Growing up, Daniel first got the nickname "Boonie", which he is still called today and known as. He lived in the woods with his family and brother, Dave. Daniel was called Dan "Boonie", and Dave was Dave "Crocket" after the American Folk Heroes of the 19th century. Boonie stuck, but apparently his brother's nickname didn't stick quite as long. Being a very freckled kid, Boonie's family always joked around that they would get some ink and connect all the dots and see what kind of images they could make on his body. He said, "I did it myself, with tattoos. I'll probably always be getting more tattoos until I don't have any skin yet!"
He took off his hat and showed off his bald head. "My brother got all the hair, but I guess I might have to resort to this if I run out of space for tattoos!"
Boonie has always come from a big family; he has three brothers and two sisters, and his parents adopted another girl who is only 14. Now, at 52, Boonie chuckles as he explains that he picks up his 14 year old sister at the bus stop after school. But, he doesn't mind. He enjoys it. He has always been very involved with family, and believes that if you don't have that, you are missing out. Family, is what makes him stand out as an individual. 24 years ago his daughter, Danya, was born. Only six months later, his wife, who was addicted to drugs, left him to take care of her alone. For 24 years now, he has been a single dad, with no child support to help the monetary needs. Everyone who knows him has seen what a great father figure he is - which led to him fathering 12 children, some his own and some of trusted friends and family - all on his own.
Boonie explains what it was like to be a single parent.
While raising his daughter and those that came along the way, Boonie worked as a Carpenter, owned a car-rental business, and did tattoos on the side. He is know for his tattoos, but more so as an upstanding individual in the local community. His daughter, Danya, who is now pregnant with her second child, talks about why her dad is her hero.
"My dad will always be my number one hero. I really think he did better than most single parents out there. Every year we celebrated Mother's Day, because he did everything a mother should have done, but he never talked bad about our mother either. He always had jobs over the years so he could take care of us, but he wasn't a workaholic. He did what he had to do, but we always did stuff together, like watch the Steeler's games or go on hikes. It really helped us to stay closer as a family, and I think that's what's missing these days."
She mentioned numerous stories of how Boonie helped out other people along the way as well, including his parents and friends's kids that needed a father figure. He left her a trailer when she turned 18, and has since been working full time and taking care of herself. Much like her, the other kids that he has taken in have learned responsibility and a sense of individualism when they turn 18. But, this year things have turned around a bit, as Boonie has been diagnosed with artery disease. He said, "I haven't been been to the doctor in over 10 years." It caught him and all his friends and family by surprise, as he has always been active and healthy.
(Danya was a little camera shy)
Boonie explains the process of his surgeries.
When the benefit concert at The Rock House occurred, Boonie was amazed how many people came out to spend time with him and donate to his life and medical expenses of the surgeries he has had to go through. Still on the road to recovery, he is not able to work yet, but is grateful for the amount of support he received from friends and family.
The Rock House was packed with people who came to the event.
This picture shows the incision on his left leg where the new artery was put in, and an identical one is on his right leg. On the bottom half of his stomach are two more incision scars.
"It's not just the life of the kids, it's everybody," he goes on to explain. "You were there! You saw how many people came out and how much work was put in to it. I really do believe that you get back what you put out and give to others. I've never asked for help, but these people appreciate what I've done for them and gave it all back."
Cee Rivera, a local photographer and friend of Boonie's, said that he is an all-around upstanding individual. A lot of people look at his clothes, piercings and tattoos and assume that he is a bad person. But, he said that so many people come up to him and say that he does not have that kind of suggested character at all. He mentioned that at a concert he went to, a local news stationed featured him as a "colorful individual."
Here he was featured on the cover of Easy Rider magazine when he took his children to a biker event. Danya is on the left. He explained that the tattoo of a rainbow that leads to a pot, is actually symbolic of his kids, not gold, because family is all you need.
Richard Rivera, the man standing next to Boonie at the top of the page, got his first tattoo from Boonie when he was younger, has great respect for him as a person and a friend, and believes he deserved every minute of the event.
Boonie is still recovering from multiple surgeries, but is still as active as he can be, and eager to help others. Right now he has a 21 year old boy living with him, who isn't technically his son, but looks up to him as a father. He is best known for his ability to bring out the best in people, and believes that what you put out is what you get in return. The benefit concert was a blessing to him, and he always is thankful for those that care about him and recognize his efforts as a father and friend.
"These kids saved my life. They are my family. If you don't have family, what do you have?"
Short Meograph summarizing Boonie's life.
