Daniel Laffey passed away peacefully at his home, Monday June 13th in Raleigh, NC with his family by his side after courageously fighting lung cancer for over a year. A Chicago, Illinois native, Dan is survived by his wife Sherrill Laffey; children Donovan and Brenna Laffey; and siblings Mary and Tom Laffey.

Dan was a videographer, photographer and production editor producing documentaries and hard news around the world. In his most recent years, he was a television/digital media production teacher at Athens Drive High School.

Another very important part of his life was his passionate interest in the world of illusion. As a magician he performed over 100 live magic shows on local and national TV and for thousands on stage, at parties, and corporate events. He was also co-founder of the Stouffville Magic Festival, booking some of the greatest magicians from around the world.

After receiving his BA in Multimedia from Columbia College Chicago he soon relocated to Ontario, Canada where he worked for Global Television Network as Senior Cameraman from 1973-1998. In 1998 he worked to create one of the first digital media studios for Total Sports, a Raleigh based internet startup, and worked as an independent production manager for the first Big Brother Production in the UK, the Miss World Pageant, and the International Rochester Jazz Festival.

Dan was a hard worker his entire life and a positive role model for students, friends and family. He was a great teacher, devoted husband, outstanding father, teammate and friend. He was a man who by his day-to-day actions and sense of humor left a positive energy throughout the world. He loved his family and was proud of their success and accomplishments. He always put others first with his patience and graciousness and loved life.