Commemoration of Darvy Mack Cohan
November 2nd, 2024
Open House 10am - 4pm
2499 Vantage Way, Del Mar, CA 92014
Dear Family & Friends of Mack,
Thank you for your RSVP to my father’s commemoration. The important details of when and where are above, but I wanted to provide some additional information to help make everything run smoothly and comfortably for all involved.
To avoid endlessly repeating myself on the day, my dad didn’t attend his writers’ workshop on the evening of August 12th. I received a voicemail from Bill Hall on the morning of the 13th that he couldn’t be reached. That’s when I knew… Dad would never miss a class. Our neighbor, Nancy, was called, and had the unfortunate experience of finding him, then calling me back to share that he had passed.
He was found in his pool. The cause of death is still “pending” a toxicology report. But at this time, we suspect a cardiac event that lead to a drowning. He was strong, healthy, walking every day and swimming regularly. He had just finished writing a book and was pursuing publishers. He had an annual scuba diving trip scheduled with friends. I'd had a great conversation with him days earlier, he was happy, he had community and he was feeling inspired. And then the lights just went out. Small comfort, but I couldn't have designed a better death for my dad. He ended on a high note. Feeling good, having fun, quickly and painlessly, in the water under his beloved Southern California sun on a beautiful summer day. Gone to soon, but blessed in this “good death”.
In honor of Mack, who specifically instructed me “not to do anything”, this is what we’re doing in direct defiance of his wishes. You know he’d love it…
This will not be a somber or formal affair. Casual celebration, dress for comfort!
As an Open House, come by when you can, leave when you must, mix and mingle while here. Doors open at 10am and and we conclude at 4pm.
Light refreshments provided. We will drink his booze until it’s gone, that’s what he’d want!
We will not be speechifying. Please use this time to meet those who knew him and share your memories in conversation.
We will do a group toast around 2pm.
Mack’s ashes will have been entrusted to the Coast Guard for his burial at sea on November 2nd, while we are otherwise gathered together.
An avid reader, his books will be arranged for you to take as your own, read, enjoy and remember him by.
Thank you for your condolences. That he was so loved has been a great comfort to me in a difficult time. We will honor his memory with fellowship and then, again and again, by enjoying our own adventures, creating our stories and pursuing our passions. It’s what he wanted for me. It’s what he wants for you. So…go to.
See you then,
Tegan
