Daniel E. Kurtz

Marta, please call

We miss you so much and talk about our adventures often. I can´t believe it´s been 5 years. Big hug to you my brother from another mother (and father)

I met Dan in 1968 when we were stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas. For whatever reason, we hit it off and were best friends for the year we were stationed there. He had a 65 Malibu and I had a 68 VW. One of us usually had gas and we were off to who knows where when the weekends came. Our special friends, Colon & Anna Baker had an apartment that served as sanctuary when we needed it. In 1969, we were both sent to Germany, but different cities. On the train, we promised to stay in touch, but neither of us knew where the other would end up. That was the last time I saw Dan. Over the years, I tried to locate Dan, but before the internet it was an impossible task. I finally found Dan when a name search brought up his obituary. Rest in peace my friend and from what I have read, you had a great life...

What can I say about Dan. He was a friend, buddy, work buddy, riding buddy, party buddy and coffee buddy. I would stop by every morning before work and after to visit and share my wisdom he probably didn't hear
We would get together and have a bite to eat at Petes witch he first took me to. When I heard about them running the coffee shop I called Marta to call it Grumpys and she laughed. Everyone got a lot of miles out of the name because he had a heart of Gold. He will be greatly missed!!!!

Dan was a kind loving Grumpy guy, aptly named.
The first time I met Dan he was doting over a ninety year old couple, customers, that's when I saw what a great guy Dan is, and the friend he was about to become. We had a great friendship founded in turning Grumpy D's into one of the hottest open mic's in town. I will miss you and feel blessed that you and your family and baristas and the amazing musical, artistic community will support the legacy of your kindness in our hearts always. RIP Danny Boy, much love.

What a loving tribute to Dan and his legacy.

I am a Ballard neighbor, coffee drinker, and one of the *hundreds* of musicians Dan snd his wife Marta made such a loving space for in their coffeehouse.

I remember when Grumpy D’s first opened back in 2011, I thought “Oh wow that would be a great place for live music,” and lo and behold, that’s exact what happened!

Andof course being as the coffeehouse is just a few blocks away from my house, it makes for a great place to tank up

Dan was enthusiastic music lover and supporter. And the truth is,despite the moniker “grumpy” he was actually a very sweet soul.

Thank you, Dan, for making the corner of Northwest 70th and 15th Ave., Northwest a real destination place and a real community gathering spot.

My condolences to Martha son Dylan, all the nieces and nephews, siblings and of course the ever present Blue, the dog, (he must be missing his master terribly)

Rest In Peace, Dan.

Dan, my brother from a different mother (and father), I love you so. How many good times, conversations, rides, experiences we had. You were a true, loyal, kind-hearted friend, not the grump you pretended to be, and had a heart as big as the great outdoors. Bob and I will remember you and carry you in our hearts always.

Along with Marta, he hosted the best Christmas family get togethers at Grumpy D's.