the same morals and began to build the farm system. The organization became a tight knit group which all culminated when the Rockies made the World Series in 2007 and named the ‘Organization of the Year’ by Baseball America. They were the second fastest team ever to reach the World Series and they did it the right way.

After 18 years of service with the Colorado Rockies Mr. McGregor finally found his way home for the last time. He will remain in the hearts and minds of many people and will be sorely missed.

Keli McGregor January 23, 1963- April 20, 2010