During my 25 years in the Reno Gazette-Journal’s newsroom, we all abided by the “Rocha rule” when a story involved Nevada history.
The unwritten commandment: Ask State Archivist Guy Louis Rocha to check any historical references in stories before the presses roll; that will save the ink (and embarrassment) of next-day corrections. His word, we knew, was gospel.
Rocha, 73, died at Renown Medical Center in Reno on Sept. 18. His health had been failing for several years, and glaucoma had claimed his sight. He was the state archivist for 28 years before retiring in 2008. Rocha wrote a syndicated newspaper column debunking myths about the state’s history, hosted a radio show called History for Lunch Bunch, appeared in television documentaries, was a popular public speaker, and provided expert testimony in legislative hearings.
“Guy Rocha’s work has profoundly influenced journalists, researchers, students and lawmakers across Nevada,” according to his Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame profile. “His insistence on facts over folklore, and research over rhetoric, has made him a singular figure in the preservation of Nevada’s historical identity. … (His induction) recognizes not only his contributions to journalism and public knowledge, but also the foundational role that truthful history plays in a functioning democracy.”
For Rocha, truth and accuracy were the touchstones of history. He used archival materials as a window into people and events long past. When we write about history, he believed, we’d better get it right; otherwise, we’d be furthering—or creating—the kind of myths he debunked. Rocha regularly called reporters to complement them on their work, sometimes gently pointing out an inaccuracy. At his speaking appearances from Carson City to Elko to Tonopah, fans of his column and broadcasts often would treat him like a rock star of state history. Some even asked for his autograph.
“The outpouring of appreciation, love and support, and admiration for his work in the days after he died has been amazing,” said his daughter, Victoria Rocha. “I can’t tell you how many people across all segments of the state have said that he was a Nevada treasure.”
Reporters and fans saw Rocha as a fountain of facts and a weaver of true stories. He made history interesting and fun rather than a dry recitation of dates and events. At home, he had other priorities.
“To me, he wasn’t the myth buster; he was dad,” Victoria said. “It’s one thing to have encyclopedic knowledge of a subject, but what do you do with that knowledge? He really cultivated critical thinking. He would take an interest in whatever I was interested in, and then he would ask difficult questions and encourage me to ask difficult questions. He encouraged curiosity and made sure I was thinking about things thoroughly, asking where I was getting my information. Who was I talking to? What was I reading? He wanted me to be curious, and I really thank him for that.”
Rocha and his sister were raised in Las Vegas by a single mom and had a sometimes-difficult childhood, Victoria said. “He built this incredible career despite that,” she said, and as an adult, he held on to his compassion for people and his drive to fight against injustice.
Rocha attended Clark High School, where he won two wrestling state championships. He went to Syracuse University on a full academic scholarship and graduated in 1973. He went on to earn a master’s degree in American studies from San Diego State University two years later. Rocha became a teacher in the Washoe County School District and at Western Nevada Community College before joining the State Library and Archives.
He was comfortable digging through old documents, but getting to know people was his passion.
“He wanted to talk to everybody,” Victoria said. “When we would travel and take a cab to airports, he’d ask the driver’s name, where they grew up, and all kinds of questions. He was all about curiosity and connection.”
Rocha’s insistence on facts made him an articulate witness at legislative hearings when mining-reform bills were being considered.
“At a hearing in 2011, a mercenary army of mining lobbyists complained they were being unfairly singled out for special taxation,” said Bob Fulkerson, who was executive director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada from 1994-2019 and is currently organizing director for Third Act of Reno.
“When Guy testified, he noted their forbears in the mining industry of the Nevada Territory were so opposed to the level of mineral-extraction taxation in the draft Nevada Constitution in 1863, they compelled the constitutional delegates to draft new language much more favorable to mining,” Fulkerson said. “He subtly but clearly conveyed how mining historically strong-armed Nevadans in order to protect its unique and generous tax advantages.
“Whenever Guy was asked to speak at protests, public hearings or before the Legislature, he showed up, and people paid attention. Nevada could use more like him today.”
As the Trump administration is whitewashing history in national museums, banning some books in federal facilities, sowing misinformation online and taking aim at the First Amendment, Rocha would have been on the front lines of the resistance, Victoria said.
“He would have gone toe-to-toe against the people who are doing that,” she said. “He was always fighting against things that are unfair and unjust. Nevada will miss his voice. I miss his voice.”
A celebration of life will be scheduled soon, Victoria said. In addition to his daughter, Guy Rocha is survived by his son, Shane Rocha, and his half-brother, Jim Palumbo.
Excellent tribute to Guy! I wholeheartedly concur. I remember his natural friendliness emanating good will and his fair mindedness. He was a truth seeker and a stander up for justice. Godspeed, Guy!