David J. McKennan

David J. McKennan, principal of Blue Hill Design, Inc., Production Electrician, Moving Light Programmer, and Stagehand died Friday, September 5th in Ellsworth, Maine. He was 46.

Dave started his career as a carpenter and electrician in regional theatre. He worked as a staff electrician at the New York Shakespeare Festival from 1980-1982, after which he served his IATSE Local One apprenticeship at the Joyce Theatre.

He worked primarily as a Broadway stagehand until 1997, after which he became the Head Technician at the New Victory Theater.  Following his time at the New Victory, he trained as a moving light programmer and he and his wife, lighting designer Betsy Adams, formed Blue Hill Design in order to work together on Industrials and Special Events.

Dave was constantly continuing his education on many fronts.  He graduated magna cum laude from City College of New York in 1992 with a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics; he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa upon graduation; and he completed a year of graduate study in Physics at New York University.

 He received an Intermediate certificate in Whole Hog programming, trained as an Automation Operator and was a Certified Class B Laser Operator.  He also received a Certificate in Labor Relations from the Cornell School of Labor Relations.

Dave is survived by his wife Betsy, parents Bob & Doris, brother and sister-in-law Don & Jane, sister  Debbie, in-laws Mason & Margot Adams, Bill Adams & Alix Pearlstein.

A perpetual fund has been set up in Dave's honor
Donations may be sent to:
Community Funds, Inc. for the Dave McKennan Memorial Fund 
Two Park Avenue,
New York, NY 10016