AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums About Belize Gone but not forgotten Drummer Dan

Tell me it ain't so... we have lost Drummer Dan.....

He was drummer for "Berlin" plus also producer for their #1 hit.
A regular contributor to this board, his positive energy will be missed by many....

from John Robillo: "A sad day on the island and for many visitors to the island. He will be missed."

//ambergriscaye.com/photogallery/060327.html

"The San Pedro Sun is sad to share the news of the passing of Daniel Van Patten AKA Drummer Dan today. His body has been transported to Belize City for a post mortem examination to determine his cause of death. Dulce Wolfe is accepting donations for his final arrangements. A memorial for Drummer Dan will be announced at a later date. Dan had many friends here on La Isla and will be sorely missed. We extend our sincere condolences to his friends and family."

I met him all those years ago on the beach in San Pedro walking with Daniel, loved his sense of humor (dry) and had many a brilliant conversation with him. I will miss him, RIP Dan.

A recent interview with Drummer Dan....

Video streaming by Ustream

Awesome words from Joe Chung....

Yesterday, the music industry and our San Pedro community lost an amazing man. Drummer Dan was one of those characters who always had a smile on his face. A true gentleman, I've never heard one negative thing about anyone out of his mouth. Not surprisingly, I have never heard anyone say one negative thing about him. That truly is a rarity on this island, but it goes to show the type of character that Drummer Dan was.

Born on April 4th, 1953, Daniel Van Patten grew up in Southern California, and after a successful music career with Berlin, he retired in San Pedro, Belize in 1997. Spending most of his time at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar, Drummer Dan was one of those characters that you could not pass by without saying hi. A staple to this island, his influence on many lives will definitely not be forgotten.

Spending his time in Belize, Dan died doing what he loved doing with the people he loved in a place he chose to call home. I don't think he would have had it any other way. I personally have been blessed by his acquaintance and will cherish the time that I shared with him.

Out of respect for his family and friends, please do not utilize this thread as a "what happened" or "I heard..." discussion. Let's just take this moment to remember the life of a very loved individual, and honor his passing.

Rest in Peace, Drummer Dan. You were a true gentleman.

Daniel Van Patten
April 4th, 1953 - July 2, 2013

a gentle, humble soul.

1)HAS anyone contacted Daniel Van Patten JR?
2) When and where is memorial?????

Check with Barefoot Skinny. I saw a post that he commented that Dan JR had been contacted.
Haven't seen any info on the memorial.

I don't like passing on what I'm not 100% sure on but...from what I understand about another $1000BZ is needed to take care of arrangements down here. Daniel Jr. is underage and therefore needs to come with his Mother. More funds will be raised at Crazy Canucks this Sunday for all expenses including family travel. There will be a ceremony with ashes while Dan's family is here.

If I am wrong please feel free to correct me in any way. I'm only posting what I have been told and hope to be the truth.

At this point I have only heard of Dulce collecting. I'm sure that Dan's music and presence has brought something to many on the island and off and I see no reason why the funds cannot be raised by everyone who has danced, sang along to or stood in a corner smiling inside to the music...

Please don't ask me for donation details. Hopefully someone will step up and take care of that.

From Sherry on Facebook:

In response to all of the inbox inquiries I have received, for those of you in the States wishing to donate to aide in the expenses for Drummer Dan and to bring Daniel to the island, there is a trusted person in the States accepting donations on Drummer Dan's and Derrick Banos behalf. You can inbox Jane West or myself for an address to mail a cheque or money order.