DERATANY, Dale

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Tuesday, March 11, 2014 Dale Deratany, of Reserve, NM, passed away in El Mirage, AZ, on January 20, 2014. True to his birth in Detroit, Michigan on December 1, 1948, in the area dubbed "Motor City" and "Rock City," he had a life long love affair with both cars & music. Shortly after Dale's birth, his parents relocated to Southern California. That is where Dale received his formal music education at the hands of well know big-band leader Frankie Carl. Prior to his graduation from Alhambra high school in Glendale, AZ, Dale was in his first band and was playing in bars before he could drive. Thus ensued a long career as a performing musician in every genre & location imaginable. During Vietnam, Mr. Deratany enlisted into the Coast Guard, and while serving his country was introduced to the beautiful Pam Gibson by her brother, another serviceman. They married in August of 1971 and moved to Cottonwood, AZ. There, Dale turned his love of music into a career by opening "Musical Arts," a musical instrument shop on 5th & Main St in Cottonwood, AZ. Many people of the Verde Valley remember him not only for his quick wit & humor, but also his encouragement of many who felt unsure about their musical talents. While a gifted musician in almost all instruments, Dale would gladly perform with people of all musical levels and make them feel confident in their abilities. He was a member of many local bands including the Rock Hounds, Los Savages, and The Psychedelic Mariachis. He also enjoyed being part of many volunteer events & causes in the Verde Valley, and was a member of the Volunteer firefighters, community causes, and small business advocacies. Dale retired in 1996 and moved to Reserve, NM where he enjoyed time with his family, and pursued his love of collecting cars. Getting his Commercial Driver's license "just for the fun of it", he spent many joyous hours looking for just the right car & bringing it home. He relished the community he lived in & visiting with his neighbors. You could often find him spending many joyful hours with his children, grandchildren & loving wife until Brain Cancer bested him in a brave fight on January 20th, 2014. He is survived by his wife Pam, sons Nicholas & Nathan, Daughter Jennifer, as well as 7 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by them, as well as the Musician's family that he adopted over many years and many states. A celebration of his life will be held on March 30, 2014 in Reserve, NM. Anyone that knew & loved him is invited to come and bring an instrument, a cool car or a fond memory. Information provided by survivors.