Daniel Farnsworth "Danny" Kerwick

Daniel Farnsworth "Danny" Kerwick obituary

Daniel Kerwick Obituary

Daniel "Danny" Farnsworth Kerwick, poet, playwright, artist, friend and mentor to countless others in the poetry, music and art community, died May 30th at the age of sixty-one. He was a true heart. Raised in Rochester, New York, by Tom and Patricia (deceased) Kerwick, he is survived by his siblings Ann, Ellen (Sue Knapp), Matt (Mary), Nora and Tim Kerwick as well as by nephews Sean, Tommy and niece, Mickey (Luka). He will be sorely missed by many in the poetry, music and art community of New Orleans. He is also painfully missed by his long-time companion and collaborator, Patricia Kaschalk, her daughters, grandsons and Jethro, the "best dog in the world". Danny had lived in New Orleans for almost thirty years but travelled extensively, presenting his work in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Scotland, Toronto, Denver and other backwaters of America. He founded and operated Raindog Theatre in Portland, Oregon before he moved permanently to New Orleans. He soon became a treasured member of the Maple Leaf weekly poetry family, was annually published in John Travis' "Maple Leaf Rag" anthology and regularly featured at Dave Brinks' "Seventeen Poets Reading Series" at The Goldmine. Danny is also known for creating books of poetry out of wood and other discarded materials. Many of these were presented in conjunction with presentations of a play written by another longtime friend and collaborator, Lisa D'Amour. The play, "Airline HIghway", was partially inspired by Danny's colorful personality. He was the founding editor of Simpatico Press, and Simpatico Art Studios and had many books of his poetry published, most regularly by Portals Press and Foothills Publishing. Titles include "Behind Lies the Sugar", "The Orchestra has left the Building" and "You Stand Alongside Desire". A memorial service/reading of his work, including poems he was preparing for a book at the time of his death will be held at the Maple Leaf Bar, June 25, at 3:00 p.m. A second line in his honor is also being tentatively planned for August. Om Nama Shivaya, power and respect to the fire that burned in that man's being.

Published by The New Orleans Advocate from Jun. 7 to Jun. 10, 2017.
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Memories and Condolences
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Thank you Danny for teaching me how to "do" New Orleans, for giving me a space to make theater, for inspiring a character in one of my plays and for always nudging me back to the writing. You will live on in Francis, and in our hearts and in our dancing....

Lisa D'Amour

Friend

August 8, 2017

Dear Danny, Always admired your poetry and how you cared about the poetry of others and enjoyed your joie de vivre, even when you were challenging! I'll remember having more fun with you on my birthday night at Pat's and Poppy's than with my girlfriend! See you again someday, when you're looking better than ever! Say hi to Everette and Maxine & Joe for me, love and peace, my friend!

Manfred Pollard

July 6, 2017

Danny, I am never going to forget you buddy. I poured over ever word in your book, and too bad you will never get to read the review I wrote for you. But when I told you about it, you didn't even seem to care. Instead, we talked for two hours on the phone when I was stuck in that traffic jam about the craziest thoughts, the most heartwarming topics, the history, the dreams. I am glad I got to know you and I am gonna miss you.

Michelle Lepori

June 21, 2017

May you dance with the Angels Danny

Karel Sloane-Boekbinder

June 14, 2017

well said, Bill...that was the consensus at his Rochester memorial. Another man the likes of Daniel Kerwick will never grace the face of this earth again.

June 13, 2017

Hope you find that lacrosse stick, Danny. Just passing this on, for Jethro.

Deke Barnes

June 12, 2017

Here's to you, Danny, a real and uplifting presence in the community of poets in New Orleans and the world, someone who lived life without compromise and who will be sorely missed.

Bill Lavender

June 12, 2017

RIp Danny, i'll see u up at the big poets pow wow in the sky...brad....

June 10, 2017

love you, Danny.

Patricia Kaschalk

June 9, 2017

Your spirit will burn on in our memories!

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Danny Kerwick will be missed every Sunday at the Maple Leaf Bar Literary readings by everyone there. We will keep his memory alive along with Everette Maddox and other poets and writers who attended the readings for almost 40 years.

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

Nancy Harris

June 9, 2017

My friend and the keeper of my animals.... I will always love you Danny.

Nita Hemeter

June 8, 2017

Daniel was a joyed to photograph; I always looked forward to his poetry and loved sharing his poems with friends and family... needless to say that I will miss him, dearly. Blessings and love.

June 8, 2017

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