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A Legacy of Advocacy: Remembering Dale Coski
For many years, Dale Coski arrived at her office at the Denver Agency for Human Rights & Community Partnerships, navigating her wheelchair to the door and waiting until someone could assist her in opening it. “We would come get her and she’d say, ‘Oh, thanks for answering the door,’” recalled Lorrie Kosinski, a longtime colleague, chuckling as she reflected on that ritual.
An Inspiring Journey Amid Adversity
This daily occurrence began when the agency relocated from an easily accessible public office to a more restricted badge-only floor—a transition that posed significant challenges for individuals using wheelchairs like Coski. Her unwavering spirit and compassion have left a profound impression on both Colorado’s disabled community and all those fortunate enough to know her. Sadly, she passed away on September 26 at the age of 67 following an illness.
Coski’s advocacy for disability rights originated from personal experience after losing her left leg and sustaining a closed head injury in 1983 while serving as an officer with the Denver Police Department. She was struck by a car while assisting a stranded motorist; this tragic accident resulted in quadriplegia.
Pioneering Changes Before Legislation
The complexities of spinal cord injuries can be overwhelming, but as noted by Kathy Hulse—a clinical care manager and social worker at Craig Hospital—Dale made it clear that returning to work was not just an option; it became her mission to create opportunities within the community for individuals with disabilities. “She was truly ahead of her time,” Hulse expressed. “Her efforts came long before the advent of the Americans with Disabilities Act.”
Despite being modest about her achievements according to Kosinski, Dale’s contributions were monumental. Among them was pioneering Denver’s disability parking applications which ultimately set benchmarks nationally. She also played a vital role in establishing enforcement protocols regarding disability parking within the city while supporting legislation ensuring access rights for service dogs—her own service dog named Perseverance or “Persey” made history as Colorado’s first service dog.
A Voice Within City Hall
Dale held a unique role advocating from inside government circles for disability rights—an often tough position compared to external advocates who simply call out issues needing change. Julie Reiskin, co-executive director of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition emphasized Dale’s importance in bridging gaps between advocacy groups and local government officials.During one memorable meeting attended by Reiskin where discussions turned toward perceived misuse of disabled parking spaces—a city representative claimed there were no issues because no one used tags belonging to deceased persons—Dale quipped sharply: “Well then there’s quite a few dead people going to games at Coors Field.” This wit effectively silenced opposition during that conversation.
A Lasting Impact on Community Access
Reiskin lauded one of Coski’s greatest victories: increasing accessibility across Denver for residents with disabilities.“Dale had genuine concern about enabling everyone—including those with disabilities—to explore all our vibrant city has to offer,” she stated emphatically adding that this aim forms an enduring part of Dale’s legacy.
A Multifaceted Life Well-Lived
Brought into this world in November 1956 in Maryland by parents Jerome and Genevieve Coski,Dale spent much time growing up around Denver before graduating from Kennedy High School back in ’74.As diverse experiences colored Dale’s life path—from teaching school children in Chicago,to joining The Sisters Of The Blessed Sacrament during college (though not completing vows)to pursuing intelligence roles within Army Service during Cold War years—the common thread remained unwavering commitment towards uplifting others through any venue reachable narrative culminating marriage bliss alongside partner Alice Fritz since they wed back via legal formalities dated August ’15.”
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Dale is survived by wife Alice Fritz,sister Jean Bondio,dedicated nephew James Marcil along besides countless cherished friends famed far beyond what anyone can count shown through heartfelt outreach extended all throughout dear ones’ lives together shared here unto today.
Memorial services are slated Saturday morning held upon precinct grounds located Capitol Heights Presbyterian Church situated nearby desired location addressing filled understanding among guests attending alongside families present wishing today too find closure recognizing impact defined through many guided paths traversed forward hand-in-hand lasting resultant movement aiming equal foundation present henceforth created continually adding strength enrich surrounding neighborhood pockets embracing diversity placed hearts outwardly shining brightly underway hopeful journeys still unmet awaiting arrival bequeathed territories laid comfortably beneath skies gently swept above inviting horizons yet unseen awaiting discovery timeless lessons learned brought forth past controlling limitations broken beautifully emerging fresh goals sought after heartily pursued boundless potential yearning endeavors climbing unbounded tirelessly explored vast possibilities remaining infinite capably embraced openly wholeheartedly accepted!”
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