It was fitting that the way most of the Capitol press corps learned of the departure of House Democratic spokesman Dean Toda was by press release – one he penned himself.

“Dean Toda hangs up his spikes today,” he wrote.

The sage of the statehouse is retiring after seven sessions. A former editor at the Colorado Springs Gazette, he headed west after a 20-year career at the New York Times.

“Hard-working Coloradans deserve a secure retirement with lots of time to play golf,” he said in his press release, characterizing himself as “on message to the end.”

Toda noted that he had served House Democratic leaders Sal Pace, who was minority leader, as well as speakers Mark Ferrandino, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst and Crisanta Duran.

Capitol press, politicos and others appreciative of his role on the Capitol stage can join Toda for a send-off on July 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Horseshoe Lounge at 414 E. 20th Ave. in Denver.

As a “contact” on his last release, he listed “Retiree Dean Toda.”