In Memoriam
A Sad Loss to Elvis Presley Enterprises & All Who Knew Her
We are truly saddened at the loss of a great, classy lady in Carol Butler who passed away Wednesday, May 8th, 2013, after a very long, vigorous battle with cancer.
Carol worked for Graceland for 18 years and most recently held the position of Vice-President of Elvis Presley Enterprises but our fondest memories of Carol remain in 2005 when she visited the Collingwood Elvis Festival. Her bright spirit and ever cheerful disposition made her a delight to know and consider a friend.
Carol is seen on the left holding a “King cookie” a special Collingwood feature at the local sponsor, Tim Hortons. Carol would pick one up each day during her visit. On the right, Carol poses with staff member, Karen Cubitt, while attending one of our Arena shows.
Rest in Peace Carol, you’ve earned it! We will all miss you!
In Memoriam
Our friend Dale Parker
Dale Parker was a welcome addition to our Festival Team for many years. Dale was one of the Score Tabulators for our Festival Competition and he took great pride and commitment in that role, alongside his lovely wife Echo.
He could always be seen at the “Judges Post” collecting score sheets, checking score sheets or running score sheets throughout the Festival weekend. He was well liked by the Elvis Tribute Artists, fellow judges and our Festival Staff.
Dale had a great smile, a keen sense of humour and a good spirit and he will certainly be sadly missed by all of us who knew him.
Our friend Paul ‘Paco’ Danesi
Photo by Carol Hunter
Born May 21, 1956 Died August 15, 2010
Musical Director, Bass Guitar and Vocals
When it comes to covering all the bases of the musical entertainment industry, Paul Danesi had been there and back.
From Rhythm and Blues, Classic Rock and Roll, musical comedies and theatrical productions of all kinds, Paco entertained countless audiences in many different capacities.
As a musical producer and director, he worked with some of the finest talent and shows in the country including “The Roy Orbison Story” with Sam Orbison [brother to Roy] which toured Ireland in 2003 and with The Jordanaires just to name a very few.
As an accomplished performer in his own right, Paco integrated his musicianship and organizational skills into many productions as an Arranger, Musical Director, Bass guitarist, and lead/back-up Vocalist. Moving forward in his career, Paco’s next goal was to form his own Production Company and “Live Concepts” became a reality.
Whether personally or professionally, Paul could always be counted on to provide the utmost in superior quality production, without exception.
It is with great sadness that the music industry, and the Collingwood Elvis Festival, will endure and mourn the loss of Paul “Paco” Danesi. An integral part of our musical history and a true friend and professional to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.
The Collingwood Elvis Festival staff, Elvis Tribute Artists, fans, fellow musicians, family and friends will always remember Paco with respect and fondness.
Video produced by Big Screen FX
Our friend Dorothy Eleanore Preece
BORN JANUARY 14, 1941 DIED NOVEMBER 7, 2010
ELVIS FAN, FESTIVAL VOLUNTEER, DEAR FRIEND
Dorothy Eleanore Preece, a resident of Waterloo, ON, and 69 years young was a dear friend and volunteer of the Collingwood Elvis Festival, whose loving nature, community activism, and overall presence made her the heart and soul of those whose lives she touched.
Dorothy’s time was devoted to her husband Bert, daily road trips, times with “Elvis”, visiting friends and spending time with her family and grandchildren, and the many other people that she knew and loved.
Dorothy loved the markets in St. Jacobs, things that sparkle, her beautiful gardens, antiques and of course everything and anything “Elvis”, but most of all, Dorothy loved the life she lived.
As expressions of sympathy, donations are always graciously being accepted by the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Dorothy’s memory.
Dorothy will be sadly missed by all that knew her, but especially by her family and all of us at the Collingwood Elvis Festival who were fortunate enough to know her, work with her, call her friend and share in her beautiful spirit.
Never forgotten in our memory or our hearts.
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