Post #818058 by vintagegirl on Sun, Mar 8, 2026 4:07 AM

Holy Mackerel! I actually remembered my password! I have no idea how many years it’s been since I posted here, but I just saw the post on Facebook welcoming people to post about Danny.

I can’t recall how we (me and AtomicTiki/Charles) first met Danny in the early days of Tiki Central and the Palm Springs Tiki Oasis. Especially since we were meeting so many people for the first time. Danny and Steph were regulars at the same home bar gatherings, outings, and local tiki bars we went to. He was always there at every marketplace and large gathering. We knew he was insanely talented, but we mainly saw him as our friend. He was authentic, down-to-earth, and took no bullshit. He was always laid back with no drama. Just a straight-shooter with common sense solutions.

One time, maybe 20-ish years ago, a bunch of us piled into his car to go somewhere from an event. (Perhaps a restaurant or maybe to pick up some party supplies.) As he drove, the conversation somehow veered toward Latino workers for some reason. One of the passengers started talking about them in a derogatory manner. Although Danny had considered them a friendly acquaintance, he didn’t hesitate one second to set them straight. As the person tried to make light of it, Danny was having none of it. He calmly told the person to stop talking or he would pull the car over and let that person out. He didn’t raise his voice or get angry. Just matter of fact.

Danny was a solid good guy, who stood up for what was right and didn’t tolerate disrespect. To know him was to respect him, his craft, his heritage, his family and friends. Long Live Tiki Diablo! Rest in peace, my friend. You will be sorely missed.