Aloha! Sebastian,

First of all, I'm very sorry for what happened to your Father, and please extend my regards to the whole family.

KALAPANA DAY'S; After reading most of what had happened in the newspaper, the most unique part that will always remain with me forever is: In the 70's, as great as Michael Jackson was to the world, Kalapana was to the people of Hawaii. I remember talking in high school, it went something like this......OK, It's your wedding day and you can choose only one band...remember you gotta listen to this band the whole night. At first it seemed difficult, but once he said the whole night it became obvious KALAPANA of course....next would have to be C&K. Actually I was into hardrock like Ted Nugent, Led Zepplin, Hendrix and so on, but when you're trying to get a honey, or a honey back, there was nothing like having KALAPANA in the background, the music worked like magic. Put it this way, (rule of thumb) don't go to a K concert unless you have a honey with you, or it could be the loneliest feeling of your life......K concerts were made for couples.

One last thing: Thank God you met your dad, heard him, felt him and know his name, as for me I didn't have any of those opportunities with my Dad, but your father's vocals and music comfort me many of times..... May you have a happy, healthy, prosperous life.

Aloha,
Daniel Kaimi

My deepest sympathy to you on the lost of Mackey. I am one of many who grew up on Kalapana's music and of course, one of the many "girls" that adored Mackey. He stood out among his fellow band members not only for his voice but for his passion for entertaining his adoring fans. When you think about Kalapana, the first thing that comes to mind is Mackey Feary. (I can honestly tell you that he is the only member of the group I could remember).

I got to meet Mackey a couple of years ago through an old friend of his from elementary school (my boyfriend). He was as I expected a very courteous person. There was a certain aura about him that made me remember why my sisters used to "fight" over which song he sang was the "best one." When ever I ran into him at Queens, he always took the time to ask me how I was doing and how my boyfriend's family was.

Despite the publicity of his problems, it did not tarnish the respect I had for him as a human being. I remember the good times and his music. I hope he is finally at peace now. May God bless your family.

Aloha,
Jessie

I am sad to hear about Mackey's death. I've lived on the mainland for the past 20 years. I lived on the island when I was in high school. And remembering the times I would go the shell to see KALAPANA. I loved there music. God be with you and his family.

Dennis Rogers.

As a long-time Kalapana and Mackey Feary fan, it was truly a sad day when my friend notified me of Mackey's death last week. My friend in Honolulu had kindly sent me the newspaper clipping to me in the mainland. I was so shocked and saddened by his death that I had difficulty sleeping at all that night.

So many childhood memories came to mind...the great junior high and high school days when my friends and I would just cruise around in our cars to listen to Mackey and Kalapana's beautiful harmonies. Songs of lost love, trying times and having fun..... Those were truly the days... The most memorable day was back in l979 or 80 when I asked my older brother (when I couldn't legally drive yet) to drive me to the Music Plus store in Monterey Park, CA so that I can meet my favorite band, Kalapana. All I heard during the several hours of waiting in line from all of the girls, "Oh, Mackey's so cute! He's sooo cute" Of course, I could care less of that, I just wanted to hear them sing. That night was just an autograph signing session, poster giveaway (Kalapana II cover), but I could swear that every "Buddhahead" in Monterey Park must have been there.

I had always hoped that I could catch a re-united Kalapana at some club in the mainland or concert hall in Hawaii. Every year, when going to Hawaii, I would check the local newspapers to see if Kalapana would be in concert, or if Mackey was performing somewhere. Last year, I was fortunate to catch Mackey and his band at Bishop Museum. It brought back high school memories of the Kalapana days. Little did I ever think that that would be my final chance to see Mackey perform.

As Mackey has left us, my dreams of experiencing a Kalapana reunion are gone. I feel the same way the day I heard that John Lennon was shot. There was always a little hope, a belief that the Beatles can and someday will reunite to perform. That dream and hope was gone that day. My dream and hope to see Mackey and Kalapana are also gone, but never will the memories and beautiful melodies that Mackey has provided all of us fans.

His music and legacy will always live in my heart. Thanks Mackey! May you rest in peace.

Your fan,
Steve K

You may not remember me cause I go way back to when Mackey played pop warner football. I can remember him sitting on a table down at Kuhio beach one night playing Jose Feliciano tunes, who at the time was his idol, and it was such a wonderful memory. Little did I know that one day this talented kid would be so famous and write such hits. To us he was just Mackey jamming on the guitar ... it's such a shame to have lost him.

Much aloha and with deepest sympathy,
Claire Kakimoto Katayama

Living in New York City, I just heard the terrible news of Mackey Feary's death. I still can't believe it. I only hope that Mackey has found some peace now and that his family can also find some peace now too. The only consolation I can imagine is to truly believe that he is in a better place now, free from the constraints of this life.

His music will always be important to me and I am grateful that he shared his talent.

Wishing his family well and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

J. Young

Aloha from Big Bear, CA.

Mackey's friends here in the Southern California mountains have been stunned by the news of his death. We want you to know that we are thinking of him and holding good thoughts for his friends and family. We wanted to take this opportunity to not only express our sorrow, sympathy and condolences, but to convey as well how much Mack will be missed. Mackey had a special gift, not just musically and artistically, but in friendship. His gift was his smile and warm personality and the ability to make people feel as though they had a special relationship with him....and they did! Please know that on Saturday during his funeral, his friends here, are gathering at our house to remember and honor Mackey and to celebrate his life. We plan on spending the afternoon in reflection of our friendship with him, reminiscing about the many fun times spent together and listening to his music. Our hearts and love go out his family and particularly DJ, Malani, Gaylord and Kenji. We wish for you all to find peace in your hearts ...

Love,
Steve & Darla Hanft

Even though I live on the mainland Hawaii has been my second home for the last 32 years and I am very attached to the music of Hawaii. It was a great loss Hawaii when we lost Mackey. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Aloha nui loa,
Dolores(KOLOLEKE) Treffeisen

Hi Sebastian,

I wasn't going to send anything to this e-mail until I found out that these messages were going to be for you. I met you at the Waikiki Shell last November after Mackey introduced you to us. My name is Ron Yuen and I play with the group Summer that opened the concert. I want to share with you a memory of mine about when your Dad and I wrote Juliette. It's not a funny story or anything like that; it's just one that I'll fondly remember about Mac.

Kalapana and Summer shared a house in Malibu in 1976 for about two years while both groups were promoting their respective "latest albums" up and down the west coast. We would open for a lot of their gigs at various universities and local rock clubs. One morning on a typical winter day in Malibu (cold and rainy), after breakfast, I wanted to try and get to know Mackey a little better. I wandered into his room (which he was sharing with Charles Recaido, Summers other guitarist) and he was noodling around with some words about how much he loved this trusty cassette tape recorder and how it was so handy to have around. The tape recorder belonged to Kirk Thompson and had a brand name of Juliette. I was jamming with him on the chords for the verse and he asked me about a type of chord that I had used in a song that I wrote called "Understanding to the Man". It's actually a diminished chord which Mac quickly put into place in the chord progression for Juliette. We cracked up laughing when we said it would be a song which only a few people close to the song would know that it was about a stupid tape recorder of all things instead of a faithful lover. I left him alone with a verse and the beginning of the bridge section and when I talked to him later that night, he had finished it completely! I was given credit for co-writting that song with him but all I did was contribute that one chord to Mackey's musical vocabulary and a couple of corny lines. It sure was a fun time and even though we were all homesick and everything, we had each other and we were like one big extended Ohana sharing a house (we had about 15 guys counting readies and managers sharing a five bedroom house! Can you imagine what it was like when it was time to eat at the house? FEEDING FRENZY!! Okay, I went off on a tangent but. . .

That was my little memory that I wanted to share with you. I have many but that is one that I wanted to tell you about. Your Dad was a special, talented guy who had an appetite for coyness. He liked being the "mysterious kid". It was very evident that morning when we laughed about the hidden meaning of a song. I wish you good health and good fortune in whatever you do Seb. I will truly miss your Dad. May God Bless.

Fondest Aloha,
-Ron

I am so sorry about Mackey's death. My heart goes out to you. Now that I live on the mainland, I have grown to appreciate island musicians like Mackey, so much more.

Sincerely,
Helenna Nakama MD

To Sebastian:

I read that your family was collecting e-mails on what your Dad's music meant. The more I think about it: how we sang his songs when I was your age (and even now), how I waited in long lines to see them in concert, how we spent hours listening to his music, how later in college on the mainland we got together from all over Hawaii and shared a common bond: Kalapana music, how Mac & Kalapana was able to unite an entire generation -- it comes down to one word. Love. You can feel his love through his music.

I believe your dad had a very special God-given gift and talent. I once read famous television producer Aaron Spelling say that when he casts a program, he looks for a special quality in a person that he calls "STARDUST." He described it as that quality that certain people have to light up the entire room when they're in it. Your dad had STARDUST. He lit up the stage, he lit up photos he was in, and he lit up Kalapana's music with his stardust.

When I saw your picture (at the funeral) on the internet today, I realized that you too have the STARDUST. It's your special gift.

I'm sure your dad has given you lot's of advice regarding your music. But on those days when you need added inspiration, listen to "Play It Sing It" and feel it from your heart. You go bro! You've got the stuff.

With warmest regards & aloha,
Phil Abbott

My condolences to your family of the passing of Mackey Feary Jr. I was on the mainland for 2 weeks and heard that Mackey had passed away. I was totally SHOCKED. I had remember recently of the 25th anniversary of Kalapana at the Waikiki Shell with my date.

... Mackey was a person who made music and the expression in his music made people happy. Mackey was the Paul McCartney of love songs for Hawaii. He is STILL my inspiration. Hopefully in 2 years that my music will reflect that of Mackey Feary Jr. and Paul McCartney. Their songs make the world a better place and full of love. I'm still a beginner in music but i will one day thank the 2 important musicians in my life that made an impact on me.

May the Lord watch over the Feary's and also Sebastian. Mackey is in a good place and people will criticize his life ... but he STILL IS A GOOD PERSON ... As i am typing this e mail, i'm listening to the best of Kalapana.

There's one song, Love 'Em......

Love em even though they laugh at you
Love em though their eyes see right through you
Love em share the pain the world shall give
Love em everyone must love to live
Cause that is the one thing That will save us from destruction.

Words to live from Mackey Feary Jr and his music. His experience and his love for life. I hope to meet Mackey in heaven one day and praise his music. Thank you for reading this e mail and taking to heart my feelings for Mr. Feary Jr.

Respectfully......
Leland Kwock
Also i remembered naming my calico cat Mackey after Mackey Feary Jr. He was a good cat.

I was net surfing today and found the news that has hurt me very much.......Im writing from Las Vegas,NV where me and my family had moved no more than a year ago....because of the economy from Hawaii. It wasn't a week before i had left that I had seen for the first time the great entertainer "mackey feary" at the little club hot lava. It was a great experience for me knowing the guy that I had always heard on all my kalapana cd's. I had always thought the Kalapana group was the greatest sounding groups that I have ever heard. His superior voice and his songs will always be remembered, especially for me. Its very sad to hear this terrible news. Hawaii has lost one of its greatest sons. He is now a great legend of Hawaiian music. God seems to always take the best. I guess he was doing choir rehearsal one day and decided he needed a beautiful voice to lead his choir, and he chose mackey. Kalapana's music has always been an insite to our kanikapila sessions hear in vegas. He will be greatly missed. God bless his family and be with them throughout this great lose. My aloha, prayers, and love go out to the family. Aloha Mackey we will miss you my friend.

Curtis

Mackey was one in a million and he will honestly be missed more than he will ever know. Since his passing, even though I wasn't part of the family, I really feel that one of my family members is gone. His music and the feeling he had expressed in his music has made a great impact on my life. Mackey, along with the group Kalapana, and C&K was amongst the most listened music in my house. I know I had said time and time again, I didn't know how a person could be so talented and not been heard across this country. He should've been right up there with great groups like the Eagles, and other groups of the 70's. His music was that powerful and meant that much to me. America doesn't know the talent it has lost. God bless and Keep you and your family always....

Take care,
Curtis and family

Mackey along w/ Kalapana was and still is a big influence in my life. During the early 80's, all of my musician friends and I played a lot of his music and tried to imitate him because he had a style which was one of kind. And today we still kanikapila @ parties, beach picnics, etc. playing his songs. His music will go on forever.

Take care and god bless,
Dave A. Perez