September 16, 2012 09:59 PM UTC

Dave Misner, Partner of State Senator Pat Steadman, Dead at 48

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• by: Colorado Pols

Dave Misner, the longtime partner of State Senator Pat Steadman, died this morning after a four-month long battle against pancreatic cancer.

From Steadman:

It is my sad duty to report that Dave Misner died this morning peacefully at home. His disease and suffering have ended. He fought the cancer as much as he could, but it wasn’t really a fair fight. Pancreatic cancer is a horrible monster, and Dave showed up armed with only his gentle spirit and beautiful smile, and some doctors and a lot of nurses. He was sorely outmatched. We mourn this loss but remember a loving father and caring man. He was loved by many, many people and he will be greatly missed.

Charismatic, affable, and well-liked, Misner was a favorite fixture of Denver political events. During this year’s fight over Steadman’s civil unions bill, Misner spent hours at the capitol, supporting both his partner and the legislation.

Doubtless Steadman’s tenacity in pushing for civil unions year after year spawned in no small part from his relationship with Misner. Indeed, their partnership always idealized why the state should allow civil unions: there’s no reason why a deeply-committed, deeply-in-love same sex couple shouldn’t enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual Coloradans. It’s tragic that Misner won’t see Steadman’s work codified into law, but there’s no question that civil unions is on track for passage in an upcoming session.

That’s, perhaps, the greatest memorial Misner could have.

More coverage at Colorado Pols.