Ronald Jacob Ours

Ronald Jacob "R.J." Ours Jr. embodied the spirit of public service throughout his 66 years, dedicating his career to improving the lives of Coloradans through government relations and cancer advocacy. Born in Pennsylvania to Ronald Jacob Ours Sr. and Gloria née Robb, R.J. would grow to become one of Colorado's most respected voices in the fight against cancer, spending over two decades as the Colorado Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.

R.J.'s journey in public service began early during his high school years at Salida High School, where he graduated in 1977. It was there that he participated in Colorado Boys State, a transformative experience that ignited his lifelong commitment to good government and civic engagement. The American Legion-sponsored program provided young men with hands-on experience in democratic government operations, establishing the foundation for R.J.'s future career in public service.

Following his graduation from Salida High School, R.J. pursued higher education at the College of Santa Fe, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1981. During his undergraduate years, he seized an exceptional opportunity to participate in the prestigious Washington Semester Program at American University in Washington, D.C., in 1980. This program, operating since 1947 as the gold standard for immersive internships in the nation's capital, placed R.J. in the office of Colorado Third District Congressman Ray Kogovsek. Working as a congressional intern provided R.J. with invaluable exposure to federal legislative processes during the early 1980s.

After completing his education, R.J. embarked on a distinguished career in government relations that would span multiple levels of government. His early professional years included service as an appointive aide to Denver City Council members Polly Flobeck and Ramona Martinez. His work with Martinez was particularly significant, as she was a trailblazing Latina politician who became the first Latina elected president of the Denver City Council and championed initiatives advancing women's rights, minority representation, and small business development.

R.J.'s government experience expanded when he served as Director of Public and Intragovernmental Relations to Denver City Auditor Don Mares. Mares, who served as Denver Auditor from 1995 to 2003, later became a Colorado state representative and senator, providing R.J. with exposure to municipal governance and transparency initiatives during a formative period in Denver's political development.

Advancing through the ranks of professional government relations, R.J. took on the role of Director of Special Projects to Mike Callihan, Colorado's 42nd Lieutenant Governor. Callihan served as Lieutenant Governor from 1987 to 1994 under Governor Roy Romer, positioning R.J. at the center of executive branch policy development during a significant period in Colorado's modern political history.

A crucial component of R.J.'s professional development came through his work as a Research Analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The NCSL, established in 1975 to serve all 50 states and territories, provided R.J. with comprehensive exposure to state legislative policy across multiple jurisdictions. As a Research Analyst, he conducted in-depth analysis of pending legislation and produced detailed reports on policy matters, building expertise that would prove invaluable in his subsequent advocacy work.

In 2004, R.J. found his calling when he joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) as Colorado Government Relations Director, a position he would hold for over two decades. During his tenure, R.J. became one of Colorado's most recognizable and effective advocates for cancer patients, survivors, and prevention initiatives. His work encompassed multiple interconnected policy areas that addressed the full spectrum of cancer control from prevention through treatment and survivorship.

R.J.'s advocacy efforts focused on several key areas that would define his legacy. He worked tirelessly to expand access to biomarker testing in Colorado, recognizing that genetic and molecular testing provides critical information connecting patients with appropriate targeted treatments. He was a fierce opponent of tobacco industry-supported policies, advocating for comprehensive tobacco control measures that prevented children from smoking and helped adults quit. Perhaps most significantly, R.J. was a sustained advocate for Medicaid expansion in Colorado, understanding that expanded coverage would improve healthcare access and outcomes for low-income residents with cancer diagnoses.

Throughout his career, R.J. built extensive volunteer networks throughout Colorado, mobilizing cancer survivors and their families to engage in the legislative process. His approach ensured that the voices of those affected by cancer were heard by elected officials and policymakers, creating a powerful grassroots advocacy network that amplified the impact of his professional work.

R.J.'s dedication to his family was as strong as his commitment to public service. He was the loving husband of Tammy Marie Ours and father to Ronald Jacob Ours III and Audrey Elizabeth Ours. He maintained close relationships with his siblings—Reverend Donald Ours, Annette Cates (married to Brian), and Shauna Paulson (married to Scott)—and took pride in his role as uncle to Michael Cates, Emily Klimczak (married to Justin), Brianna Clerkin (married to Kevin), and Tyler.

The impact of R.J.'s work was recognized by Colorado's political leadership and the organizations he served. Upon his death, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera characterized him as "a dear friend, a pillar of our community, and a fierce advocate for Coloradans impacted by cancer," noting that "his work saved thousands of lives and will endure long into the future". Lisa Lacasse, President of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, emphasized that "R.J. brought compassion, integrity, and kindness into every relationship and every piece of work he touched".

Ronald Jacob Ours Jr. passed away on March 31, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 66. His death marked the conclusion of a remarkable career spanning over four decades of public service. A Celebration of Life was held on April 8, 2026, at Feldman Mortuary Chapel in Denver, with services livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. In keeping with his lifelong commitment to cancer advocacy, the family requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

R.J. Ours leaves behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to public health, social equity, and cancer control policy. His career trajectory—from congressional intern to cancer advocacy leader—demonstrates how sustained commitment to public service can create meaningful change in the lives of thousands. The policies he helped enact and the institutions he strengthened through his presence will continue to benefit Colorado residents for generations to come, ensuring that his compassionate advocacy for the most vulnerable members of society endures as his lasting contribution to the common good.