Dan McIntyre

Dan McIntyre was loved by everyone he met. They appreciated his Southern charm, beautiful smile and blue eyes, his wit and colorful clothing choices that exemplified the Palm Springs lifestyle he enjoyed so much.

Dan passed away at his home in Palm Springs, CA at the age of 61 on June 21, 2022. He made a valiant fight against pancreatic cancer that began with his diagnosis in November 2020. Ultimately, the cancer began to attack aggressively, and he entered into hospice care at home. His beloved husband, Norman Luke, was at his side as he took a final breath and passed gently to the other side.

Dan was born in Shreveport, LA on May 10, 1961. He is the only child of Dr. D.R. McIntyre, MD and Marjorie Jane Hill McIntyre, both of Shreveport, LA. Dan attended the University of Mississippi for two semesters. His father died near the end of his second semester and Dan withdrew from school to return to Shreveport to help care for his mother.

Rather than return to Ole Miss, Dan decided to pursue a career in cosmetology and completed training at Guy’s Academy in Shreveport, LA. After passing the State Board examination he began doing hair styling at various salons in Shreveport. In 1983, at age 22, he opened Ultimate Appearances Salon in a custom-designed building in Shreveport. Dan’s goal with Ultimate Appearances was to bring a West Coast aesthetic to Shreveport. Dan was especially proud that the salon was ultimately named the Louisiana Salon of the Year by Modern Salons Magazine. The salon became extremely popular and continued to grow to the point that Dan later opened a second location for Ultimate Appearances in Shreveport.

In 1986 he built a beautiful, ultra-modern home on Cross Lake in Shreveport. It became the site for several fundraising events for charities in the area.

In 1992 Dan decided to make a move to Los Angeles, California since he had always loved visiting California. There he began a career in sales of hair care and beauty products in a territory that included San Bernardino and Riverside County. As he built the business, he decided to move to the Palm Springs area. While in Palm Springs, he began a 10-year relationship with his partner, Alex Sanchez. Dan and Alex later moved to homes in Temecula, Lake Elsinore and ultimately to San Diego. Dan lived in San Diego for many years until he relocated to Dallas, TX in 2008.

He met his best friend and husband, Norman Luke, in Dallas, TX in late 2008. They later moved for a period of time to Austin, TX. Dan missed his beloved California, so they moved to Palm Springs in 2014. Dan and Norman married in January, 2019. Dan and Norman became active in the gay and lesbian community in Palm Springs including various charity and political organizations. Dan was an advocate for progressive political Organizations they supported included DAP Health Partners for Life, the Ocotillo Club of the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Desert Stonewall Democrats and Equality California. They also supported animal rescue and support organizations including Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and California Paws Rescue.

Dan loved his many pets throughout the years from childhood on that he referred to as his babies. His beautiful current baby, Titan, is a Pomsky (Pomeranian and Siberian Husky mix). Titan is known for his striking blue eyes that match Dan’s eyes.

Dan will be missed by his countless friends from Shreveport, Texas and California. On Facebook he developed relationships with followers from all over. Dan loved to talk and met people easily. His fabulous outfits made a statement everywhere he went. He loved to cook and was known for hosting fabulous dinner parties at his home in Palm Springs. His love of travel took him to many great place and he always had a special connection with his favorite country, Italy.

Dan will be entombed in a crypt at the Serenity Mausoleum at El Camino Memorial Park in San Diego, CA on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Following a service at the mausoleum, a reception will be held. A Celebration of Life will be held in Palm Springs at a future date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or any cancer support organization of your choice would be appreciated. In addition, because Dan loved animals so much, a donation to any animal support organization would be welcome.