While I didn't know him personally, Mackey was such an incredible talent. I've always enjoyed listening to his music and regret that we'll all miss out on his gifts.

Dean Sensui
Chief Photographer
Honolulu Star-Bulletin

I've been a fan of Mackey's ever since I first heard The Hurt, and while I'd like to think I was his BIGGEST fan, I'm sure every other girl my age felt the same way! I was in high school when Kalapana became popular and the music they made together has always brought back such happy memories. Am sending along this photo which I recently dug up - taken at the Waikiki Shell in 1976 - showing (from left to right) Mackey, Malani and DJ. I will miss Mackey's great contributions of music but am thankful we have so much to remember him by.

Deb

Let's see,...Top of da Shoppe, Fisherman's Wharf, Waikiki Shell, or just hangin' out and jammin',.....how do I come up with my "favorite" memory? Could it be that they are all my favorite? Because anytime I spent with Mackey was da best! " A hui hou kakou" brudda, I'll see you in your music!

Lee

... my memory of this man will always be of his music and the positive impact that it has had in my life.

Rest in peace , brother. May your next life be better.

C. Taparra

While Mackey and I were not in touch all the time - whenever we talked, it felt like only yesterday since the last time we talked. I moved to Guam in 1990 ... a group of us from Hawaii used to get together on the beach on Wednesday nights. Mackey shared his music with that group -- and it helped me get through a very difficult time in my life ... we lost a great talent, and a good man. You have my deepest sympathies. I will remember the good times. We will all miss him.

Ben & Bea Amay, along with our children, Trisha, Casey, and Corissa would like to extend to the family of Mackey Feary, our sincere heartfelt condolences.

I would like to also pass on condolences from Mackey's Band members and friends here on Guam; Sal Diamore, Mike Diamore, and Andy Sevek. Also from other friends and musicians who have spoken out on the Local KUAM News concerniNg their reactions on the passing of one of Hawaii's Finest Songwriter/Musician; Patrick Sakai, Attorney Mike Phillips, Promoter Dan Bradley (Tom Moffet Productions), Mike Hernandez, Condition 4, I.D.K. and many others to much to list here.

We (I.D.K.) along with our manager, Patrick Sakai (who was a road manager for Kalapana in the past)are dedicating our upcoming performance tomorrow, in the village of Umatc, and have invited all Guam Island Entertainers to attend and show tribute to our friend, and fellow musicians Bryant "Mackey" Feary.

The people here on Guam really loves Mackey and were honored when he decided to live here for a few years. Local Radio Station DJ's have been playing Mackey's songs continuously since his passing.

Aloha & Mahalo, Mac
We are truly going to miss you,
Ben'Jamin' Amay

My name is Chantel Azuma-Kaohi, and I am an eighth grader at Stevenson Middle School. And I would like to take this time to remember Mr. Mackey Feary. He was a kind and loving man. My uncle, Guy Azuma, was very close to Mr. Feary. He tried to do anything he possibly could to help Mr. Feary get through his drug problems. My uncle is very saddened and angry at his death. He thinks Mr. Feary should have been on a suicide watch and that his death was unnecessary. Mr. Feary spent two months at our home. It was a privilege to have one of the more famous composure singers staying in our house. He was so open and nice, you'd never know what he was going through. I wish people would take the time to see what a great person Mr. Feary was. They are judging him by what they hear or what they think they know. The people don't know how he really was, they are seeing him as the person the drugs made him be, which is a shame. If only they knew what they were missing. Thank you for taking this time to hear what I have to say. I will truly miss him, but will remember his wonder singing legacy...my one regret is was not being able to get to know him better.

"My thoughts are with you in this time of sadness. May you find comfort in the enduring beauty of God's world, and in the warmth of happy memories. With the passing of time, may the spirit of acceptance and inner peace enfold you."

My prayers are with you all,
Chantel and the Azuma Family
P.S. We all will miss him very much.

A man like Mackey comes once in a life time. We send our condolences and pray that all is well with the rest of the family. God Bless.

Lehua

I was born and raised in Kona and remember well the music of Kalapana as it played over the radio. I was only 13 years old back in 1976, and I was very impressed by how well they sounded. Mackey especially. He had a wonderful voice.It was therapy for me to listen to him sing his songs.

I am deeply saddened by his passing and wish his family my deepest sympathy. He was one of my "heroes" as I was growing up in Kona. His success at that time made me realize that your dreams can come true, you just have to strive to achieve them.I eventually left home to go to the mainland for college. I graduated in the fall of 1988 with a BA degree in Architecture.

I'm 35 years old now, and I have my greatest hits cd of Kalapana that I play when ever I need a pick-me-up. I will never forget Mackey and his music.He will always be part of my heart and soul. The two words that I use to describe Mackey's music are: "PURE GENIUS".

Mahalo for the opportunity for me to say good bye to Mackey in my own way.

Roy Saplan :) :)

I have been a Kalapana fan from the very first concert at the Konawaena gym on March 6, 1975. My love for their music has spanned all these years.

I must have been their #1 fan...I knew everything about the guys and had every single album, even the ones that weren't released here, and knew every single lyric. I have never missed a Big Island performance. I guess I was obsessed!!

I most recently saw them at Mackey's last performance in Hilo, at the Big Island Candies private party on January 9, 1999. Mackey was having problems with his guitar and besides that seemed a little down, understandably so because of his personal problems. But he still sounded as smooth (and sexy!) as always. Although I had to leave right after it was done, a friend of mine managed o get an autograph for me, which I had framed and hung of my office wall...you know, lots of guys have Michael Jordan or Larry Bird...I got Mackey Feary!!!

I also was at the 25th Anniversary concert in Kona on Nov. 14, 1998. That was an awesome show; Mackey was ON IT! He was jumping around and smiling and having a grand old time. Kalapana sounded better than they every had. The crowd was so receptive--when Malani introduced the individual members, they all received applause, but when Mackey was introduced, the applause and whistles were deafening; he must have known everyone loved him. Then there was this kid, who came to give him a pick (I think) and Mackey hugged him and kissed him and said, "That's my son!" Even Sebastian got applause.

Last Saturday, I could hardly believe the news. That has got to be one of the saddest days of my life. I feel like I lost a friend. The first thing I did was dig up my sister's old 1977 concert pictures (she passed away in 1992, to suicide due to untreated depression). I have those and if you are interested, please let me know; I will be happy to have some prints made for you.

In closing, I'd just like to say that Mackey is a person that his son should be proud of. I look forward to him continuing the legend that was Mackey Feary.

Debbie Loeffler

Our love and greatest sympathy to the Feary family. Your lost has been felt far across the sea. We were big fans and happened to be playing a cd of his in our car the week of his death. Our prayers are truly with you and we can only imagine the pain you must be going through. Thank you for sharing a part of your son, father and husband with us. We will cherish his music and memories forever and know that we will all see him again one day. Heavenly Father is listening to his music now............all our love and aloha....

The Hoopii Family
(Taylor, Danielle and Teal)

I grew up listening to the music of Mackey Feary and Kalapana. I really loved his music and always will. My 16 year old son also listens and likes his music. I'll miss him... but his music and voice will always be with me through his recordings.

From a 40 year old lifelong fan...
Alan & Lori Cabacungan

Aloha! To the family of Mackey, please accept my sincerest sympathies. You, along with all of Hawaii has lost not only a wonderful entertainer and songwriter, but more importantly, a very special man. I have a pretty crazy story about my interactions with Mackey...so if you care to hear about it, please read on...

I first saw Kalapana in concert when I was in high school in about 1985 and instantly became their biggest fan...and also at that time as a "typical teenager" instantly became Mackey's biggest fan (to me then, he was the most handsome guy!) I went on to college at UH Manoa in 1986 and did all my research to find out about all Kalapana's and Mackey's gigs. I first saw him at "Celebrity Bar and Grill" on Algeroba St. I remember that distinctly since as a Freshman in college with no car, I had to take the bus to get there. So there I was with my very understanding boyfriend, taking pictures of him in this dark bar. People must have thought I was nuts or a tourist or something!

Now that I had my picture, the next thing was to get it autographed...but I was really shy so I had to think of a way to do it without actually having to talk to him. So, I looked up all the band members addresses in the phone book, and the only one I found was Gaylord's, so I wrote to him asking if he'd be able to get a picture signed by Mackey if I sent it to him. (told you it was a crazy story). Gaylord gave my letter to Andree to take care of...she arranged for me to meet Mackey and have him sign my picture (which I still have, 13 years later).

To make a long story short, Andree, Gaylord and I became friends. Since I stayed with Andree for a while, she kept me up to date about things that most others wouldn't know about...I was a life-long fan ever since, and spent most of my weekends in college in little bars listening to Mackey and Malani sing. I was even lucky enough to help Andree with a Kalapana concert at the Shell. Although Mackey never really knew me personally, he was always so nice whenever I mustered up enough courage to approach him to say hi.

I am so thankful that I was able to see him play with Kalapana in Kona this past November. He brought me to tears with his solo and because of the standing ovation the people here gave him...I was so proud that they all appreciated him for his talent and for the person he was inside--as I did for many, many years. Another moment I remember from that concert is when Sebastian came out on stage to give Mackey a hug...I remember seeing Sebastian at a downtown Honolulu gig at when he was only about 3 or 4 years old!

I am also very lucky to have heard him play solo in Hilo a few weeks after that Kona concert and even more thankful that I had the opportunity to say hi. I asked him if he was moving to Hilo...and he said, with a lot of doubt in his eyes, "I'm thinking about it." (this was after he knew he had to go back to court).

In my eyes, Mackey will always be a very warm-hearted and talented man who was very misunderstood. It just saddens me though, that although he had come such a long way with the Lord's help, he continued to be so misunderstood. If I, as just a fan who didn't know him personally could see the change in him, you would think that those, who held his life in their hands would have noticed too...and given him credit for what he accomplished.

Thank you for giving fans like me an opportunity to share these wonderful moments...Mackey and Kalapana have been such a big part of my life and all of these wonderful memories will never be forgotten.

Carrie Sato

I'm writing to you from New Jersey. I'm a native born part Hawaiian local who left the island of Oahu five years ago to pursue my career aspirations. I truly miss the islands and everything that goes along with the beauty including the music of Kalapana.

First of all, I'm truly saddened by the passage of Mr. Feary and wish you all my warmest aloha and sympathy to all family members and friends. It was quite a shock to me when I read about Mr. Feary's passing via the Star-Bulletin on the internet. I felt like a passage of lost time was displaced since I grew up during the hey days of his popularity when all the people of the islands and mainland were enjoying his music.

I cannot tell you how much Mr. Feary and Kalapana's music has evoked some deep memories from my days in Hawaii whenever I hear his music. I enjoyed Mr. Feary during the height of contemporary Hawaiian Music and Kalapana's magical success. All my friends out of high school back then (late 70's early 80's) were into Kalapana. We use to go see Mr. Feary at all the local clubs when they played (can't remember names, probably too many beers, hah) and listen to them as much as three hours a day solid.

Anyway, I'm not a good writer although I did take a couple of journalism class at UH. But I really want to tell you that unlike MTV Music Videos that cement an image or mini-movie about what the song message should be, whenever I hear Mr. Feary's music it brings back "chicken-skin" memories and feelings to my heart.

God bless.
Aloha from New Jersey,
Gil Caminos

I lived in Hawaii from 1976 until 1984. Mackey Feary's music, alone and with Kalapana, is music that was da kine. I heard his music on tapes and at concerts in the Shell. It was beautiful and made a difference in my life then and now. When I hear it I hear in it the soul and essence of Hawaii. I am sorry you have lost a loved one. If there is any consolation, Mackey did something few people do in their lives. HE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES THROUGH HIS MUSIC.

Mackey, Aloha and Mahalo.

Regards,
Kit Holmes

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Mackey's death. My sincerest condolences to all of you. I remember Mackey from my high school day's and he represented sort of a tie to my youth growing up in Hawaii. I saw him in concert last July at the Waikiki Shell and seeing Kalapana together, singing their tunes from the late 70's was such a joy for me, I even got tears in my eye's when I heard several of Mackey's songs. I don't get home too often but was lucky enough to see them on stage and enjoy the memories their music brought back to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Mackey at this very difficult time. Aloha....

Sandy Rhodes Keepers
Escanaba, Michigan

I'm very sorry for your great loss, I'm 28 years old.As long as I can remember, the music of Mackey and Kalapana has been in my life. I remember in the early '70's, my family had countless luaus, in which all of my older brothers and uncles would bus' out their guitars and the pakini bass and play all the songs made popular by Kalapana.To this day my dad still has his original cassette tape of their first album.I will remember him through his music, I will also raise my children on the music of Kalapana, by which my parents did for me.

My condolences to your family,
Mike

Strange But True: I bought the last Kalapana CD that Hickam BX had only two days prior to Mackey's passing. The day he passed over, I was at Harry's Music and my wife was home playing the stereo (CD Player). While in the shower she heard the CD player play one song on the album she was listening to, then suddenly skip to the next CD and play one song, continuing through all five CD's. It stopped on the CD just prior to the Kalapana CD (The Best of: Vol. l). Of course she thought I had returned home and was playing with the CD player and she was very startled when she came out of the shower to realize she was alone. Perhaps she wasn't. The CD player is new and we've never had that happen before or since. Our hearts are very saddened by your loss. He will live on in our hearts and in the hearts of all who loved him and loved his music. Mahalo Nui Loa and Aloha.

Alex Parker

I was saddened to hear of Mackey's tragic death. Mackey's songs bring back memories of growing up in Hawaii. I can still hear his music in my head, as my Kalapana cassette's have worn out long ago. For me, the word 'Kalapana' conjured up images of friends and romance and good times. I associated 'Kalapana' with everything good and unique about Hawaii. It was much later that I learned 'Kalapana' was actually a name of a place. My sympathy goes out to the Feary family. I hope the thoughts and prayers from Mackey's fans around the world help lift your spirits.

Raude Nagaishi
Seattle, WA

News of Mackey's passing has been very difficult for me. I'm still mourning his death and my prayers are with you.

I spent the day listening to a lot of Mackey's Kalapana music today. I can still see him on stage. The youthfulness, the charisma, the absolute love and aloha that this man brought to life was truly the work of God. I feel youthful again.

As part of my healing/mourning process, I wrote a couple of letters to the editors of Honolulu papers in Mackey's support. This was the least I could do to give back to someone who gave me plenty.

...for me, Mackey embodied everything that I wanted to be as I was growing up in Hilo. He had charisma, spirit, good looks, unbelievable talent -- everything a teenager could want.

Later, in the 1980's as a DJ in Honolulu, I took great delight in being able to program his music on K-59. I even had the great opportunity to work with him in 1989 at a New Years celebration in Waikiki. We laughed, we enjoyed, and I was absolutely thrilled to get to know my teenage idol.

Mackey was to me, what the Beatles and Elvis were to teenagers of the 50's and 60's and he will forever have played a huge role in my life.

To Sebastian, be absolutely proud of your Dad! He gave so much to Hawaii and the world as I'm sure he has given to you. Your Dad and his music are love & he remains forever eternal -- he'll always be with you no matter what. Remember the gifts that he leaves with you: his love, his music and God. God Bless.

With Aloha,
Phil "Abbott" Miyamoto

My Deepest condolences on your terrible loss. Mackey was such a talented musician who brought much happiness to many, many people.

Gene M. Takae

Today, I read on aloha.com, the untimely demise of a son of Hawaii, with this knowledge, I went to the Star Bulletin website to find out more about this. I read this tragic story with a heavy heart. I grew up listening to his music along with the rest of his group Kalapana, and with his own individual efforts. Now that I live on the mainland,and out of touch with Hawaii for the last twenty years, I would always reflect my memories of home on the Big Island with his music. I am at a lost on how to convey my condolences. I would just like to say that, his music has always touched my soul, he will be remembered with heart felt love, and there is a great void in our culture now as one of Hawaii's sons have left us for a better place. I hope the family and friends of Mackey find solace in the fact that he has touched a lot of us sons of hawaii, and that we are all better people because of his musical efforts. may god and Hawaii bless the lost of this gifted person....

Ronson Kamalii

I just want to express my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all of you. When hearing of the news here on the Mainland, I was quite shocked and saddened---as Mackey and his music, both with Kalapana and solo, had touched my life tremendously. I waited for hours at a local record store in Los Angeles during my high school days just to see him. My boyfriend (from Kauai at the time) and I shared many fond memories of the songs which emulated into our rocky relationship. Until this day, my family and I listen to his music and reminisce of the wonderful things it has brought us. My husband and I have different memories to relate with his music, but for me, I cannot tell you how much the loss has affected me---and how it feels to lose a part of my life with Mackey's passing. Please know that I share in your loss and hope that the fans will keep his soul alive through his music...my 1 year old daughter has been listening to his music since she was born and will continue to do so!

With love, aloha and prayers,
RoseMary Fong

Dear Sebastian,

I am one of the many "unknown" faces in the crowd that loved to hear your Dad sing. Mackey Feary has made an impact in my life with his music, his thoughts and words...... I have never met Mackey Feary in person, but have seen him and admired him from afar since I was in high school. I now have a family and children of my own, and I felt compelled to write this note to you, to tell you just how special your Dad was, to me and also to many many other people ... my son is named Mackey, after your Dad ... I want him to realize that the influence your Dad had, was because of his amazing talent and gift. I never spoke to your father or knew him in person, but his gift to me was his music. I know that you will receive many letters, and I do not expect a reply, but I just wanted you to know that your father has been a special influence on my life, and every time I call out my son's name, I will remember your father, and the beautiful music he created. I am sorry for the loss your family is going through right now, please accept my sincere condolences and sympathy.

Sincerely,
Sheree Young

I first heard of Kalapana in the summer of 1997 when I took my family on vacation to Kauai. We attended an all-day hospice benefit in Lihue and I was getting bored...until Kalapana performed. I couldn't believe my ears...original Hawaiian rock and roll. I was hooked. Figuring I would never hear about Kalapana again, the next day I bought all the Kalapana CD's I could find in Border's - four of their latest.

It wasn't until I got home and reheard the lyrics and the haunting music that I developed a true love for Kalapana. Since then, I've spent countless on the Internet trying to purchase as much Kalapana and solo material as I could find. I've been pretty successful too, with only the live material from Japan and two late 1970's LPs missing.

In playing Kalapana daily on my hour long commute to work, I've come to appreciate the beauty and the pain Mackey must have been experiencing, and I've come to identify with it. There are a variety of ways to deal with our pains and troubles in life. Some of us find relief, some of us provide relief, and some of us never do. Because Mackey's voice is so strong, unique, soothing and captivating, I have been able to find my relief in listening, and hearing, his many messages. He will never know how many lives he truly touched.

He was a gifted artist, a talented musician, and the friend I never met, such is the kinship I feel with Mackey. I can identify with him so easily. And I will miss him.

In these days of sadness, I content myself with trying to find newspaper articles about Mackey, knowing that these few, brief moments I read are all I have to say goodbye in tribute to the great Hawaiian memories I experienced, both during, but especially after my vacation.

I look forward to any posthumous boxset of Mackey's life work, either solo or in toto with Kalapana. Mahalo!

Very Respectfully Yours,
Dr. Gerald Fournier
East Coast Kalapana Fan Vernon, CT

My brother told me today about the tragic event. I was absolutely floored. There are no words to express the emotions and feelings growing up to Kalapana music. Timing is EVERYTHING. I kissed the most handsome surfer boy after going to a Kalapana concert. I still remember the night it happened. I had this crush on this guy since he moved to the islands from "the mainland" since 7th grade. Here I was, a senior in high school, and that very handsome boy was finally by my side, driving in his carmen ghia (with racks!), going to a Kalapana concert. The feeling I had at that moment of my life, was like the ultimate consummation of everything a surfer girl born and raised in the islands was feeling at that moment. Life was GOOD.

I will never ever forget all the days of my life, what it felt like to be from the islands, in the 70's, greatest contemporary music in the whole world coming from Kalapana and C & K, not to mention Country Comfort. Those were the days!! Buttons, Rory Russell, Gerry Lopez, Mark Liddell, Jackie Dunn, Lightning Bolt surfboards, long hazy days on the North Shore, Aricia's for lunch, the cute life guards at Sunset, the hang gliders above Makapuu, before they closed the gate to the public, Sandy Beach etc. I felt no one ever could have a better life than Hawaiians. We cruised the whole island and thought it was our backyard. I remember going from Niu Valley Intermediate to the new Kaiser High School in Hawaii Kai. It was there I first encountered Mackey Feary. Was it '72 or '73? I'm too old to remember. Mackey was a local boy through and through. But for some reason, he wasn't afraid to speak his mind. He wasn't famous......yet. But sometimes after lunch, he would be leaning against the cafeteria wall, and WAIL on a harmonica. Everyone thought, "who IS this guy?". One day, mid year, my friend Ellen and I had gone home to have a "cocktail" because my mom was out of town, and we brought it back to the campus in a plastic cup. Some of Mackey's friends and he were leaning against their usual wall by the cafeteria. Mackey stopped me that day, acting like a "cop", wanting to know what I had in my cup. I think he already knew. I let him sip it, and he gave me that "look" only Mackey could do. For that, he played a song on his harmonica and made small talk that day. Mind you, as I look back today, we ALL were just kids. So young!!! Now as I have a daughter almost my age then, I would be so pissed if she was anything like me then, but times were a bit different in the 70's. It wasn't a couple weeks later that Mackey had his band play free period in the Cafeteria at Kaiser High School, and we all were never the same anymore!! We saw his EXTRAORDINARY talent that day, and Mackey never really came back as a full time student to Kaiser much after that. He had THE WHOLE SCHOOL gassing on his talent, and we were all stunned there was such talent in our school.

Needless to say, the rest was history. Didn't see much of Mackey after that. Maybe at a show, maybe at Zippy's. Once at Pearl City. Always cordial, always nice enough to say "aloha". Never once did he act like he didn't know me. But that was Mackey. Now I have to say "Aloha" to such talent. But for all the memories, and making my teen years livable and special, I send all my heartfelt thanks and gratitude. You molded Contemporary Hawaiian music in a way that put you (and the group) way above all else, and your talent now belongs to God. You will be missed, and you DID make a difference in our lives.

Kimberly Oakley

.....Mana'o and Mahalo for Mackey.....

Although I knew your words, your voice, and your music much more than I could ever know your pain, Mackey, you were part of my life.

Deejaying your music on KINE,
critiquing your concerts in Deep Magazine,
emceeing for Kalapana's 25th anniversary west coast tour,
and just knowing your dear spirit
have always brought me much joy and pride.
Yet I only saw the sun shine through your charismatic smile.

Mackey, know that you brought me much more
than everyday happiness and good times.
You see, it was at Kalapana's opening night in San Diego
that a man came to see you play.
This is where he and I would first meet.
Less than one year ago, Mackey,
Sam and I became husband and wife.

Mackey, you brought me much joy in your music,
much pride to have worked with you,
much honor to just have known you,
and, Mackey, you also brought me my husband.
Thank you, Mackey, for being such a great part of my life.

Malama pono, Mackey. Me ke aloha pumehana.
Your memory and your love will forever live on in my family.

Beth Saurer

Dear Sebastian Feary and Ohana,

My special memory of Kalapana was their 25th reunion concert at the Waikiki Shell, I remember that day so clearly love, memories and hope was in the air it was a beautiful starry night. Everyone was worried that Mackey wouldn't show up but I had faith in him that he wouldn't let us down Kalapana isn't Kalapana without that soothing and mellow voice of Mackey. To me he was and will always be Kalapana. Every song he wrote had a meaning to it, songs from the soul and songs from the heart that's what made him such a special person its like he could relate to some of the feelings and situation that I went through in my younger days especially when I was boy crazy.I Would like to thank you for letting the whole world know Mackey, we will always have him in our hearts and when we hear a Mackey song we will look up and smile knowing that God has someone special up there.And to Sebastian, you keep smiling, hold your chin up high and be very proud, your father was a special man. I didn't have to meet him to know that, it was all in his songs. I don't know you but I'm sure you are a splitting image of your father, someone very special. Who knows maybe someday there will be a group called Sons of Kalapana, I have 2 girls and they'll probably go crazy over that.

Malama Pono,
G. Hall