How I will miss my friend. He was so very musically talented yet he never made me feel as though I didn't have a clue - even though I didn't have a clue! Certain songs will forever trigger fond memories of John and I pray he will smile from above at my inaptitude.

John was a truly wonderful person, heartfelt, kind and generous. He went out of his way to show kindness and courtesy. John was especially supportive with me as we prepared for my premiere performance with Popera. This and other acts of kindness are indelibly etched in my memory.   

Although I knew John for only a few months, I came to count on him and very much value his musical suggestions. I am certain that John is at peace, enhancing the Higher Realms with his inspired music.

John Danke's memory lives on. 

I always enjoyed John's lively spontaneity as a gifted pianist. Thank you, God, for John.

I pay tribute to my friend John a kindred spirit in music. John was a master at the keyboard, any style and yes even the accordion. It was one of his first instruments. If you ever had to "wing it" in a performance, John was the musician to "wing it with".

There is a whole in our hearts and music world. It feels like an entire Orchestra was taken from us. Who can play like John; read the most difficult music, play by ear, fills for chords, transpose on the fly and accompany at the same time.

John brought me out of vocal hibernation with the help of our dearest loved ones, Georgetta and Uncle Steve. He filed my soul with the most beautiful classical vocal music that I had never accessed before.

John touched so many lives with his musical talent and generous soul.

I was so very warmed at the wonderful outpouring of love that was given to my old friend John Danke on this page.

John and I met back in Junior High School, at that time we were pubescent antagonists as often happens for no apparent reason…we just were.

Then in 1964 the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show and within weeks a couple of friends and I were getting a band together. I found out that John played an amplified accordion (of all things) and that he had a really large amplifier. I convinced my friends that we should let him into the band and then we would get to use his amp! Lo and behold we found out that this guy was a genuine musician!! Someone in one of the posts here mentioned that he played the accordion but, as the saying goes, you ain’t heard nothin’ until you heard John playing the lead guitar riff of The Birds’ 8 Miles High on the accordion!! He was truly a wizard!! He had perfect pitch and could listen to a song 2 or 3 times and then give us our parts. I was there when his mom (Ida…God bless her) bought him his first rock and roll organ taking him from vertical keyboards to horizontal. After that any popular song that had an organ part in it we played! We were truly blessed to have John in our band and, once we got to know him, we embraced him as a beloved and respected friend.

I won’t regale you with stories of adolescent tomfoolery because those are best shared with the other of our school friends who “knew him when.” I will say that we never got into any trouble and the times he borrowed his mom’s Olds 98 (woohoo what a nice ride for high schoolers) and cruised up to Hollywood (John always like to go looking at the houses in Beverly Hills) were among the best times of my youth.

He played in another band after ours broke up and played weekends in clubs aboard the Marine Corps Base at Camp Pendleton during the dark days of the Vietnam War.

After high school John went off to Chapman College where he started his serious musical studies (although we did learn early on that if we heard the piano when we went over to his house we would have to wait until it stopped because he wouldn’t answer the door until he was done practicing) and matured into the wonderful musician that you who have posted here already know and love.

We lost touch in later years and, except for one or two times after college, we haven’t spoken. I have looked him up on the internet several times but didn’t really see any scheduled events that I could have attended just to say Hi! I never knew of any family outside of his mother and I am so grateful for all of you who posted here that he was so well thought of, respected, and loved.

John is the first of our…well…you couldn’t really say Band of Brothers in the strictest Shakespearean sense but surely our Band of Teenagers to have gone home to the Lord. Thank you John for all the good times and for the person that you were to all of us. We really appreciate you!!

P.S. Thank you to whoever posted all those wonderful pictures. You can see how he was an absolute blast to have had as a friend when we were young.

Oh, my dear John. How you will be missed. I've known you only a few short years, and I definitely agree with the original statement that you were the kindest man imaginable. I will forever miss your musicianship, which was superb. My only comfort in your passing is that you will be spared the inconvenience of old age. That would have been torture for you, i.e., having to give up some of the activities you love for physical reasons due to old age. Au revoir, mon bon ami.

The photo just posted was taken a few months ago at Opera Night when John, like always, had so magnificently accompanied me(Joy-See) on the solo "Because" you come to me with naught save love, in other words, with nothing but love, which is the way John always came to all of his singers generously giving us abundant encouragement and loving support. He was a unique expression of God and I miss his gentle, loving Spirit but still feel him continue to inspire me to let the love in my heart pour out in song BECAUSE that makes him happy when we sing our hearts out! Alleluia!

I first worked with John about forty years ago. I was just beginning to study voice with Beverly Ogdon and John was the accompanist at Mira Costa College. John was always willing to make time for me--new as I was to the use of my voice as an instrument. I don't think I will ever meet such a gentle, kind and generous soul again on this earth. I won't forget you John--you enriched so many lives in your modest way.

I have worked with John for over 30 years and I have had him accompany many of my student recitals. He was known as our personal orchestra. he was always so positive and very helpful with my students. He will be so!!! missed.

How wonderful to read of all the lives touched by my dear friend and colleague, John Danke. Such beautiful words again and again by all his friends .... "gentle soul, shy, always encouraging, eloquent..."
What more can be said....
"Well done, good and faithful servant."
May you continue to bless and be blessed always.
Rest now in the arms of divine Love, dear one.

Although I only knew John for a short time when he accompanied our vocal class at Mira Costa he stood out as a dear, thoughtful soul who was encouraging to all of us, even those who had no musical background and were barely getting through the class. Within a few days he was drawing applause from all present for his shy yet supportive words and kindnesses. It is such a shock he is gone so soon, too young, and shall be greatly missed by many. I hope he is singing and playing in heaven for eternity. My heart is heavy at the news of his passing.

I met John in August of 2015; just a very short time ago. He served as the accompanist for my Vocal Fundamentals class at Mira Costa College. During our very first practice together, we developed a close bond, sharing our passion for music. He patiently encouraged me to develop and use my singing talents. He willingly gave of his time and made himself available to practice at any time of the day or night. John was a kind and generous man; a gift to us all. I will miss his exceptional musical talents that he effortlessly shared. I will always be a better person for having known John. Rest in peace my dear friend. I will miss you tremendously.

What a shock to learn God had called John home to accompany the Heavenly angels. He was my musical rock; encouraging, nudging, cajoling me to try new arias, extending my knowledge and appreciation of the classics. He was the embodiment of selflessness and an example to all of us in his kindness and generosity of spirit. I love you my friend, my confidante. You are forever in my heart.

I am speechless. On Christmas morning I was going to walk over and commend John on his talent of playing the organ. I just love to listen to organ music. Now I am sorry that I did not stop for a moment and speak with John. May he rest in peace. (St. Mark's parishioner)

I'll never forget the first time I heard John play the organ at St. Elizabeth Seton.  Wow- the sound he produced out of that instrument was just amazing.  What a talent!   May he join the heavenly choir with the angels and St. Cecilia.

Dearest John, you are the most precious man I have ever known. You are the most loving and thoughtful, the best friend and best accompaniest I have ever had.  Singing with you playing for me gave me courage, inspiration and you always made me sound great even on my off days. I am still in awe of the fact that you could transpose my music at sight into another key so I could hit the high notes when my voice was struggling. 

Our Christian Science branch church in Poway/RB will miss your wonderful music at our Wednesday night services. You always played with great joy and helped us on the hymns we didn't know very well by playing the melody really loud. Our church members will miss your smiles and hugs.  You are a great musician and will be missed by many. 

Your gift was your great compassion for giving and you gave to everyone. The world will be a sadder place because of your absence. God bless you my dear friend. 

One of my fondest memories was when you came to our house for Christmas dinner and then played Christmas Carols so we could all sing. You made that day special for us all. 

I am so grateful I hugged you and wished you a Happy New Year after our Wednesday night service Dec 30th. You have not died my friend but have merely passed into the next experience and have awakened to know a world more bright.

Every Sunday he was there. Playing the piano and organ like no other.

John was kind, thoughtful, humble, and always smiling.

Oh yeah, he could play the piano pretty good too!

I would tell him how great he played and he would brush it off as no big deal.

Last time we spoke was at Christmas morning Mass, and he was a little late, which was very unusual. I teased him about it, and he smiled and said he was recovering from the 9 day Missa de Gallo masses which began at 4:30am, leading up to Christmas.

May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, rest in peace, Amen.

(St Mark's parishioner)

Rest in God, John. i always appreciated John's sweet and generous soul. as a musician, we was a wonder to work with, and very kind, i think of our talks in the church parking lot: poetry, music and spirituality. I will miss you and St Elizabeth will miss
you.

John was a dear soul. He is missed so much by us all. The last time I was with him was on Dec 26th at St. Elizabeth Seaton Catholic Church. He was playing the organ but the sound coming out were bells. Now when I think of him, it'll be in Heaven playing the with the Angels.

When I think of John, I think of kindness and generosity. I first met John at Pandeli's singing classes in 2002. Pandeli would help the most timid singers like me develop confidence, and I thought at first that John was only the accompanist. However, I soon came to realize that John was interested in helping us singers as well. Though extremely talented, he was most unassuming about himself and instead focused on the benefit of others. I continued to work with him in the Pacific Beach Soirees. He was always encouraging me, and suggesting music that was good for my voice. He never rushed me, but generously gave of his time and talent. He also had a great respect for the liturgy and music that would glorify God.

I will always treasure our friendship, John. I am grateful to God for having known you. May the angels carry you into Paradise, accompanied by beautiful music. Rest in peace, dear friend.

John will never be forgotten not only by me but by everyone that he has touched in his life. He was so special, one of a kind. He will be missed by all.

I was in the Spanish choir and John was the pianist ,he always was kinde,I will miss hem!

John was a special and helpful person to me. I played piano for the St. Patricks for about 15 years. John always helped me with music that I had difficulty playing. He would come over and teach me much about the song dynamics in spite of being so busy. . Yes, he was a very gentle soul

My story with John sounds like so many others that I have read about on this memorial site. I only worked with John for about 6 months, although I soon felt like he was my old friend. I have been a singer most of my life, but had shut the door on some of my aspirations, thinking it was too late or that I did not have sufficient talent. John encouraged me to sing the songs I love to sing, and to re-learn to believe in myself as a singer. He said, “We will make you a legend in your own time!” (I would counter with, “Just so I’m not like Florence Foster Jenkins, who rented out Carnegie Hall and gave a concert even though she had not mastered pitch and rhythm as we know it.) However, when Georgetta and John worked together with me, the high notes began to ring and resound in a new and beautiful way. John loved that I could sing in Russian and encouraged me to pursue Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, Rimsky- Korsakov, etc., and he gave me numerous copies of songs from his collection. He also enabled me to re-awaken French, German and Italian Art Songs and Opera Arias that I had abandoned.

John was like my fairy godmother, waving a wand and saying “You can sing beautiful music--all those songs you dreamed of performing and more.” He was so enthusiastic, and continually presented me with repertoire that he knew we would work on and achieve. What a gift to me that John the great piano maestro would believe in me like that! The Opera Soirees at the Pacific Beach Women’s Club were such a great opportunity for me to try out singing music that I loved. I had planned on many years of work with John, re-launching myself as a singer. However, I am now trying to re-frame this as I know he would wish for me to do, to continue singing beautiful music even though John is no longer Earthside.

Now I often imagine John over my shoulder, reminding me to: continue learning repertoire, read the music correctly, make the songs better, and believe in myself and my ability to do it, even if I have to find another pianist. 

I also hear John laughing uproariously at the irony and the crazy dance of life in which we find ourselves. I hear his commentaries on politics and the news. I sense his wisdom and subtle insights. I appreciate his common sense and down to earth way of figuring out how to deal with challenges.

Let us pray to honor the beautiful soul that he was and to soothe the grief that so many, including me, are feeling now. Shout praises into the universe that such a beautiful man has touched us all, and that the Love that so many felt towards him may be transformed into doing Good, having a good laugh, and making beautiful music with the time that we have left on this Earth. I am reminded of Charlie Brown saying, “We’re all going to die.” Snoopy counters with “Yes, but there are a lot of days when we’re not going to die.” With the days that we’re not going to die, let us make more and greater beautiful music, as John did.

Go in Peace, John. You were an inspiration to our musical and religious community. Your absence will be felt by all those who knew and worked with you How many parish choirs were inspired by your talents?! How many singers were shaped by your accompaniment?!
How long before we overcome our grief, and accept your Glorious passing?

I have known John for a short 3 years. He was an inspiration on so many levels. He was so patient with everyone he worked with. He made us laugh and was so professional to work with. Performing with him at the keys was always a pleasure. He made each event so much more interesting and unique as he so eloquently and artistically created such beauty on the piano.

In the late 1990's I took group voice lessons from Pandeli Lazardi on Kettner Blvd. That was when I first came across the incomparable John Danke. His piano accompaniments always, always enhanced the efforts of each of us who had to sing a solo in front of one another. John also gave me many songs to learn and sometimes he gave me some extra tuition also. 
My late husband and I went to hear Georgetta and another lady singing somewhere north of San Diego. John accompanied them and even though my husband was very hard of hearing, he was able to discern what a fine pianist John was. It was amazing to me that Dunham actually could appreciate John's fine playing, as I did not think he would be able to hear him well. What a marvelous evening that was.
I left the U.S. to return to my native land of England just over two years ago and was deeply saddened by the news of John's passing. He enriched my life; as he did for countless others. May he be with the angels in Heaven, accompanying all on the most exquisite piano. I count myself most privileged to have known this enormously kind and generous man.

I have known John for years. In the mid 1990s he played for a full voice recital I gave as a part of my sabbatical leave. We presented the recital twice in California and traveled to Texas where we performed at two universities. His accompaniment was brilliant, so supportive and sensitive. We performed Brahms Four Serious Songs and that was one of the most important events in my musical life. To have shared the intimacy of those songs with him was so wonderful that I will never forget. I will miss John. John was a dear, wonderful soul who enriched our lives as musician and friend. Rest in peace dear John!

I had pretty much retired from singing when I met John. I decided to work with him on a weekly basis just "for the heck of it". Then as only John could do, he pushed me to learn new and often challenging music and insisted I perform again. He was a kind, encouraging man and a very supportive accompanist. Such a talent.I am so sad he is gone.

What a loss to the music community. Thank you, John, for playing for my concerts. We always had such fun working together, and I will miss you terribly at my upcoming one. Your love for music (I always said you were a singer at heart!) and all who worked with you will never be forgotten. I will miss you, my friend.

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness I write this note. John and I have worked together for almost 20 years in different venues. Over the past 3 years we worked closely each week. He's always believed in me, even when I could not. John was so supportive and kind, yet he stretched my boundaries, both musically and personally in order to help me become greater than I could imagined. I will miss you so much John. Thank you for your kindness and dedication, and for keeping me organized and on track. Your leaving has left a huge whole in my heart, I will miss you dearly.

I met John when I first started singing 21 years ago with Tricia Strauss. We worked together on almost every Aria,Recital and Audition! I am at a loss for words...I loved him very much and always appreciated how much time he made for me to rehearse. He will be greatly missed in my world!!!
John, thank you for your dedication to MUSIC and the ARTS! See you in heaven my sweet friend.

I had told my husband a long time ago that John was my favorite person in the world. I was very happy with the way my life was going, because I planned to continue studying and performing with John for as long as my voice lasted. Of course life goes on, and of course I will keep singing, but at this point it seems that these few years with John may have been the peak. When I started singing at the soirees I knew very few arias, and through the years with John I was amazed that he had me learn and perform so many beautiful arias that I never would have dreamed I was capable of. All of us who knew him and worked with him were truly blessed.

Thank you John, my #1 supporter since I moved to San Diego (1988).

You are one of a kind and the world owes you so much!

Love,

Don

John was there from the beginning of my singing 5 years ago.  I wanted to sing to express myself but couldn’t produce any sound nor was it pleasing to the ear. John said that he knew from the beginning that I would be able to sing as I do today, while others had not much good to say. He never liked to hear when I criticized my singing and would always chew me out when I said those things. It was only a few months ago that my singing turned wonderful and more than I could have imagined. Many times John expressed that he loved the sounds I could produce and how well I sang.
John was a gentle human being who gave inspiration and music to all. He was always excited to be given the lemons from my tree and the root vegetables that reminded him of his childhood.  He would offer to play for any plan that I had for myself or the soiree. He never spoke unkindly about anyone.
What John did for my singing was no less or more than he did for all who were seriously learning to sing. I know that he is irreplaceable and I think that he was taken from us too soon. He is definitely an unforgettable human being and my heart hurts that I will not see him again playing piano in my house.

I met John at Saint Patricks Church in Carlsbad ... My husband and I asked John if he could come and teach the boy show to play the piano.. He came to our home every week for about 2 years...
He became part of the family... ❤️ We were given the opportunity to perform as a family in the Saturday Spanish choir and
John was kind enough to help us out.❤️
I am glad my son and I got to see him on
Christmas Day and gave him a hug and he asked when I was going to return to the church choir and I said very soon John...
The Verdin Rivas Family
Thanks you John Danke for everything you did for us..❤️
God bless you John.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

How shocking was to hear John's passing. I am still in tears when I think about John. How blessed I was that God sent him to help me learn the most beautiful songs. Past 7 years I sang with John's accompaniment and weekly lesson from him, he might have introduced hundreds of songs what he thought most beautiful. How lucky I recorded 4 CD's with his accompaniment, and we were working for the next CD to be recorded in Feb. John gave me a bible verse that saved him from polio at childhood, and I too was saved from the same bible verse when I was sick in 2011. I feel completely lost with him passing, but try to think that God needed him in heaven because he was an angel on earth. I will forever thank John for his love, kindness, and for his life of music.

John is watching over all of us as we struggle through trills and runs without him physically here to guide our way. If we believe... as he believed in all of us, we will hear his patient voice and his fingers on the keys giving the lead-in, with emphasis on the rhythm and the tonality.

What a joy to have worked alongside him for over 20 years as he played for funerals and weddings that I sang almost every week during that time. When John was playing a funeral at noon, he probably had given three lessons beforehand and was going on to another funeral at 2 p.m. but you could count on him to slide onto the organ bench right in time for the prelude. Sometimes John would tell me that he was driving right through Vista and he'd come up and run a couple pieces at the house. Always making sure that you were prepared for next weekend's concerts.
Remembering many wonderful rehearsals, weddings, funerals, fabulous concerts and recitals, cabarets, opera scenes, intimate soirees at Tracey's and others in Carlsbad & San Diego, classes and concerts at Small Opera Company with Pandeli years ago, John and I sitting down together as we planned the very first concert of our North County Opera Soiree company with "Three Tenors and A Baritone" then the first (albeit rather "long") Liederabend that North County had ever seen or heard!

Thank you John for wonderful memories, for your patience and great teaching, for encouraging me to return to opera, for introducing me to so many incredible people whom I now call my friends. God called you early. Please watch over us as we continue to make music here on earth. You are loved and remain forever in our hearts.

There are no words to describe the loss of our dear dear friend. We were so blessed to have him alongside with most of our concerts. Two months before John's passing, our beloved tenor friend, Nolyn Cabahug also went home to be with the Lord. Carol Anne and I can only feel and cherish the memory of their presence when we sing. Life continues on without them but it is not the same....as with all the people we love in our lives. 
John is the most patient,self sacrificing,encouraging, giving and kind man we have ever met. As his doctor, he would not spend a penny more on himself unless it was necessary. He would rather save it to help someone else. That's the kind of man he is and we are so blessed to have known him and shared many years of making wonderful music with him. It feels so surreal at the moment and we still have difficulty accepting that he is no longer with us. However, we claim the promise of the Lord, that we will meet John again !
We love you, John! Thank you for your life and for sharing it with us!

I knew and sang with John many times over the past 5 or so years and worked with him several times this Fall at his new place in Oceanside. 
 
John was always so kind and generous. He was ever supportive and complementary about my singing and always had suggestions for new rep for me to look at. 

John never had anything but the kindest words about anyone he spoke of. He was just a sweetheart- a rare, gentle soul. I really have never known anyone quite like him. He will be greatly missed.

John and I had collaborated over four full solo recitals along with many miscellaneous nights of meeting to sing through new repertoire. We also had many fun services at St, Elizabeth Seton when he basically would throw me, the cantor, up to sing whenever I needed to when I just began learning how to. Thank God for this beautiful, thoughtful man who devoted his life to music

It must have been twenty years ago when I first met John, while I was living in Encinitas, while he was providing accompaniment for a performance class at Mira Costa College in Cardiff.

His sense of humor, Love of music, and most of all his Sharing of music were unmatched. He never stopped working, was too hard on himself, should have said No a thousand times when he didn't, and yet as we all know he Loved every minute of it... because Service was in his blood and drove him more than any other desire.

In a way it's just like John to leave us in the way that he did... without drawing attention to himself, without being a burden to anyone, and with that dramatic touch he'd pull out of a hat just when you thought you knew what was next.

I still have pages and pages of music he copied and gave to me, representing an entire world of music I'd have never known of. "This is beautiful, you'll love it." "Learn this part, and then we can play together with such-and-such a singer." "I found a transcription for cello of that piano piece you like".

Anyone who ever worked with John knows the scenario... "I'm busy for the next eight days, and then on that Tuesday I have a rehearsal in Point Loma at 10am, a funeral in Carlsbad at noon, a performance class in Cardiff at 2:30, can meet with you from 2:45 to 3:30, then have a church service at 4:00 in San Marcos, ..."
All from memory, weeks out.

As aptly said, John is irreplaceable. A one of a kind. He lifted and sustained the musical endeavors, professional or not, of everyone he touched.

This much I know for sure... It will take a long time for John to process the enormous amount of good energy he is due upon crossing to the other side, and he is glowing and will continue to glow for an eternity upon seeing from his new perspective the volumes of hope and joy and encouragement he brought to countless others.

John is a bright spark in the life of everyone lucky enough to have known him, and we can all just be grateful for the gifts which he so generously bestowed.

I had the tremendous blessing of meeting John 18 years ago. He was truly kind, generous and always supportive to everyone with whom he worked. I feel great gratitude for having known him and great sorrow at his passing.