Scott Labarre

Scott Charles LaBarre, age 54, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, December 10, 2022 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.  Scott was born July 2, 1968 in St. Paul, Minnesota.  He Graduated from St. John’s College in Collegeville, Minnesota and went on to graduate with his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota.

Scott lost his sight at age 10 but lived his life by the moto that he could do anything.  He clerked in Washington DC in the office of US. Representative Gerry Sikorski.  He was awarded a Scholastic Achievement award and met President Bush.  He moved to Denver where he met his wife and became very involved in the National Federation of the Blind.

He was a fierce leader in the movement for disability rights and spent decades working for the blind of his generation and beyond.  He argued in the courts on behalf of blind people who experienced discrimination, served as president of the Colorado affiliate and most recently served as national general counsel, and personally mentored hundreds of individuals—all while raising a family. Scott was a lawyer who ran his own private law practice in the areas of employment law, disability rights, and international copyright policy.

He held several leadership positions within the American Bar Association and the organized blind movement. He served as chairman of the Colorado Center for the Blind, led the National Association of Blind Lawyers, and helped establish and guide the Jacobus tenBroek Law Symposium. His impact will continue to ripple across the world because of his leadership in securing the Marrakesh Treaty, an international agreement permitting the sharing of accessible books, which was just one among the many ways he created positive and lasting change.

Between many long hours of work and travel, he raised 2 beautiful children, and watched as much of his beloved Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Vikings as possible. He was an avid music lover and enjoyed sharing his favorites with others, and adored playing with his beloved labradoodle, Moka.

Scott is survived by his wife, Anahit, and their children, Alexander and Karter.  He is also survived by his brother, Craig (Debrah), his parents Donna and Charles, and his dog, Moka.

Per the request of his family, memorial contributions should be directed to either the Colorado Center for the Blind or the National Federation of the Blind for the work to empower blind people to live the lives they want, to which Scott gave so much. We send our love and gratitude to him and his family.

A Celebration of life to honor Scott will be held Jan 21, 2023 at 4:30 in the evening.  Location information to follow.  There will be an option to join the celebration remotely.

Please share memories and condolences with Scott's family by signing the Tribute Wall.