Daniel Prescott McKinley

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Daniel Daniel McKinley was a man who demonstrated quiet strength, great faith, and unwavering service to others. He passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 69 — just weeks before his 70th birthday — leaving behind a world made richer by his presence. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Daniel was one of twelve siblings. His family was a household full of artistry — his father, Mose, a self-taught artist, and his mother, Juanita, a musician and gospel songwriter. His parents instilled in him the belief that he could be anything he wanted to be and that he should treat others with respect. There is no doubt that Daniel captured both of those characteristics and carried them throughout his life. Daniel attended Western High School, and after graduating, he left home to begin his journey to discover the world. His first foray into the culinary arts began at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming — a chapter that revealed in him an adventurous spirit and a readiness to embrace life wherever it led. Having conquered life in Wyoming, Daniel later moved to New York and began his work in the hospitality industry, where he served for more than 30 years. He joined the Westin New York at Times Square in 2002 and remained a dedicated member of the team for 24 years. He was adored, highly respected, and regarded as a beloved member of the Westin family. Daniel cared deeply for his co‑workers, many of whom had become his own family. Whether in a grand hotel or a quiet room, he had the rare gift of making anyone he spoke to feel like the most important person in the room — because he genuinely valued people. Though often perceived as quiet and gentle, he was also witty. His warmth was never performance; it was simply who he was.All along, Daniel had another passion — art. He loved his job and his family, but lived to tap into his creative calling: taking a blank canvas and miraculously transforming it into a vibrant painting that spoke to the world. Because of his artistic works, Daniel was able to travel around the world, not only to visit art galleries but to display his art there.His artistic talent was recognized with the Collector’s Prize from Contemporary Art Magazine and the Premiere Artist Prize from Contemporary Art Station. Yet he remained characteristically humble, saying simply: “I am still me. I will always be me. Awards are nice, but they are not the reason I paint. I am in it for the love of art.”In the Summer of 2025, he was featured in the Celebrity Art Magazine’s Launch Collection, joining the ranks of other renowned artists and earning the recognition that his work had long deserved. He had booked travel to new destinations around the world and was creating a fresh portfolio of art when he suddenly became ill and later passed away. The world lost a creator who had so much more still to give.Daniel is survived by his beloved siblings: Richard (the late Sarah), Michael (Charlotte), Judith, Karen (Jonathan), Dianne (Kelvin), Pamela, Sidney (Yarteca), Anna (Volian), Lisa, Robert (Nui), and Marcus (Kelley) — his brothers and sisters who shared a lifetime of memories with him. He also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, and colleagues who will carry his memory in their hearts.He is further survived by his beloved Westin Family, who are now part of our extended family and whom we will cherish always. Daniel was a devoted brother, co-worker, and cherished uncle, and he is irreplaceable in every one of those roles.Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Mose and Juanita McKinley, who gave him roots and wings in equal measure.✦ ✦ ✦"I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom and skill, in understanding and intelligence, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze (Exodus 31:3-4).