Dennis 'Danny' Lien Maynard Dokken

DOKKEN, Dennis 'Danny' Lien Maynard
March 3, 1964 - December 14, 2021

Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called "life"
Electric word, life
It means forever and that's a mighty long time
But I'm here to tell you there's something else
The afterworld
A world of never ending happiness


Danny's toast to the Bride at our sister's wedding, was the lyrics from the song Let's Go Crazy by Prince. It was such a 'Danny' moment. He was charming, cool and effusively loving. Words were important to Danny and he had a masterful command of them. He would always make us think, laugh and feel his love. And he always made everyone love him.

Danny's friendships were genuine, deep, and dendritic. Many dated back to Oak Bay High- the school that had "I Love Dan Dokken' spray painted across the building, in the 80's. It sometimes seemed like Danny was friends with every person he passed on the street in Victoria- and if he did not know someone, he still smiled and had time for a chat. When they were younger, his friends would hang out in the basement of our home on Denison Road. On a few occasions, the gatherings grew to include hundreds of kids, spilling out onto the side lawn. The Oak Bay Police would stop by to make sure everything was under control. Which it pretty much was- because Danny would assure them that it was! Years later, his friends would congregate at his awesome house on Tattersall. Bodies were draped over furniture, watching films, listening to all genres of music, setting the world to rights as the sun rose, at all times enveloped in a ubiquitous cloud of laughter. For a guy living the life of a rock star, Danny transitioned very well into fatherhood, in Cadboro Bay, where he and Julie had their children, Dono and Annabel. Danny loved spending most of his time with the children and he filled their lives with fun. One of his specialties was making pancakes in any shape that the children chose, with loads of strawberries and whipping cream on top. If Dono and Annabel wanted pancakes for dinner, then that was usually a yes from Danny, because he wanted to make great memories! Years later, Danny would settle in James Bay where he cared for our father at the end of his life. He cherished every moment and every conversation that he had with Dad, in awe of his immense knowledge and wisdom.

Danny's children Dono and Annabel were the loves of his life. He could hardly contain himself when he would share one of Dono's jokes, "Ah, my wee man" he would say, as he sat chuckling with his very best buddy in the world. And he would beam with pride whenever he spoke about his beautiful Annabel, "My 'Belly" he would call her, as they snuggled together. Danny's children adored their dad also, and every year on his birthday, they would give him a very special gift- they would allow him to take an extra long nap. Napping was a great passion of Danny's.

Danny was a dreamer, an artist and an entrepreneur. His businesses included the iconic Entertainer video store, full of cool vibes, films, music and conversation, and Trounce Alley Gallery, where he curated collections of modern paintings in bold colours. He could look at a painting for hours and talk about it for even longer, until eventually you found yourself drifting into his world, where greater beauty and meaning emerged. He won the Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur Award, was the film critic on Check TV for a while, wrote songs and filled endless notebooks with thoughts and poetry. Danny was always creating.

When word got around that Danny would soon leave this world, there was a never-ending stream of friends coming to visit. They spoke from their hearts, as Danny always did: "Love you, my brother" "Thanks for all the good times" "All of my favourite memories are with you, Danny" and former girlfriends whispering "You're just doing this to get out of marrying me, Danny!" He would place his hand on his heart, look into their eyes and smile. He loved them, too.

We never thought that you would leave before us, Danny. But we're grateful that Mom and Dad were there to meet you on the other side- you were such a devoted son, never holding back tears when you spoke of how much you missed them both. We know that Dad will have taken you in his arms for one of his enormously comforting bear hugs. And Mom will have exclaimed in her lilting voice "Oh, Danny!" as she held her Dandelion tightly, making you feel that you were the most special of her six children, safe and loved forever. We can see you smiling now, contented and at peace, your eyes twinkling like the stars in the sky above McNeill Bay. Shine On, Danny…We Love You So.

Survived by: Donovan Dokken, Annabel Dokken, Julie Chant, Aurora Dokken, Lawrence House, Maynard L. Dokken, Allanna Kliman (nee Dokken), Brian Kliman, Aarrynne Dokken-Isgar, Stephen Isgar, Nammarra Dokken George, Bert Barr, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Pre-deceased by: Maynard H. Dokken, Aileen M. Dokken, Brian George

Celebration of Life, Cadboro Bay Beach, in the summer of '24
Internment, Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.