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David Peter Conklin
September 22nd, 1955 - January 26th, 2024
September 22nd, 1955 - January 26th, 2024
Dave, a true Wisconsinite, lived life to the fullest, bringing the love of sports and the opportunity to participate to others, regardless of their ability. He ensured sports were accessible to all he met by providing equipment and coaching. He loved teaching – whether to a five-year-old on the ice, lecturing to a college class, or coaching wounded veterans. He was a pioneer in bringing sled (sledge) hockey to the United States. Among his many accomplishments, Dave was inducted into the Olympic/Paralympic Hall of Fame in 2022 with his sled hockey team of brothers, who won a Gold Medal in the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Paralympics.
Dave’s other sporting accomplishments included a Bronze Medal in Sled Hockey at the Torino 2006 Paralympics, participation at the Nagano 1998 Paralympics, and many World Cup competitions. During his long sports career, he was rated in the top 50 in the world in wheelchair tennis, rode with the national cycling team, and was a certified downhill ski instructor. He played almost every adaptive sport out there at some time in his career, including wheelchair basketball, football, softball, waterskiing, cross-country skiing, and kayaking.
Through Dave’s gracious spirit and love of giving back, he taught at sled hockey clinics throughout the country, taught skiing, rode his handcycle thousands of miles in charity events, made sure friends always had clubs to try golf and provided equipment and instruction to Wounded Warrior camps. Even through his final days, Dave constantly asked how can I help?
Throughout his life, Dave repeatedly defied the odds of life and was always intense about sports, traveling, the outdoors, competition, giving back, or simply raising a glass to celebrate. He never gave up; he will be missed.
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Dave deeply loved and appreciated his family, friends, and teammates! He was predeceased by his father, Charles Conklin, and brother, Steven Conklin. He is survived by his longtime partner Carol Sims, his mother Lois Conklin, and eight siblings as well as their spouses and children: Paul, Mark, Dan, and James Conklin; Kathy Thulien; Julie Zink; Mary Carran and Jenifer Solem. Contributions in Dave’s memory may be sent to the Star Association (which includes the Coulee Region Sled Hockey Team) at PO Box 1024, La Crosse, WI 54601, with the name Dave Conklin in the memo line or online at www.starcenterlacrosse.org
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Tributes
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Scott Brinkman
My heart hurts a little today. Dave was one of the first people I met through Sled Hockey. Besides sharing our birthday, we shared a passion for hockey. Dave always wanted to ask questions about the game. He wanted to always get better. Asked about the rules of the game. I really enjoyed hanging with him. We met in 98 and were like old friends everything we met up. He was a genuine friend and I loved catching up with him at different tournaments. As a Referee, only a few players made me feel welcomed to the sport of Sled Hockey. Dave was at the top of the list. You will be missed but I'm glad for the time we had watching and skating together. Team USA now has an angel watching over them.
Carol Sims
Manny Guerra Jr. January 27 at 1:29 PM · I knew this day would come eventually but not today, I'm saddened by your passing but also feel privileged that you were part of my life on and off the ice. You were a true warrior, a teacher, an advocate, a teammate, a leader, but most importantly you were my brother. Your spirit will forever run deep in the veins of the sport we both loved. Forever indebted to you #20....rest in peace. Team USA USA Hockey United States Olympians and Paralympians Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute LaCrosse, Wisconsin Paralympic Games British Para Ice Hockey Deutsche Para Eishockey Nationalmannschaft Hockey Canada LA Kings Sled Hockey Florida Sled Hockey Buffalo Sled Hockey Northeast Passage Sled Hockey See less — feeling heartbroken with Dave Conklin.
Carol Sims
Facebook Dan Henderson is feeling happy with Dave Conklin. January 27 at 5:41 PM I’ve known Dave for 40 years, he was one of my best friends, my teammate, my party buddy with many beers and tequila shots together, many miles on the road in his various cars, and many games of cribbage at his kitchen table. Dave dedicated his life to disabled sports both as player and as teacher. He put himself out there for anyone who was interested in participating or learning. He had incredible athletic ability; he was always challenging me to grow as an athlete. He excelled in basketball, tennis, football, softball, golf, bowling, cycling, skiing, and hockey. After basketball practice one night, Dave convinced me to check out a new sport called sledge hockey. Little did I know we would end up pioneering the sport in the US, traveling the world as team USA, and ultimately winning a Paralympic gold medal together. Dave had several serious injuries over the years, but his multiple concussions ended up having a lasting impact on his health. As Dave’s health deteriorated, he was blessed to have a guardian angel in his girlfriend, Carol. She was Dave’s caretaker to the end, so all praise goes to Carol, bless her heart. I last saw Dave and Carol about a month ago. He was in good spirits; we had a couple of beers and reminisced. Although his communication was limited, he understood everything, and he could still smile and nod about the good times. I’m a better person knowing you, Dave, your impact on my life has made it a much richer ride. Rest in peace my brother.
Carol Sims
April Wolfe January 27 at 7:23 AM · Sled/Sledge hockey lost an incredible player last night…I first met Dave Conklin when I moved to the States and started playing with the Sacramento Lightening. An incredible teammate and friend on and off the ice, Dave was a champion for the sport. Sharing his time between Wisconsin and Tahoe we shared our love for the Green Bay Packers and shredding the mountains and maybe a couple beers in Tahoe. When Dave could no longer join us on the ice, he would always be there to volunteer for sled hockey during my annual Military Sports Camp bringing his Paralympic medals and bags of gear (helmets, elbows, and gloves) that were older than me,
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