Dana Coles

Dana Coles, 68, of Centennial, CO, passed away quietly on November 12, 2021.

Dana was born in Denver, CO on January 31, 1953 to Stuart R. Coles and Helen Louise Coles (Bush). He was a fifth generation Colorado native, the second of four boys, and a long time Denver Broncos and Colorado Avalanche fan. A graduate of Cherry Creek High School, Dana went on to earn his BA from Arizona State University and to study metal smithing and jewelry as a graduate student at the University of Arizona. As a student, he earned an honorable mention in the Sterling Silver Design Competition sponsored by the Sterling Silversmiths Guild of America, as reported in The New York Times, for designing and making a life-size sterling silver jump rope.

Dana worked in the family business, constructing roof and floor trusses, for many years, then spent 20 years in the jewelry industry. Prior to that, he had the distinction of being the last milkman in Glenwood Springs, CO.

Dana had a great love for dogs and horses. He volunteered at a ranch that specialized in hippotherapy, providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy for disabled children using the natural gait of a horse for motor and sensory input. He also owned and ran Scoop Daddy, picking up after dogs, his pockets always full of dog treats. He said it was a shitty business, but that he liked dogs better than people anyway.

Dana is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Reggi, and his dearly loved daughter and son, Sammi (Cody Rester) and Shane (Macee Hicks). He is also survived by his brothers David (Washington, D.C.), Stuart (Dianne, Las Vegas, NV) and Nathan (Englewood, CO). He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Brighton Hospice, particularly Lily and Shelly, whose attentive and tender care of Dana was greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Harmony Equine Center – Dumb Friends League , in Douglas County, CO.