Celebration Of Life

Aug. 25, 2023

4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

Dan Coker passed away on June 14, 2023, in Palm Springs, where he had lived for more than 12 years. He spent most of his life living in Napa, CA, where he retired as Principal of Redwood Middle School in 2003. He also spent summers in Idlywilld, CA, where he owned and loved a mobile home.

For a complete obituary and details of the Gathering that will be held for him on August 25, 2023, please visit ClaffeyandRota.com. (See below.)

Dan Coker passed away on June 14, 2023, in Palm Springs, where he had lived for more than 12 years. He was born in Vallejo, California on March 1, 1949, and spent most of his life living in Napa, California. He also leaves behind a community of friends in Idyllwild, California, where he owned and loved a mobile home that became his summer retreat from the heat in Palm Springs.

Dan attended Silverado Junior High, and then graduated from Napa High School in 1967. After attending Napa Valley Community College for 2 years, he completed his BA at Sacramento State University, with a degree in Economics. He quickly decided he wanted to be a teacher, and after finishing his credential at Pacific Union College, he began teaching at Bel Air Elementary.

His teaching career would last over 30 years in numerous grades and positions in elementary and middle schools, culminating as Principal at Redwood Middle School, where he retired in 2003. He held a Real Estate license at Davidson and Bennett and continued to sell houses until about 7 years ago. He loved living in Napa, and in Palm Springs where he made many new friends and enjoyed retirement, becoming obsessed with walking both in the mountains and at Prescott Preserve behind his home. He would challenge others to post their daily steps and most gave up competing with him as he posted his daily 10,000, 12,000 or up to 20,000 steps a day.

Dan married Sharon Coker (Aasheim) in 1971, and together they raised their daughter, Kristin, who is now residing in Seattle, Washington with her partner, Jared Baily, and his son John. Kristin was his greatest pride and joy. He often referred to his family as a “three-legged stool”, knowing that together they were more complete and solid then any one of them independently. Dan and Sharon separated in 1999 but remained the very best of friends. Kristin and Sharon were caring for him at the end of his life.

Dan’s family and friends meant everything to him. He loved them and they loved him, including his extended family of teachers, staff and kids, high school friends and neighbors. He was loyal and generous, always the first to offer help to someone. Everyone who knew him got to experience his great sense of humor. He could be goofy and silly, but he was also steady and made things better by just walking into a room.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, John (Jack) and Elizabeth (Betty) Coker, and is survived by his sisters, Loralee Brown (Larry) of Portland, Oregon and her family, and Margaret Strickler (Dan) of Park Rapids, Minnesota, and her family.

His family members and friends grieve together in the loss of this great guy who will be in our hearts forever. We will never forget Dan, who charmed us and cared for us deeply. He touched the lives of many, and we never expected to lose him this soon.

Contributions in Dan’s name can be made to VOICES Youth Programs in Napa, www.onthemovebayarea.org

A gathering to remember Dan will be held Friday, August 25th from 4:30-7:00pm at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, 5200 Carneros Highway, Napa. Please meet in the parking lot for a short shuttle ride to The Olive Grove https://www.dirosaart.org/about/galleries-and-grounds/

If you would need parking accommodation closer to the Grove, please contact Sharon Coker for information.

ClaffeyandRota.com