FacebookMemorials to dancers & friends that have passed on
Tony Fontes
We unexpectedly lost another member of our dance family, Tony Fontes, on April 8th.
Tony was such a vibrant, life-filled person who absolutely loved to dance and always had that unforgettable, million-dollar smile. Tony is now reunited in Heaven with his wife, Gerry, the love of his life.
Tony and Gerry were my long-time, dear friends and part of our Mountain Magic Dance Convention Team from the very beginning in 1999. My heart is very sad and I will deeply miss Tony, along with Gerry.
Dance on you two … and please say hello to my Robert Kinkaid!
Carlito Rofoli (7/25/26)
Aloha, Carlito Rofoli
On July 25th, the legend, the dancer, and friend to so many left the dance floor for the final time. Carlito was one of the kindest, most friendly, and humble people anyone could meet. He referred to himself as “Just a Beginner” and was also known as Mr. Smooth and to dance with him was a comfortable, enjoyable pleasure … always fun and always smooth … it was just right. I have known Carlito for almost all of my west coast swing days … such a long time … and I will sure miss my dear friend!
Dance on in Heaven, Carlito! You can compare hairdressing stories with my Robert Kinkaid and then dance up a storm with so many that are up there! 🌺🌈
Linda Romios (8/20/26)
A heartbreaking loss of my dear, long-time and very fun friend, Linda Romios.
Always fun, always laughing, and always ready for more! If Linda was around, you were guaranteed a good time. Her gatherings were filled with laughter and gave us the chance to share precious time together.
Linda was never at a loss for words—and sometimes, she had a few words or sayings you definitely weren’t expecting! Her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor made time together memorable.
She was also part of our original Magic Bunch Team, helping bring the Mountain Magic, Train Magic, and Sea Magic dance events to life, while also bringing her fun-loving spirit to local dances and classes. Those memories, along with the laughter and special moments we shared, I will treasure always.
Dance on in Heaven, Linda-Bird! I know you’re gathering and toasting up there with our Magic Bunch, Robert, Ed, Al, Roberto, and Lily as well as so many others!
Bob Fugle (2/3/26)
Jack Berard (3/22/26)
Tony Fontes (4/8/26)
Ken Navarre (4/16/26)
Larry Gantman
Ken Navarre (5/26)
Honore Shaughnessy (4/25/26)
Dave Ingalz (7/13/26)
Carlito Rofoli (7/25/26)
Linda Romios (8/20/26)
Phil Trau
We have lost a long-time dance family member, dear friend, and my dance partner Phil Trau (6/27/25). He had such happy feet and energy on the dance floor. I will definitely miss him and all the fun dances we had. Phil Trau and business partner, Ed Cirio, were the founders and directors of Top of Beardsley’s in San Mateo for 34 1/2 years. Dance on in Heaven Phil … and say hi to my Robert, Ed and all the rest up there! 🌈
Phil Trau’s dance history (WSDC), https://www.worldsdc.com/hall-of-fame/phil-trau-1994/
Mary Ann Bridges
It is with great sadness that I share the news that another in our dance family, and my long-time friend, Mary Ann Bridges passed away on 9/19/25.
Mary Ann and Jack Bridges created the one and only US Open Swing Dance Championships where so many of us met one another and created life-long friendships and more. It was a tradition for me, and many, to spend Thanksgiving weekend at the US Open which was held at the Disneyland Hotel back then. A million thanks for all she gave to the world and most of all for the wonderful friendship we had. Dance on in Heaven, Mary Ann!
Michael De Grandpre (2/2025)
Shay Patel (5/26/2025)
Phil Trau (6/27/25)
Richard Ware (7/12/25)
Doug McEachern (9/15/25)
Mary Ann Bridges (9/19/25)
Robert F Hink (11/2/25)
Mark Allard (11/10/25)
Beverly Petersen
What can I say? … Well, Bev was never at a loss for words! She was the most amazing friend, fun and ready dance assistant, and great travel companion as we went all over the world. Bev gave incredible support and she was my sounding board on so many occasions. She has been there through thick and thin for me for so many years. She was an avid supporter of many dances and events and always willing to lend a hand as well as her quick wit.
My heart is breaking again … I already miss my dear friend and buddy so very much!
Wishing you a peaceful journey Bev … Dance on in Heaven along with our fun, loving pack … Robert Kinkaid, Ed Cirio and so many other friends and family members. (5/30/24)
Don Dressler (1/16/2024)
Daniel Salvatore Scuiri (6/10/2024)
Debbie Dittman (7/2024)
Randy Krul (10/2024)
Bill Kanellis (10/2024)
Syglenda Ford (11/2024)
Bob Ford (12/2024)
Sue Sugden (12/2024)
Ed Cirio
A wonderful friend, dancer and one of the Co-Directors of Top of Beardsley’s Swing Dancing for 34 1/2 years. I will miss his ever-present smile and the warm, loving energy he shared with this world. Ed was a gem … one-of-a-kind! He was my amazing long-time friend and one of our original Team Members, as well as an essential part, of Mountain Magic. A new bright star now shines in the sky.
Dance on in Heaven my friend … you are now reunited with your buddies, Robert Kinkaid & Al Acri! (10/31/2023). Read his obituary
Stephanie Navarra Fanucchi (12/8/23)
Buddy Schwimmer (9/2023)
Fay Perlas
Annie Hirsch (6/27/2023)
John Leland
Bill Joslin
Ken Lee
Jim Ewing
Gale Trent Rodrigues
One classy, beautiful lady inside and out along with a clever sense of humor. (4/18/22)
Ginny Van Schalscha
She was an amazing lady with a ton of energy, a great sense of humor and a bright, shining smile. (3/2/22)
Rosalie Dressler
Sue Swain (4/21/22)
John Wheaton (5/24/22)
Tom Quan (6/24/22)
Roberto Uribe (8/3/22)
Stacy Lynn Floyd (8/12/22)
Phil Vrieling
Art Snyder (11/2/22)
Jonathan Bixby
Calvin Hue
Pan Haskins
A pleasant, gentle woman and dancer who was my friend. We will miss you and your sweet smile
(5/24/49-10/20/21)
Dave Ott
Always generous and kind and giving us some great dance tunes & treats. Sure going to miss you!
(11/16/50-10/16/21)
Ruben G Chavez
Your bright smile, warm heart and enjoyable dances will remain in our hearts always! (3/2021)
Ron Yang
Ron always had a warm, pleasant smile and it was abundantly clear that he truly enjoyed his dance family and ALL his dances. (5/9/37-7/29/21)
Skippy Blair
Teacher of Teachers & West Coast Swing Pioneer! You gave us all so much, in dance and in life. Dance on pretty lady, my dear friend! (3/15/24-6/30/2021)
Don Ramsey (Debbie’s Dad)
Louie Nielsen
Bud Skinner
Ken Gourley
Larry Espinosa
Larry Winter
Gregory Harrison
Rowena Manos
Angel Figueroa
That voice, that laugh, that look … unmistakable! An amazingly talented dancer and a real and authentic, true friend! Dance on Angel! (8/20/20)
Hal Deisham
Rocky
My loving cat and companion … My Rock! Your paw prints are on my heart forever. (8/2006-6/13/2019)
George Leong (Stephanie’s Dad)
Ruben Hausauer (Heidi’s Dad) 11/5/19
Dominic Yin
Unique and creative WCS dance style, fun, many laughs and a handful! (4/26/18)
Ron Campbell
Leo “Champagne” Albert
Larry Bellamy
Alain “Salsa” Quinto
Shanna Paulazzo
Pure class and lovely inside and out! She could certainly light up the dance floor and warm your heart. (11/6/17)
Ken Chin
Lil Krasnow (3/2017)
Arnold Champagne (7/2017)
Rick Evenskaas (7/25/17)
Red Mayers (My Dad)
The best Dad and always there! (11/28/16)
Frank Carricato
A million dollar smile, a joke to share, a great sense of humor … and he always had your back! (5/9/2016)
Jesse Casteneda
One of the kindest, most sincere people I’ve ever known. His infectious smile would always light up the room. (5/9/2016)
Donna Ewing
Joseph Woods
Marcia Bach 8/2016
Sam Farano (Nob Hill Sounds) 6/20/16
Flo Hess 11/19/16
Marion Bacciocco (5/20/1924 – 12/27/2016)
Dennis McGuire
One of the Traveling Four! Dennis and Make Mine Country is a major reason why our Swing Joins Country Event idea was created. Many thanks for all the fun and good times you brought to our world!
Ted Constantine (2/2015)
Mike Sullivan (6/2015)
Dennis McGuire (8/3/2015)
Joe Ho (11/2015)
Harry Mason (11/4/2015)
Ted Isquirdo (11/22/2015)
Ray Hirsch
Raul Ante
aka Big Daddy and the Hustle King! He is a major reason why hustle is still around today, the reason why hustle is part of Mountain Magic and the reason why many of us dance hustle. Your generosity and kindness will remain in all of the lives you touched. (11/2/14)
Carol Sarner (12/2014)
Maxwell Ho (11/2014)
Raul Ante (11/2/2014)
Harald Thorsteinsson (9/2014)
Pete Douglass (7/12/2014)
Mercy Mandawe (4/29/2014)
Our Rascal
Great companion, traveler and dance mascot. Missing you little dog … and Robert too. (10/29/2013)
Jerry Lee
A fixture in our classes and at dances & events as well as on our cruises. Dance and sail on Jerry!
David Koppelman
Fun loving, lots of laughs and had some very interesting conversations. Dance and Play on David! (11/23/12)
Kermit Dukes
A rare photo of the Photographer/Dancer, Kermit, with a kind heart and always that warm smile!
Ralph Gatton
Kermit Dukes
Robert Kinkaid
My soulmate and loving husband! (5/31/10) The reason behind the “Magic”. Visit his memorial page.
Lily Gilliland
A great lady and friend to so many of us. Always willing to lend a hand and such a big part of the fun at Mountain Magic, Sea Magic, Train Magic and all our trips, as well as at the local dances. What a wonderful sense of humor and a very big heart! We will miss her dearly. (9/8/09)
Dave Robinson
A great guy, wonderful dancer and always helping at the dances. We will surely miss his fun personality and most of all his friendship! (8/10/09)
Jason Colacino
An amazing dancer and friend and one of the best spinners ever! (8/9/09)
Lois Brown (6/2009) & Norm Brown (1/2010)
Lois’ distinctive fun laughter and great personality will be sorely missed. Always with husband, Norm Brown, who was sure to bring a new joke as well as always some fun to the dances. Icons and regulars on the dance floor … they will be missed.
Michael Jackson
Incredible Artist, Singer and Dancer who gave us so much wonderful music and inspiration over the past 45 years. Such a talented person and gone too soon at age 50. (June 25, 2009)
Joe Zanger
Fun man with a huge heart and loved dancing.
Arte Phillips
Such incredible talent & passion (2/13/1959 – 11/12/08) just under 50 yrs … Gone too soon!
Wayne Bott
Such a fun and talented guy. Gone way too soon … just under 45 yrs. (2/12/08)
Helen Blouin
Her beautiful smile and warm and friendly personality will be missed at the dances. She was a super classy lady and always brought a sense of style to the dances. A dancer, a lovely artist in addition to many other talents … we’ll miss you Helen. (Thursday, February 15, 2007)
Jesse Naputi
He was a long time dancer and teacher here in the Bay Area and one of those that has kept our swing dance community thriving. He always brought his happy personality to all the dances. At the age of 89 he was still dancing and sharing his knowledge with us. Pictured here at our November 2006 dance receiving the California Swing Dance Hall of Fame Award. We will miss you Jesse and we will keep doing all your great steps! (Friday, February 2, 2007)
Joey Alvarado
Lost his battle with cancer. He was a part of the Bay Area swing dance community for many years and his presence will be missed. Hope you’ve met up with Jim Loop … at the corner of the bar! (January 14, 2007)
Dino Restelli
Many year President of the Bay Swingers Dance Club in Oakland, CA was a major contributor to promoting West Coast Swing here in the San Francisco Bay Area and at many dance conventions. He was one of the west coast swing icons when I started dancing and I always enjoyed having a dance with him. We’ll miss you Dino! Say hello to John Duffy up there.
Friday, November 17, 2006 – Carlos Pineda passed away. Carlos and wife, Mary Ann, have been part of the dance community for as long as I can remember as well as regulars on TV20 Dance Party. His smiling face and happy personality will be missed.
October 2006 – Mike Ronan passed away. Bay area WCS dancer who attended dances regularly and travelled to many dance conventions. The dances will miss your consistant attendance.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006 – Lynn Vogen passed away. Multi talented dancer, choreographer and teacher to many of the young kids over the years; Costa Mesa, CA. Lynn Vogen and Larry Kern were a fabulous inspiration … especially in their 1984 “Let the Good Times Roll” US Open Showcase routine.