Remembering Dana...

DANA MANCHESTER UNVEILED AND HONORED

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida May 13, 2000; Dana Manchester, the First Lady of
Florida was honored in two separate occasions. First in
Citilink newspapers' "Best of 2000" issue, Dana was named best performer
for her female impersonation shows and her much help in raising money
for charities and the community.

In a second event, just outside the Broward Center for the Performing
Arts, nine bricks were unveiled at 6 PM on Friday evening. The bricks,
etched with the likeness of Dana's face and the words John Goodwin AKA
Dana Manchester, 1945 - 2000, have been in production for approximately
two months. Bricks containing the names of Dana's pets, family, and
friends were then placed in a circular pattern around him, 12 more
bricks were left un-etched for future family members. Attending the
unveiling were Tiny Tina, Cathy Craig, Lue and Bill Goodwin (Dana's
parents, who flew in from Northern Florida), Niki Adams, Bill Huelsman
and Terry DeCarlo of Out & About, Stephanie Sinclair, Eric Brown (Dana's
Accompanist) and a few other close friends. A wreath in the shape of a
heart made out of white and red carnations and containing a picture of
John Goodwin was laid on the bricks as the Lords prayer was read. At the
end of the ceremony, the wreath was presented to Eric Brown and the
party moved on to dinner at TGIF on Federal Highway where manager Kevin,
formerly of Tropics Restaurant, treated the party of 13 to dinner and
drinks.

The bricks are located in front of the Broward Center for the Performing
Arts, just at the exit of the water taxi, and just east of the Poverello
memorial section. All are invited to come and view this wonderful
memorial to Dana Manchester and to pick up the Citlink "Best of 2000"
issue.

In Loving Memory
July 24, 1956- February 3, 2000

A memorial Service for Dana Manchester (John Goodwin) was held on Friday, February 18, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. at Saint Clements Catholic Church, 2975 N. Andrews Ave. Ft Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, a donation has been requested to Povorello in Dana's name.     John Fiore- Vice Mayor of Wilton Manors proclaimed 

February 18, 2000 

 John Goodwin/Dana Manchester Day

  Some entertainers performed in tribute. Nikki Adams spoke , Bill Lewis aka Cathy Craig and Karen Shoemaker spoke for John/Dana's Family. When we arrived, there was standing room only, and not a dry eye in the house.

It was Friday morning, I was still celebrating my 6th year anniversary with my lover Manoli on the Norwegian Sky in San Juan, Puerto Rico with other 2,000 men on the Atlantis Gay Millennium Cruise when LEE McCALL from OUT & ABOUT SOUTH FL turn around from the laptop and gave me the sad news that Dana had passed away. 

Dana , was there whenever anyone needed her, we judged some leather contest together and I was always impressed with Dana's questions to the contestants for someone who was not into the leather scene. I can't remember one time I didn't see Dana that she wasn't smiling or had a group of people around her having a good time.

"DANA you will be truly missed in this community", Our love and prayers go out to DANA and his family and many thanks to this community for opening your hearts and showing their LOVE
to someone who gave so much to this us. DANA MANCHESTER, thanks for giving us so much, we will always love you.

Mike Cruz

Please take a minute to read the memorials to Dana, and add your personal comments , or just sign the page to pay your respect to this person who worked tirelessly to make our community a better place .  

Remembering Dana.... A Memorial