Danny’s Celebration of Life was everything I wanted and more. I could feel the love and admiration for Danny flowing and connecting us all. It was a beautiful evening. I only wish I had more time to spend with each of you!
There were about 150 people who attended from 12 states (I was wrong when I claimed “10 states” during my welcome speech!), including California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
Whether you traveled from afar or came from somewhere nearby in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I am forever grateful to you for being there for such a special evening at Harvest House in Denton, Texas. I know Danny was there with us.
I have set up a photo sharing platform for Danny’s Celebration of Life. If you took any photos and/or videos that evening, I would greatly appreciate it if you’d upload them! It’s easy… just CLICK HERE. Once on this site, you can view and download any photos and videos you’d like. To add your own photos and videos, simply click the blue “Add Media” button in the upper right-hand corner (as shown below):
I would be remiss if I didn’t give another shout out to all the amazingly talented musicians who played and shared their gifts in honor of Danny. Thank you for making me feel like I’d traveled back in time (haha!), even if just for a few moments:
- Bubba (Vocals)
- Dan Bechdolt (Sax)
- Norm Bergeron (Percussion)
- Roger Blevins Jr. (Vocals, Guitar)
- Steve Butts (Trumpet)
- Scott Davis (Drums)
- Eric Delegard (Bass)
- Mark Gonzales (Trombone)
- Art Hays (Sax)
- Ed McMahon (Guitar)
- Dave Monsch (Sax)
- Tommy Moore (Guitar)
- David Pierce (Trombone)
- Chip Vayenas (Drums, Percussion)
Unfortunately, The Better Death was unable to play due to an illness in the band, but Ed, Ricky, and Sean… you guys still ROCK! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to keep making music.
Also, to those who got up on stage to speak, your stories and memories of Danny brought smiles to my face and warmed my heart:
- Craig Handler (Danny’s brother)
- Helen Handler (Danny’s mother)
- Irv Hilf (Danny’s uncle)
- Clint Watson (Danny’s brother-in-law)
Lastly, thank you to all my helpers who were indispensable during the planning and execution of this event. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you:
- Bubba
- Norm Bergeron
- Shannon Bergeron
- Roger Blevins Jr.
- Dawn Burkett
- Scott Davis
- Irv Hilf
- Max McDowell
- Zoe McDowell
- Rachel O’Connor
Oh, and to all of you who went into the phone booth and left a voicemail, THANK YOU! I know it might’ve been awkward for some, but listening to your kind words to Danny (and me) was cathartic. Your stories and messages had me smiling, crying, and even laughing with you.
Happy holidays, friends!
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