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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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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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