Obituary of Sean Patrick McKenna

Sean Patrick McKenna of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia passed away suddenly on August 4, 2025, with his cherished companion, Michelle by his side at home. Sean was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, on September 9, 1969, the son of Lawrence McKenna and Janice (Nolan) McKenna. Sean was proud of being born in Cape Breton. Sean is survived by his love, Michelle Ryder, mother, Janice McKenna (Halifax), son, Zakkary McKenna (Halifax), daughter, Bella McKenna (Dartmouth), and son, Cameron McKenna (Dartmouth) along with, mother of his children, Michelle McKenna (Dartmouth). He is also survived by brother, Cory McKenna and sister-in-law, Dawn (MacDougall) McKenna, along with nephews, Joshua and Caleb (Ontario). His fur baby, “Jack Butler”. Sean was predeceased by his father, Lawrence McKenna and his precious nephews, Canaan and Judah McKenna. Also, fur babies, Lexi and Freya. Sean had the same affliction as his best friends, Ian Fancy and Peter Dolomont, who were unequivocally tied by music. They had a dream and no off button for music and set a daily (almost) practice schedule of before breakfast, throughout lunch, before and after supper. Drive, commitment, hard work and talent laid the groundwork for what was to come; at age 18, they were signed and on the road after Prince Andrew High School to live out their dreams. In later years, their paths crossed again because of their talents, creating band - Michelle Ryder and Side Hustle; displaying the calibre that is unseen by most people. Sean took a break from music to focus on his family and non music career for six years. He spent quality time with his family and enjoyed watching his children grow into wonderful and caring adults. He was infinitely proud of them. Sean’s passion project, “Barstools ad Bandtalk” was born on April 28, 2020 because of Covid-19. “Barstools and Bandtalk” became his world and he had expanded it to the worldwide network. (Thank you for the outpouring of remembrances of Sean.) He had earned the respect of local, national and international music community. “Rimshots with Sean” was launched January 2022, picked up by Eastlink May 26, 2023. He conducted over 800 interviews to showcase talents. Sean’s media training aided with his success as interviewer, promoter, master of ceremonies and more. Sean was also with Rock Rage Radio and Currain Call Records. He had nine published articles in Blabbermouth (2023). Sean had 10 drum kits over the years (may be more…), ranging from his first, Rogers to latest, Mapex. In fact, Mapex recently signed Sean as their official representative, and he was artist representative for Headhunter Canada drumsticks. Sean could “Rock and Roll All Nite” – his all time favourite band was KISS, collector of all KISS. Sean reminisced on his “residency” at the Alehouse, he was proud of his long connection with the owners and staff. DRUM ROLL: Sean volunteered for countless benefits over the years, often leading the benefits to raise significant funds for people in need. Sean’s latest passion was “Caribbean Goes 80’s” to provide much needed supplies for Cuban children and families. He worked tirelessly to promote the mission, “Be the Difference”. He was the drummer for the shows in Varadero. Sean was the difference and has left a legacy that continues to raise donations to support the needs in Cuba. Sean often reflected on April 2025 working vacation to Cuba as “the best vacation of my life”. He said he would never be able to replicate the week with Michelle, bandmates and their partners, plus friends. Sean’s previous volunteer accomplishments were Dartmouth Whalers Minor Hockey President (16 years), Dartmouth Chamber of Commerce Board, Helen Creighton Museum Board, and Music Nova Scotia Adjudicator. Recipient of the Ed Hornby Award 2008 Dartmouth Whalers Volunteer of the Year. He experienced a very special night shortly before he passed away in the company of rock legends, where he fit in perfectly and they embraced each other. He also had opportunity to check off a “bucket list” item by touring Stephen King’s house. Recently, Sean’s favourite home away from home was Moncton, NB. He and Michelle had developed strong bonds with several artists and their families. Sean’s friends, Peter Doggett and Andrew MacVicar were his huge career support. Justin Heisler had shared talks every day with Sean and a deep friendship. Sean saw great promise in Justice Sanford and was looking forward to mentoring him. Shelton Swinimer was like a little brother. Sean was so proud of Shelton’s initiative to start Atlantic Entertainment and follow through on his dreams. Even though, they had different taste in music, Sean was excited to see where Shelton’s accomplishments would take him and applauded his efforts to promote local music. Sean’s impressive list of bands he was integral member of include Black Widow, China White, Sweet Surrender, Straight Up, Fifth Avenue, Niteheat, The Rasputin Project, Jack Butler, Full Circle, Phil n the Blank, Kapyr, Frankie Deuce, The Frequency, and Michelle Ryder & Side Hustle. He also subbed with The Persuaders, Ettinger, Shameless, The Headstones, FisherKings, and Gypsy River Band. Special thank you to Sean and Michelle’s “Circle” of friends and family. Arrangements have been entrusted to D.S. Crowell and Son Funeral Home, Sheet Harbour, NS (and A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland St, Dartmouth, NS). Celebration of Life will be held September 7th beginning 2:00 p.m. Montes Showbar and Grill, 245 Waverley Road, Dartmouth, NS. Donations in Sean’s memory may be made to Hope for Wildlife or charity of your choice. REST IN RHYTHM