Obit: Dan Milner (1945-2023)

Subject: RIP Dan Milner
From: GUEST,Guest Joan F
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:08 PM

Per post from Inishowen group

Subject: RE: RIP Dan Milner
From: GUEST,Guest Joan F
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:11 PM

?? Check out this post https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02q1ktNPFS7G71pG4mWyJ9VLkJyzydvwCJqPgx8wRAxojV51ZPP9JaEh9W63D3BfFrl&id=100064812513342&mibextid=EBYMS6

Subject: RE: RIP Dan Milner
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:21 PM

https://inishowensinging.ie/blogposts/dan-milner-1945-2023/

For Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InishowenSinging

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: RTim
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:49 PM

Liam's Brother has sadly gone to visit Liam....Dan Milner will be missed by many, in both the Irish Music and Sea Music World...a stout and stirring singer and a great guy to know. My thoughts go out to my dear friend Bonnie Milner...their partnership was a joy to see...Go well Old Fella...I will miss you...

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 06:18 PM

So sad. Dan was a fine singer and a man of great character and integrity.
He will be much missed. My condolences to Bonnie.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: bbc
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 07:25 PM

This is such sad news! I am thankful to have known Dan & send love to Bonnie.

Best always,

Barbara

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 09:38 PM

He was such a nice man, and he made a significant contribution to the musical tradition we love. Rest in peace, Dan. I'm so sorry he's gone, Bonnie.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: crism
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 10:37 PM

I have no words… Bonnie was just here in Portsmouth last weekend, and I missed him. A real loss to music, to history, to our community…

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: GUEST,Julia L
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 10:54 PM

So very sorry to hear this- such a loss! Sending love to Bonnie. He will surely be missed by many
Julia & Fred

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 12:14 AM

I am so sorry. Love to Bonnie and all friends & family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 12:38 AM

Text from the blogpost site:

Dan was born in Birmingham, England on the 27th March 1945, and was predeceased by his Irish mother Nora Mary (nee Cremin) and Irish-English father, William Milner. During and after World War II his family lived in many other places including Ballybunion, Ireland, Toronto, Canada, as well as Brooklyn and Queens, NY where they became US Citizens. He attended schools in both New York City and in England.

Upon losing his student deferral for not carrying enough college credits, Dan received his draft notice during the Vietnam War era. He promptly signed up for the United States Air Force and served at Travis Air Force Base in California.

After leaving the military, he began working in the airline industry in California and then in New York. He started as a baggage handler, reservation agent, and eventually became a sales manager for two airlines. Coupled with the many moves he made during his childhood; travel became an important part of his life. Working for airline companies led to many spectacular trips around the globe.

He also worked as a National Park Ranger, a cartographer for the Census Bureau and most recently as a professor at St. John’s University in New York City.

The most important passion of his life was his singing. Music was in the family. His mother was a keen set dancer and his father a good singer and piano player. Dan’s first “performance” occurred when as a wee lad he became separated from his family at Coney Island Beach and was brought to the police station. When his mother came roaring into the station, there was Dan on top of one of the desks regaling the Irish cops with song. He narrowly escaped punishment!

A quick student, Dan learned not only his father’s repertoire, but began to absorb the canon of Irish, English, and Scottish traditional folk songs along with a strong dose of sea chanteys. In the United States, he won the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Cheoil several times and competed in the Fleadh in Ireland twice. He was a renowned and respected singer and collector of Irish songs in the English language.

In the early 1970s he established the Eagle Tavern Folk Club in NYC. He ran weekly concerts there for 10 years attracting the best of traditional singers and musicians from here and abroad. He was a founding member of the acclaimed band, The Flying Cloud, who performed in the USA including the 1977 Philadelphia Folk Festival. Their one, eponymous recording, was with Adelphi Records. In 1983 he published his first book, The Bonnie Bunch of Roses: Songs of England, Ireland & Scotland.

Though work dominated his life at this time, he still kept a hand in music by going to sessions and concerts whenever possible. He met his beloved wife Bonnie at one such session at the Eagle Tavern. They were wed in 1989 and she encouraged him to get back to singing which led to a rich and rewarding life.

Over the years Dan made five CDs: three for Folk Legacy Records – Irish Ballads and Songs of the Sea, Irish in America, and Irish Songs from Old New England and two for Smithsonian Folkways: Civil War Naval Songs and Irish Pirate Ballads and Other Songs of the Sea.

Upon retiring and after a 37-year hiatus from college, Dan decided to go back and received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Hunter College in NYC. He then pursued and completed his doctorate in American Studies back “home” at the University of Birmingham in England. His doctoral dissertation led to his second book, The Unstoppable Irish: Songs and Integration of the New York Irish, 1783-1883.

Attending the Inishowen Singers weekend in Ballyliffin, Ireland was a fixed highlight on his calendar, along with the Mystic and CT Sea Music Festivals. He and his beloved wife, Bonnie, enjoyed their music and travels together during an incredible lifetime journey.

He leaves his wife, Bonnie, his stepdaughter Kerry Cosentino, her husband Brian and their children, Lena and Nick, many cherished friends and Inky the pet parrot!

For those who wish, donations in Dan's remembrance, can be made to:

The CT Sea Music Festival

On their website or by cheque to CT Sea Music Festival
c/o MM&TS
PO Box 611
Essex, CT 06426

OR:

Inishowen Traditional Singers' Circle

Through the donate button on their website

Arrangements:

Calling hours will be on Tuesday October 3, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at:
Ahern Funeral Home – 111 Main Street - Unionville, CT 06085.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: gillymor
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 02:08 AM

He helped me out with some lyrics about 20 years ago. He was a kind and generous fellow.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,RJM
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 04:12 AM

So sorry to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 07:00 AM

Very sad news.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 10:48 AM

I was sorry to hear of Dan's parting. He was a great advocate for our style of music and will be sorely missed. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread and send my thoughts and condolences to all those who know and love him. RIP Dan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,RJM
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 02:40 PM

I remember meeting him at lancaster folk festival about 30 years ago, we had a lovely walk and chat, smashing bloke .RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 03:10 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Mark Ross
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 03:12 PM

I knew Dan 50 years ago in NYC. Both he and his brother Liam were friends of mine. I'm sorry to hear that now they are both gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Felipa
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 05:42 PM

I'm shocked and sad to hear this news. I often met Dan and Bonnie at the annual Inishowen festival of traditional singing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner (1945-2023)
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 06 Oct 23 - 02:45 AM

What an unspeakable loss.

Dan was one of the loveliest, most knowledgeable people I ever encountered in the music world - and a wonderful singer, as well.

So educated, Dan managed to be incredibly scholarly without being in the least bit stuffy. A true gentleman, and I do not use that word lightly.

When Alice and I would see him (and Bonnie) at a session or performance, whether in person or online, we knew we were in for a treat. Seeing them was always a pleasure.

Alice knew him far longer than I did and she related a couple of stories of how kind and understanding he was - someone who could keep his head when many others were losing theirs.

Our deepest condolences to Bonnie.

Dan Milner was truly one-of-a-kind.

Jay

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner (1945-2023)
From: GUEST,Liam's sister inlaw
Date: 21 Oct 23 - 08:32 AM

Thanks for all these lovely remembrances of Dan. I an truly humbled by the response and support received upon his passing. Thankfully, we still have his "voice".

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner (1945-2023)
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 22 Oct 23 - 12:08 PM

A great and multifaceted man. May he rest in peace.

Regards

Subject: RIP Dan Milner
From: GUEST,Guest Joan F
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:08 PM

Per post from Inishowen group

Subject: RE: RIP Dan Milner
From: GUEST,Guest Joan F
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:11 PM

?? Check out this post https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02q1ktNPFS7G71pG4mWyJ9VLkJyzydvwCJqPgx8wRAxojV51ZPP9JaEh9W63D3BfFrl&id=100064812513342&mibextid=EBYMS6

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: GUEST,Julia L
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 10:54 PM

So very sorry to hear this- such a loss! Sending love to Bonnie. He will surely be missed by many
Julia & Fred

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,RJM
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 04:12 AM

So sorry to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 07:00 AM

Very sad news.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,RJM
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 02:40 PM

I remember meeting him at lancaster folk festival about 30 years ago, we had a lovely walk and chat, smashing bloke .RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: GUEST,Mark
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 03:10 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner (1945-2023)
From: GUEST,Liam's sister inlaw
Date: 21 Oct 23 - 08:32 AM

Thanks for all these lovely remembrances of Dan. I an truly humbled by the response and support received upon his passing. Thankfully, we still have his "voice".

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: Joe Offer
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 09:38 PM

He was such a nice man, and he made a significant contribution to the musical tradition we love. Rest in peace, Dan. I'm so sorry he's gone, Bonnie.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: bbc
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 07:25 PM

This is such sad news! I am thankful to have known Dan & send love to Bonnie.

Best always,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: gillymor
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 02:08 AM

He helped me out with some lyrics about 20 years ago. He was a kind and generous fellow.

RIP

Subject: RE: RIP Dan Milner
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:21 PM

https://inishowensinging.ie/blogposts/dan-milner-1945-2023/

For Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InishowenSinging

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 12:38 AM

Text from the blogpost site:

Dan was born in Birmingham, England on the 27th March 1945, and was predeceased by his Irish mother Nora Mary (nee Cremin) and Irish-English father, William Milner. During and after World War II his family lived in many other places including Ballybunion, Ireland, Toronto, Canada, as well as Brooklyn and Queens, NY where they became US Citizens. He attended schools in both New York City and in England.

Upon losing his student deferral for not carrying enough college credits, Dan received his draft notice during the Vietnam War era. He promptly signed up for the United States Air Force and served at Travis Air Force Base in California.

After leaving the military, he began working in the airline industry in California and then in New York. He started as a baggage handler, reservation agent, and eventually became a sales manager for two airlines. Coupled with the many moves he made during his childhood; travel became an important part of his life. Working for airline companies led to many spectacular trips around the globe.

He also worked as a National Park Ranger, a cartographer for the Census Bureau and most recently as a professor at St. John’s University in New York City.

The most important passion of his life was his singing. Music was in the family. His mother was a keen set dancer and his father a good singer and piano player. Dan’s first “performance” occurred when as a wee lad he became separated from his family at Coney Island Beach and was brought to the police station. When his mother came roaring into the station, there was Dan on top of one of the desks regaling the Irish cops with song. He narrowly escaped punishment!

A quick student, Dan learned not only his father’s repertoire, but began to absorb the canon of Irish, English, and Scottish traditional folk songs along with a strong dose of sea chanteys. In the United States, he won the Mid-Atlantic Fleadh Cheoil several times and competed in the Fleadh in Ireland twice. He was a renowned and respected singer and collector of Irish songs in the English language.

In the early 1970s he established the Eagle Tavern Folk Club in NYC. He ran weekly concerts there for 10 years attracting the best of traditional singers and musicians from here and abroad. He was a founding member of the acclaimed band, The Flying Cloud, who performed in the USA including the 1977 Philadelphia Folk Festival. Their one, eponymous recording, was with Adelphi Records. In 1983 he published his first book, The Bonnie Bunch of Roses: Songs of England, Ireland & Scotland.

Though work dominated his life at this time, he still kept a hand in music by going to sessions and concerts whenever possible. He met his beloved wife Bonnie at one such session at the Eagle Tavern. They were wed in 1989 and she encouraged him to get back to singing which led to a rich and rewarding life.

Over the years Dan made five CDs: three for Folk Legacy Records – Irish Ballads and Songs of the Sea, Irish in America, and Irish Songs from Old New England and two for Smithsonian Folkways: Civil War Naval Songs and Irish Pirate Ballads and Other Songs of the Sea.

Upon retiring and after a 37-year hiatus from college, Dan decided to go back and received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Hunter College in NYC. He then pursued and completed his doctorate in American Studies back “home” at the University of Birmingham in England. His doctoral dissertation led to his second book, The Unstoppable Irish: Songs and Integration of the New York Irish, 1783-1883.

Attending the Inishowen Singers weekend in Ballyliffin, Ireland was a fixed highlight on his calendar, along with the Mystic and CT Sea Music Festivals. He and his beloved wife, Bonnie, enjoyed their music and travels together during an incredible lifetime journey.

He leaves his wife, Bonnie, his stepdaughter Kerry Cosentino, her husband Brian and their children, Lena and Nick, many cherished friends and Inky the pet parrot!

For those who wish, donations in Dan's remembrance, can be made to:

The CT Sea Music Festival

On their website or by cheque to CT Sea Music Festival
c/o MM&TS
PO Box 611
Essex, CT 06426

OR:

Inishowen Traditional Singers' Circle

Through the donate button on their website

Arrangements:

Calling hours will be on Tuesday October 3, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at:
Ahern Funeral Home – 111 Main Street - Unionville, CT 06085.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Mark Ross
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 03:12 PM

I knew Dan 50 years ago in NYC. Both he and his brother Liam were friends of mine. I'm sorry to hear that now they are both gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Felipa
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 05:42 PM

I'm shocked and sad to hear this news. I often met Dan and Bonnie at the annual Inishowen festival of traditional singing.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 06:18 PM

So sad. Dan was a fine singer and a man of great character and integrity.
He will be much missed. My condolences to Bonnie.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: RTim
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 05:49 PM

Liam's Brother has sadly gone to visit Liam....Dan Milner will be missed by many, in both the Irish Music and Sea Music World...a stout and stirring singer and a great guy to know. My thoughts go out to my dear friend Bonnie Milner...their partnership was a joy to see...Go well Old Fella...I will miss you...

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner 1945 - 2023
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 10:48 AM

I was sorry to hear of Dan's parting. He was a great advocate for our style of music and will be sorely missed. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread and send my thoughts and condolences to all those who know and love him. RIP Dan.

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: crism
Date: 29 Sep 23 - 10:37 PM

I have no words… Bonnie was just here in Portsmouth last weekend, and I missed him. A real loss to music, to history, to our community…

Subject: RE: 2023 Obit: Dan Milner
From: Gibb Sahib
Date: 30 Sep 23 - 12:14 AM

I am so sorry. Love to Bonnie and all friends & family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner (1945-2023)
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 06 Oct 23 - 02:45 AM

What an unspeakable loss.

Dan was one of the loveliest, most knowledgeable people I ever encountered in the music world - and a wonderful singer, as well.

So educated, Dan managed to be incredibly scholarly without being in the least bit stuffy. A true gentleman, and I do not use that word lightly.

When Alice and I would see him (and Bonnie) at a session or performance, whether in person or online, we knew we were in for a treat. Seeing them was always a pleasure.

Alice knew him far longer than I did and she related a couple of stories of how kind and understanding he was - someone who could keep his head when many others were losing theirs.

Our deepest condolences to Bonnie.

Dan Milner was truly one-of-a-kind.

Jay

Subject: RE: Obit: Dan Milner (1945-2023)
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 22 Oct 23 - 12:08 PM

A great and multifaceted man. May he rest in peace.

Regards