Richard Daniel Medina

In Loving Memory of Richard Daniel Medina

Richard “Danny” Daniel Medina, born on January 30, 1963, in Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away unexpectedly on June 29, 2026. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, music, laughter, and love that will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Danny was a Mexican-American rockstar and he lived his life with a guitar in his arms and a beer within reaching distance. He was a talented and well-known musician with a passion for music that was impossible to ignore. He had the ability to make people stop what they were doing and become captivated by his songs and his presence. He was truly a gifted guitarist, drummer, and singer, who loved performing everything from Rock & Roll to traditional Mexican music and would happily put on a show for anyone willing to listen. Music wasn’t just something he played—it ran through his veins and made up the beat of his heart. The passion and emotions that he held deep inside his heart were expressed through his music. You didn’t just hear his music, you felt it. He had a magnetic energy that would draw in all walks of life around him everywhere he went. He was truly the star of the show and had a spirit that shined exceptionally bright.

Danny had a huge heart and would do anything to love and protect the people he cared for. Danny grew up with three brothers, and together they spent their childhood fighting each other one minute, then cracking jokes and playing in bands the next, creating a lifelong bond filled with love, rivalry, laughter, and music. The Medinas were renowned for their fighting skills, but Danny stood out as one of the greatest boxers, with a collection of trophies to prove it. One of his proudest accomplishments was the night he won his Golden Gloves championship. He won by a knockout, but then to everyone’s surprise he went over to his opponent and helped carry him back to his corner. That night, Danny was awarded outstanding boxer of the night for the knockout and exemplary sportsmanship, earning him the biggest trophy he and his brothers had ever seen. One of the many examples of how big his heart truly was, even when he wasn’t trying to show it.

More than anything, Danny cherished being a father and grandfather and spoke proudly of his son, daughter, and grandson. He fell in love with the mother of his children, Cristine Kirkwood, and knew from day one that he had picked the best woman to become the mother of his two children. Some of his happiest moments were spent taking his children fishing, camping, playing baseball, and going to amusement parks and arcades like Lagoon and 49th Street Galleria. He would do anything to put a smile on his kids’ faces and in his words, “those are the memories that will set his spirit free.”

One of the most unique and special traditions Danny created came from the logo of his band—a gargoyle with “Medina” written across its wings. Whenever his children saw him, they would run toward him flapping their arms like gargoyle wings. Danny would scoop them into his arms, spin them around, and wrap them in what became known as his “gargoyle hugs.” It was a tradition filled with laughter, love, and the unmistakable bond between a father and his children.

Danny is lovingly survived by his children, Maryah Medina and Mathias Medina; grandson Alyas Martinez-Medina; brothers Gil Medina, Dave (Gladys) Medina, Mark Medina, and Jack Eastman; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara Medina and Gilbert Medina.

Although his guitar and voice have fallen silent, the music he created, the memories shared, and the love he gave will continue to echo in the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved “a million times infinity.”

Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate the life of Richard Daniel Medina. Private family viewing will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Murray Mortuary, 5850 S 900 E, Murray, UT 84121. Funeral Mass, open to all who knew and loved Danny, will be celebrated on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Villa Chapel, 451 E Bishop Federal Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84115. The family sincerely appreciates the love, prayers, and support they have received during this difficult time and welcomes all who wish to join them in remembering and celebrating Danny’s life.