Red Deer’s Dan McKenna, also known as “Casino Dan” or “Dan the Casino Man,” passed away last month at the age of 71.
Described as a “friend and advocate of the social profit sector,” McKenna worked with more than 1,000 charitable associations over the past 32 years as a casino gaming consultant. In this position, he guided charities through the process of putting on fundraising casinos.
He also worked as as a casino advisor in casinos all across the province throughout his career.
A celebration of life will be held at the Red Deer Resort and Casino’s Monaco Room this Saturday. There will be a short program and eulogy at 3 p.m., but people are invited to drop-in anytime between 2-5 p.m.
Donations will be accepted during the memorial – those donations will go towards purchasing a memorial bench in honour of McKenna.
He is survived by his wife Beverly Kokotailo; his daughter Angela McKenna; his stepsons Calvin Kokotailo (Lisa), Cory Kokotailo (Carla) and Clayton Kokotailo (Chantelle); his grandchildren Apryl, Julliet, Dom and Eve; and his siblings, Terrance, Patrick (Christine), Peter (Karen), Lorne (Doris), Jack, Chuck (Lorna), Barbara Coffit (Ralph), Bev Bennett (Shane) and Beth Mathison (Darell).
McKenna was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Mary; his siblings Richard, Cecil and Mary Jones; his nephew Grant; and his siblings-in-law, Gail and Jim.
When he wasn’t working, McKenna enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards and making semi-annual trips to see the Toronto Blue Jays – he would attend training camp on one trip and then a series of games on another.
“Dan is remembered by many as the guy who always bought their raffle tickets, bought tables to their fundraisers, sponsored their events and so much more,” said Scott Robinson, Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce CEO.
“While Dan loved all the charities he worked with, he had a particular soft spot for the Red Deer Action Bus, the Paraplegic Association and the Red Deer Christmas Bureau, having helped them out of pocket a lot. He will also be remembered by those that worked with him or interacted with him in and around Remembrance Day as ‘the guy that made sure that everyone bought a poppy to wear.’”
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