Post #817907 by pablus on Sun, Feb 8, 2026 12:32 PM

I remember meeting him at Hukilau 2003. I met most of the "California Tiki Tribe" at that event and he was already a legend at that time. Bought a Chiki Tiki mug and chatted with him for a while. We ran into each other at other events and knew each other in a conversational way, but my desire for him to create a log drum communal bowl was shelved for other stuff. He was super busy all the time because people with talent tend to have serious demands on their time. The last time I talked to him face to face I had my uke and I popped one of my new tunes out for him at the Mai Kai. He listened and really liked it and that was a big deal to me because of all the carvers that I already admired, Danny was unique in his elegance in his carvings and his presentation of the craft and the atmosphere. He really got what I personally like (and obviously many others) with his dialed in nod to the Polynesian aspect as well as the fanciful aspects of what makes for a great experience in a tiki lounge or bar. I haven't visited Morgan's Cove yet, even though it's in Tampa, but I will this week and really take in his design and mastery once again. His work is a force in this quirky world but his love of dark woods and constant artistic references to the past and other great talents will shine through in all of his portfolio of amazing artwork and creations that take people to different places. He was very unique in the world. A rare man. My sincere condolences to his family and friends and fans for a true loss.