Dallas McKay Housley aka Sky Verdone

The stage lights dimmed on an icon on Thursday, October 20, 2022. Dallas McKay Housley aka Sky Verdone of the band Artwork passed away peacefully in his sleep following a great day with many of those that love him. Before laying his head for the final time he was dancing and singing with his little brother Quin. His final moments were happily spent with those he loved. His final words to many of us that love him were, “I Love You” because he always made sure to tell his family and friends he loved them.

Dallas was born on April 20, 1996. Dallas was an easy baby. He slept through the night and his giggles were like music. He became a big brother to his sister Kahri Ann Housley and then to his brother Brayden Kelley Housley and he loved them like any amazing brother would. He was fiercely protective of all of them but especially Quin. If anyone messed with them he’d go into warrior mode ready to burn the playground to the ground if need be. His father remarried and his wife Valerie Housley was a second mother to him and he loved her dearly.

Dallas’ love for music started before he was a thought in his parent’s minds. In junior high school he told his mom he wanted to be like Burt McKraken of The Used and he put an ad on KSL for band members. He and his band practiced in his mother’s garage daily. Those original band members have been close with him until his last day. Trent Chournos, Jarvis Anderson, Aaron Rudelech, and Sean Valdez knew him as the 13-year-old kid that wanted to make it big. Aaron, Jarvis and Sean were his brothers in music and friendship. He loved them like family. He loved Korn, Tool, The Used, Selena Gomez, Meg Myers, and Ariana Grande.

In high school he was a great football player and experienced the purest love of all, young love, dating Destiny Hoskins for five years and they remained best friends until his passing.

After high school Dallas’ band Artwork was signed to Revival Recordings. He lived for touring and his fans were everything to him. While at a show in NYC he began having problems with his legs and fell off the stage. That began years of medical issues for him. He was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as well as Neuropathy, autoimmune problems and autonomic neuropathy. Dallas spent years in and out of the hospitals and care centers always anxious to heal and get back to his music career.

Dallas married Amanda Hill in August 2020 and met the next love of his life, his stepdaughter Aubree. He loved her like she was his own daughter and even after his divorce with Amanda he continued to be a part of Aubree’s life driving an hour to just take her to school in the morning so he could spend time with her. Her photo taped to his rearview mirror.

Dallas lost his leg in 2021 due to medical issues and his dog Maynard was his support through it all. He loved his dog like she was his child.

Dallas’ life wasn’t easy. He had more talent than most people could dream of, but his body just failed him at every turn. Through all the illness Dallas formed friendships with many of his nurses, CNAs and other caregivers. He often spoke about so many of you with love and adoration. Thank you for caring for our amazing Dallas. It was more than a job to some of you and he appreciated all of you.

Dallas was always drawing when he wasn’t creating music. He loved to sit in his car and draw on his iPad listening to his most recent songs thinking of changes he could make. His music was never good enough for him, it had to be perfect. But his music is amazing and has touched so many people across the world. Dallas was robbed of big stages by illness but the last one line of the last song he wrote was “make an Icon out of me” and I have no doubt that he will be remembered as an icon, not just for his music or art but by how many lives he touched. He knew what pain and sadness felt like and he never wanted anyone else to feel the pain.

He’s the type of person that has many people that say he was their best friend. He didn’t care how old someone was or what they did, anyone he met was an opportunity for a friendship and when he spoke with you, you had his full attention and adoration. Even as a kid he always said he would die at 27, but was five months short. He always had a strong intuition and it showed.

Dallas accomplished so much in his short 26 years with all the odds stacked against him and he leaves us all with the gift of his music and art and the love he had for each of us. Dallas was funny and he always worked to make others smile or laugh whether it was a cashier, waitress or doctor. Everyone in contact with him saw his light and became an instant friend. A person like Dallas only comes around so often. He was special. He was loved. He was unflinchingly honest about his opinions, but genuine and humble at the same time. And I have no doubt that the place we go when we leave this world is full of souls that have been missing him and are celebrating his return. And no matter how much we miss him he know he will be loved wherever he is at.

Dallas hated that the word Diabetes was used like a punchline to a joke. Type 1 Diabetes wrecked his body and there are so many suffering with this serious disease. More than anything he would have wanted people to understand what a serious medical issue it is and to love those suffering with it. To those suffering with it, Dallas knew your pain and would have done anything to help all of you.

The last thing Dallas said was “Happy Birthday Mom.” He had sent her a message at 1:38 a.m. He always wanted to be the first to tell her Happy Birthday often messaging right at 12:01 a.m. so he could be first. That’s the kind of person Dallas was.

His biggest fear was being forgotten but icons are never forgotten. He didn’t want to leave us so early but, his body had done enough. Dallas had done enough. Whatever he was sent here to accomplish he did. He gave us all of him and it’s a gift that we all had the opportunity and blessing of loving him. He loved his fans and they meant the world to him.

Dallas is survived by his dad, Shane (Valerie) Housley; mom, Catrina Housley; siblings, Brandon Brimhall, Brayden (Kylie), Kahri, and Quintin; nephew, Bryton; niece, Elani; grandparents, Roma Kelley, Rick (Amy) Hartle, and Randy (Robin) Tingey; great-grandmas Lucy Hartle and Deloris Petersen; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life with a viewing will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Warehouse 22, 1068 West 350 South, Suite A, Syracuse UT 84075. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary.

Services will be live-streamed and available the day of the services by scrolling to the bottom of Dallas’ obituary page at: www.lindquistmortuary.com, where condolences may also be shared.

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