Farewell to Dangerous Dan McKay
In Memoriam
The final weeks of Dan’s life were filled with a number of farewell phone calls. Family, friends, those long lost lining up to leave messages of hope, love, remembrances, some expression to convey the human connection. Most of the sentiments left were the expected. Dan, of course, appreciated each one, but one message caused him to smile. It was a local karaoke host thanking him for his help and encouragement. The message concluded by telling Dan that he had made him become a better KJ and entertainer. I hold that memory close to my heart because I know that made Dan truly happy.
Some people believe that Dan Wanted to be the star of the show. That was never the case. He wanted to be the ringmaster; the one that enabled others to showcase their talent. He demonstrated that you didn’t have to be perfect to grab the spotlight; all you needed was to care and truly do your best. So many of his karaoke shows opened with him warbling out Peaceful Easy Feeling or The Boys Are Back In Town followed by him telling the crowd that he just proved that you didn’t have to have the best voice to sing and have fun. Many of those same shows he closed with his rendition of Rebel Yell or Zoot Suit Riot because he just loved to sing.
Stand in that spotlight, smile, and perform with heart while you can, because as Dan would tell the crowd, “Rock and roll is here to stay, but you’re not.” At your next karaoke event, raise your glass to Dan and loudly “Bop, bop, bop” to Sweet Caroline. Dan would have wanted it that way.
~ Deven McKay
A memorial party for Dan McKay is planned for November 13, 2010 in New Orleans. All are invited. Contact me on Facebook for further information.
Jake Klein: To the McKay family and friends, I give my deepest condolances. I can say without hesitation the entire DJ community as a whole has lost a great man with strong and inspirational views on everything. If you, the McKay family ever need anything just reach out to us on DJ chat or on Facebook and we will be there for you!! RIP old friend!
Rick Ryan: I was so very sorry to hear of Dan’s passing. My heart goes out to the McKay family during this time of loss. He was a good man.
Damian Madsen: I don’t even know what to say here… except that you will be missed Dan. You did everything with gusto and panache! My thoughts and prayers are with your friends and family.
Nora Xu: I am in shock! I know everyone on the Field Communications team at Microsoft that’s worked with you will miss you very much. Your booming voice, and crazy tales, and much, much more.
Kevin Kelly: Dan my friend… I am sad and in tears that you are gone. Thank you for all that you’ve done for karaoke in Seattle. I wish now that we had become friends so much sooner. I was hoping you guys would be able to make the trip down to LC but I’m sure you’re sitting on an amazing beach right now up there. Take care my friend and see you on the other side.
Kim Stetson: I’ve been staring at my phone for an hour in shock, and pain. Daniel and I had a crazy, very young life together. Married at 18 divorced by 23. Great friends who should have stayed that way. We reconnected about two months ago through FB and he told me the news, we cried then we laughed and laughed about the nutty things we did.
DJ Forrest Gump: Dan, I got news last night, and was shocked. I just want to say Thank you for your great service in the karaoke community, you’ve always been a true professional and treated me with great respect. You will be missed but you will always be remembered.
Daniel Van Hoy: So I just wanted to pay my respect to the best and funniest guy to ever host karaoke! I always enjoyed your shows Dan. I found it hard to believe today when I found out you passed away. The funny part was a person told me that he heard that I had died. The sad part was it was you!! God bless you my friend. Dr. Dan out!
