Dallas Dietrich, a member of the Civic Center Resolution Task Force, former long-time member of the Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities and advocate for people with disabilities, has passed away.
(Courtesy Photo)
Dallas Dietrich, a long-time area businessman and tireless advocate for promoting the abilities of people with disabilities and for educating the public on the importance of breaking down barriers, has died. He was 68.
Among his numerous accomplishments, Dietrich started the Ski For Light program, which offers downhill and cross country skiing events for blind, visually-impaired and mobility-impaired individuals. He also worked with the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce and the Rapid City School District to start the Junior Achievement Program, a business education program for middle and high school students. He served 13 years on the Rapid City Mayor's Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities and most recently was serving as a contributing member of the Civic Center Resolution Task Force.
In 1998, Dallas and his wife Mary purchased the tiny town of Otho, a small tin mine in the late 1880's, near Keystone and turned it into "Meeting the Need", a camp for people with disabilities.
Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender issued the following statement: "I am deeply saddened at Dallas' passing. He was a true advocate for people with disabilities and worked tirelessly to educate the public on the abilities of all people and the need to break down both physical and stereotypical barriers. His work with Ski For Light, Meeting the Need and his professional and personal endeavors displayed his passion for life and for people. His input with the Civic Center Resolution Task Force has provided valuable insights and contributions on the importance and value of a community that strives to be accessible to all its citizens. Most importantly, Dallas was a genuinely nice and kind individual, who brightened the day of everyone he encountered with his engaging smile."
On October 20, Dietrich shared insights, recollections and recommendations to 800 Rapid City and Pennington County employees during two training sessions on the ADA. On October 25, Dietrich participated in a meeting of the Civic Center Resolution Task Force, a group appointed by Mayor Allender to review and provide recommendations addressing ADA, life safety code and other issues with the Civic Center's Barnett Arena.
In 1985, Dietrich was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by South Dakota Governor George Mickelson. In 1990, President George Bush selected the Black Hills Regional Ski For Light program as the '80th Point of Light' in his nationwide 'Thousand Points of Light' recognition program and invited Dietrich to witness the signing of the landmark Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). In 2006, Dietrich was recognized as Outstanding Citizen With A Disability by Governor Mike Rounds.
Dietrich also served as placement director at National American University for 15 years, owned and operated Adventure Sport in Rapid City and Spearfish for seven years and owned tourism businesses in Keystone for 27 years.