Written by Colorado Green NOW

The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado mourns the loss of our beloved friend, colleague, and industry champion, Dr. Tony Koski, who passed away on Saturday, July 12, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer. Throughout his journey, Tony exemplified the grace, optimism, and unwavering dedication to education that defined his remarkable career.

A Legacy of Leadership in Colorado’s Green Industry

“Dr. Koski’s contributions and impact to Colorado’s landscape industry and the future to come cannot be overstated. As a cornerstone of our community for decades, he helped shape how we in Colorado approach and discuss turf and water usage in our environment,” said ALCC ‘s CEO John McMahon. “His expertise became the foundation for sustainable practices that continue to guide our industry today.”

Tony’s dedication to turf and water usage research positioned him as a leading voice in water-wise landscaping. His work directly influenced policy discussions and practical applications throughout Colorado, helping contractors and property managers make informed decisions about irrigation and plant selection in our semi-arid climate.

Partnership with ALCC

Dr. Koski’s collaboration with the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado spanned many years and numerous groundbreaking initiatives. He played an instrumental role in developing the GreenCO Best Management Practices, providing the scientific foundation that helps our members deliver environmentally responsible services. His expertise was equally vital to the completion of the 2015 Water Use Study, conducted in conjunction with Colorado State University, which continues to inform water management strategies across our region.

As a longtime and popular speaker at ProGreen EXPO, Tony brought both scientific rigor and practical wisdom to thousands of industry professionals. His presentations were consistently among the most attended and highly rated, combining technical expertise with his characteristic warmth and humor.

An Educator to the End

During his distinguished 37-year career at CSU, Tony taught thousands of students, delivered hundreds of lectures, and shared his passion for the intricacies of turf science—from auricles to ligules. When asked about retirement, he would respond, “Once it becomes a job, I’ll consider retiring.” For Tony, his work was never just a job because of the students, colleagues, and industry professionals he had the privilege of serving.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tony was a talented baker, cultivated cold-hardy cacti and succulents, and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of golf course architecture that fascinated all who knew him. True to his character, he made the decision to donate his body to science, ensuring that others could continue learning and potentially find a cure for future patients.

His Final Message

Tony concluded his obituary with characteristic wisdom: “May your lawns be green and your trees be healthy. More importantly, maintain friendships with people you love and don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t be afraid to get close to someone. I realize my passing will be painful for many but know that I am truly happy at this moment. Please don’t look at this as a sad day, but instead as a day we celebrate family and friendships together. In turf we trust.”

Memorial Service Details

Tony Koski’s Memorial Mass
Friday, July 18, 2025
St. Joseph Catholic Church
300 West Mountain Avenue
Fort Collins, Colorado 80521

1:45pm Eulogy
2:00pm Mass

Reception to follow at the CSU Flower Trial Gardens, 1401 Remington Street, Fort Collins, 80524

Golf attire encouraged

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the American Cancer Society.

Moving Forward Together

The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado will forever be grateful for Tony’s contributions to our industry and our organization. His scientific expertise, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence elevated our entire profession. As we navigate forward without his guiding presence, we encourage our members to support one another and remember the tremendous positive impact Tony brought to our world.

His legacy lives on in every water-wise landscape, every sustainable practice implemented, and every professional he inspired to pursue excellence in their craft.

Sincerely,

Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado