It has been about a month and a half since the death of Mackey Feary and I still experience a profound sadness whenever I think of how we have lost him far too soon. Only his music is playing in my car, my home and my office; perhaps in an effort to deny what is true.

When I first moved to the Islands many years ago, I was especially drawn to certain songs on the radio. At the time, I didn't realize that each and every one was from the same group, Kalapana, with words and music by Mackey Feary.

His lyrics drew you in to see the goodness and beauty of his soul. His smile could light up a room. His musical talent was awesome and one of his tunes first thing in the morning could set the tone for your day. No greater musician was ever produced in Hawaii - no sweeter voice was ever heard. Mackey gave so much of himself to his grateful fans and his legacy will live on in our hearts always. Sebastian can be proud of the man his father truly was and of his magnificent talent.

My wish for him now is that God and all his angels surround him with their love and grant him the peace that alluded him on this earth. He will be missed by us all!!

Sandy Kohn

I used to live in hawaii. I've still got Kalapana's music. I'm listening to it now. His music has changed the way I've grown. I wish I'd gotten to know him... Be strong and learn, and teach inspiration. like Mackey did to me.

a fan

Although I am now living in Pa., I lived in Hawaii from '76 to '86 and got to know Mackey both through his music, and also through a mutual friend. The first time I met him, I was in awe of this person who wrote such great music. And also so very impressed at how friendly he was to this strange haole. We became not close friends, but close enough that whenever I'd go to see him perform, he would always come over and spend time just hanging out until the next set. I would see him at friends' houses and he was always the same, one of the nicest and most sincere people I had ever met.

I just learned of his death a few days ago and it is all I can think about now. Although I hadn't seen Mac in over 12 years, I still listen to his music constantly, and with the same enthusiasm as when I first heard it. His music is certainly timeless and will continue to touch people's hearts for many decades to come, I know it will mine. I will grieve his passing each and every time I listen to his music, but I will also celebrate his life at the same time.

I didn't intend this to be so long-winded, but I just wanted to express my sorrow and condolences to his family. And also to let you know that this haole will miss Mackey very much. My thoughts are with you all.

Aloha,
Lee

My wife and I are going to really miss Mackey. He was our favorite local entertainer bar none. We went to see him at all of his solo gigs as well as the Kalapana concerts. If they were playing the Shell, the Farm Fair, Aloha Tower, or UH, it didn't matter cause we were always there to appreciate the great tunes and memories it created. The other year we even flew to Kauai to see them perform on the 4th of July!

Last May my wife and I got married and Mackey played our wedding. For me, that was the highlight of the night! He played all the songs we had requested and all of our guests were impressed that we got him to play at our wedding. My friend even videotaped his entire performance. My wife jokes that I act like that tape is gold because every time I feel like watching him sing, I just pop it in and relive that great night all over again.

My wife and I saw Kalapana in concert the other night at the Blue Hawaiian Moonlight Concert and we both kept saying it's just not the same anymore. Well, thanks again for all the memories and take care and be proud! Aloha!

Blaine Shimizu

I was very saddened and shocked to hear of the loss of "Mackey Feary"! Although sadly, I never attended a concert, I enjoyed listenig to his mucic on the radio, as I would be driving along by myself . Hawaiian music is such a comforting sound. It makes you feel so good inside. I loved the song Nightbird, I heard it all the time and it was such a soothing song to listen to, along with so many others. I will always remember Mackey's smile. I remember seeing him on T.V. and I said to myself what a beautiful smile he has! He truly enjoyed sharing his music with us and we truly enjoyed listening to him! He will be forever in our hearts! His music will always be there for us! Thank you Mackey, for what you have given us! May the Lord be with your family to guide them through these heartfelt times!!

Aloha,
Diana Kaulu

You could call me a fond, loving fan of Mackey. Ever since I was in elementary school, I have always loved Mackey's music. I went to all the places Mackey performed at, such as Kojak's, Anna Bananas, Fisherman's Wharf, and the last time I've seen him perform was at the former Buzz's next to the Varsity Theaters. My husband and I enjoyed hearing Mackey sing and laughed at all of his jokes when we caught on! I went to almost all of Kalapana's concerts and gigs! I never got tired of hearing Mackey sing. To prove my point, I bought all of Mackey's CDs and Kalapana's CDs too, and play them whenever I feel like listening to one of the island's best musicians.

I am saddened by the passing of Mackey, but I know the Lord is taking very good care of him. He remains a very talented man-- beautiful singer/writer; a person of good company. Mackey will be missed dearly...and I believe his music will live on...May God Bless his family, especially to his loving son Sebastian.

Aloha No!
Keileen (Masuda) Isono