Daniel John Disner

Daniel (Dan or Danny) John Disner, age 73, passed away at his home in Trinidad, Colorado, on Sunday, August 6, 2023. Danny was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2022. Unfortunately, the disease progressed more rapidly for him than for most individuals.

Danny was born on April 23, 1950, in Denver, Colorado, to parents Ella and Henry Disner. Both his mother and father were children of Swiss immigrants. Danny, the youngest of four children, grew up on a farm just outside of Denver in Welby, Colorado. His mother had been a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse beginning at the age of 18. His father farmed, worked as a mechanic, and designed and built much of his own farm machinery. Growing up on the farm, he learned to be curious, self-sufficient, and developed his love for the outdoors.

Danny graduated from Mapleton High School in 1968. After graduation, he enrolled at Metropolitan State College in Denver but driven by a wanderlust, he soon dropped out and began to travel both domestically and internationally. His love of travel would stay with him throughout his life.

Danny returned to college in the '80s to study computer use, programming, and creative writing. He earned a paralegal certification in 1989 and then went on in the '90s to earn a BA in Political Science at the University of Colorado, followed by a Master's in Public Administration. Following graduation, Danny spent seven years working for the Sierra Club. Outside of his time at the Sierra Club, Danny was self-employed most of his life. His long list of endeavors included artist, builder, paralegal, legal research & consulting, writer, project manager, auto mechanic, and all-around entrepreneur.

Danny was creative and versatile. He was as competent on a treadle sewing machine as he was working under the hood of a car. He made clothing, jewelry, and sculptures. He wrote poetry and novels. He played chess and the guitar. He liked cooking. He loved music, especially rock n roll. He restored cars. He built and renovated homes. Actually, he could build or create almost anything. If he didn't know how to do something, he took the time to research, study, and figure it out.

Danny had a love of learning that resulted in many passions, but his greatest love and passion was his daughter Jennifer and his granddaughters Lauren and Lia. He taught Jennifer how to sew. He taught Lauren how to make a homemade pie crust and how to fish. He taught Lia photography. He taught the girls to drive a boat and a backhoe. He took the girls swimming and on outdoor adventures. But mostly, he just loved hanging out with Jenny and the girls, doing just about anything!!

Danny was never much of a big-city guy and preferred the outdoors and smaller towns. Danny lived the last years of his life in Trinidad, Colorado, where he became an active part of the community and helped support the town's vibrant redevelopment. He made many close friends in and around Trinidad that became an important part of his life. Danny loved exploring the area and going on excursions with friends.

For the last several years of his life, he spent time away from the Colorado cold, wintering in the sunshine of Mexico. He explored much of the country, but Cozumel was his go-to destination. He loved the warm water, the sunshine, the friendly people, and the laid-back atmosphere of Mexico.

Danny was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Ella, and his brother Dick Disner. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Jeffrey, his son-in-law Chris Jeffrey, granddaughters Lauren and Lia Jeffrey, his brother Lee Disner, and his sister Diane Grudt. He will also be missed by many other family members and dear friends from around the globe.

Donations to the ALS Association are greatly appreciated.