Obituary of Danny Ellis Brady

Danny Brady, 42 year resident of Santa Cruz, passed away at the age of 69 after a brave battle with a rare form of cancer, Multiple Myeloma. He is now at peace in heaven joining his beloved daughter, Krystal Brady and brother, Donnie Brady. Danny was born in San Francisco to Don & Esther Brady. He often accompanied his mother to the DeYoung Museum where they would escape into the fantasy world of art through Vincent Van Gough and Salvador Dali, later influencing his own artwork. Danny earned his fourth degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do while serving in the Army (E4) in Korea near the DMZ during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge in 1968 he then became one of the first Karate instructors in Santa Cruz. He was also heavily involved in the local surf scene, organizing community contests with his brother, Pat. Danny lived an amazing life full of artwork, martial arts, surfing, and most importantly loving his family. Danny first met his wife, Janet Andreasen-Brady at Steamers Lane in 1968 and it truly was love at first site. They enjoyed many years together, including a brief marriage. After 30 years apart they reconnected in 2003. Jan moved from Boston back to Santa Cruz to remarry Danny, where they happily shared the rest of Danny's life together. Danny gained a loving daughter, Laura, a son-in-law, Miguel and a granddaughter, Victoria Manriquez. He married Carmen Virginia Brady in 1974 and had two children, Krystal and Tim. He was a loving and caring father to his children, taking them on many exciting surf trips. He was very proud of Tim's musical and artistic talents. Krystal met life with a joyful exuberance and shared her father's love for the ocean and big waves. Danny was a master machinist who owned Brady Tool Tech for over 10 years. He loved antiques, auctions, music, old horror movies and especially the ocean. He was a natural story teller who would often embellish the truth to get a good laugh. He was also a generous, giving light who put his own life at risk numerous times to save others and would never think twice about it. Danny was the kindest, most gentle hearted man and will be missed dearly by all that knew him. Danny is survived by his wife, Jan Andreasen-Brady; son, Timothy Brady; step-daughter, Laura Manriquez (Miguel); step-granddaughter, Victoria Manriquez (10); sister, Bonnie DiSalvo (Peter); brother, Patrick Brady (Gerlinde); and parents, Don & Esther Brady. He is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Danny was predeceased by his daughter, Krystal Brady; brother, Donald Brady; and niece, Teresita Brady. A special thank you to his cousins, John & Carol McGuire and Kathy & Rick Buddington, for all their help and support during Danny's brave battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 20, 2016 starting at 11 AM with a Paddle-Out at Cowell's Beach by the wharf. Services will be held at 2 PM at the Congressional Church of Soquel at 4951 Soquel Dr. in Soquel with burial to follow at Oakwood Memorial Park at 3301 Paul Sweet Rd. in Santa Cruz. He will be missed dearly and really did make a footprint in the sand and in our hearts.