Al Cohen raised Denver’s skyline by erecting a 54-story skyscraper, now known as the Qwest Tower, and was credited with helping build Vail from scratch.
But while his engineering feats towered above others, friends and family said they will remember him most for his keen intellect, humor and passion for giving back to his home city.
The Denver native died Friday at his home after a long illness stemming from a series of strokes. He was 84.
His philanthropic deeds will leave a lasting footprint in the community. Cohen raised funds for National Jewish Medical and Research Center’s outpatient facility, which bears his name. He was a lifelong honorary trustee for the University of Denver and a benefactor of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
“This is truly the passing of one of the best of my generation,” said lifelong friend and philanthropist Sam Gary.
Bill Coors, former chairman of Coors Brewing Co., called Cohen one of Colorado’s greatest citizens.
“He had a great deal of foresight,” Coors said. “He was very constructive in the way he thought. He had a great mind to solve problems.”
Born Alvin L. Cohen on March 5, 1921, he graduated from East High School and enrolled briefly at Colorado School of Mines before going to war. He transferred to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., and upon graduation he served in World War II.
After the war, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology.
In 1952, with a calculator and ideas, he started Al Cohen Construction Co., taking on numerous projects across Colorado.
In addition to the Qwest Tower, originally the Mountain Bell Center, at 555 17th St., Cohen also was instrumental in building parts of Vail Resort, including the upper and lower lift terminals and the lodge.”He was an extraordinary person,” said Harris Sherman, a friend and an attorney. “Always ahead of his time.”
Friends also recall his sense of humor. Once while returning from a ski trip in Europe, Cohen insisted on wearing his ski boots on the plane rather than check them.Cohen is survived by his wife of 52 years, Geraldine Cohen; two sons, Roger and David Cohen, and daughters Elise and Debra Cohen.
A memorial service is Monday at 11:30 a.m. at the University of Denver’s Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E. Iliff Ave.
Staff writer Michael McCollum can be reached at 303-820-1201 or mmccollum@denverpost.com.
