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Friends play encore
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Kandell and Musicians' Union president Michael Largarticha also helped Christina set up the extensive memorabilia exhibits.
Kandell spoke briefly of Denny's impact as a recording artist, and of his own awe at meeting Denny, gradually becoming a friend and advocate and eventually founding a tribute band called Don Tiki in Denny's honor.
Del Courtney and Art Todd, two of Denny's closest friends in recent years, were seated down in the front with Christina. John Kramer, Denny's original bassist, was acknowledged but didn't address the crowd.
Don Ho and Haumea Habenstreit slipped in unobtrusively and observed from the back of the room.
Beckley Pang, a former dancer with Martin Denny's band, greeted John Kramer, longtime friend and bass player for Denny, during memorial services yesterday at the Elks Lodge.
An Army bugler played "Taps" as part of the flag ceremony honoring Denny's service in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Lopaka Colon described Denny as "not only an uncle (to me) but also a grandfather." Buddy Fo reminded the crowd that Denny had gotten his own group, the Invitations, their big break and a national record deal.
Tears fell as well. Christina, bright and cheerful for most of the morning, had a few tough moments as she was explaining to the crowd that although he was an icon to others, "he's always just been Daddy to me." She described her father as "a joiner (of groups), who has (now) joined heaven," and shared his last messages of thanks and love to his friends and fans.
Shari Lynn cheered things up with a stirring a capella rendition of "There's No Business Like Show Business" and then carried on with "Denny's From Heaven," a parody of "Pennies From Heaven" that had been a big hit at one of his recent birthday parties.
The ceremony was blessed again when the rain faded away just as the time came for Christina and three paddlers to launch a canoe to scatter Denny's ashes just beyond the reef.