Daren Trevor Yurosek

1973 - 2009

On Easter Sunday, April 12, 2009, Daren Trevor Yurosek, beloved son, brother and uncle was called home by the Lord at the age of 35. Born on May 3, 1973 in Van Nuys, California, Daren is survived by his mother Therese Marie Yurosek, father David Yurosek (wife Sandy), brother Derek Yurosek (wife Kellie, children: Sophia, Calvin, Benjamin, Owen), sister Tanya Mariani (husband Michael, children: Andrew, Sasha), and grandmother Madeline Yurosek. At the young age of nine years old, Daren developed a slow growing brain tumor, which was revealed to be cancer. He and his family were told that he would live no longer than six months. Typical of Daren, whenever he was told, "No you can't," Daren responded with "Yes, I can." Daren and his family fought back. Numerous surgeries by Dr. Michael Edwards at UC San Francisco School of Medicine followed, removing the lemon-size tumor, and seven months of rehabilitation served to strengthen his already courageous spirit. However, the life-saving treatment caused a stroke, and Daren was left with many disabilities. Lesser men would have quit. Daren did not. Daren, who loved sports, attended Garces, where he played soccer all four years and where Coach John L. Fanucchi gave him the opportunity to be a manager of the football team, earning him a letterman jacket with the block G that Daren wore so proudly. His brother, Derek, who played football at Garces and Colorado State, said that Daren was an inspiration to him. Garces fans and classmates remember Daren on the sidelines, helping players and coaches. After graduation, Daren attended Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo where he obtained Associates degrees in marketing and management. But Daren did not stop there. Lesser men would have quit. Daren did not. After graduation from Cuesta, Daren went to work for Boskovich Farms in Oxnard. He told his parents he wanted to go back to college. Because of the CSUB community's foresight and commitment to people with disabilities, Daren's dream of earning a college diploma became a reality in 2002. To this day it remains one of the achievements of which he and all his family are most proud. Lesser men would have quit. Daren did not. Daren volunteered with the Arts Council of Kern and was often seen at their events with his infectious smile. Daren loved to fish with his father, brother and grandfather, the late Mike Yurosek. He loved attending Laker games during the "Showtime" years. Daren saved up and purchased a jet ski and that became his special passion. Daren spent time with his fraternity from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and maintained many close friendships including Morgan Zaninovich, Greg Gerow, and Ed Flickenger. As his sister, Tanya, perfectly stated, "He will be remembered as a jokester with a mischievous grin, a spark in his eyes and the kindest heart, open to anyone who needed him." Albert Einstein said, "Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life." Daren will live on through his beloved nieces and nephews. Daren's mother, Therese, said Daren was the most loving, compassionate, Godly young man she ever knew. She said God had a plan for Daren. Daren himself said, "I'm here for a reason. I hope to be an inspiration for people with cancer or other kids. I want them to remember that if you set your limits high, keep your mind open and keep doing the best you can, and if you have that determination and desire to continue on, you'll be successful." He was sensitive and loved dearly by his nephews and nieces, who called him "Uncle Din-Din". Whenever he came to see them, he always had a pocketful of bubblegum for them. No one will ever take the place of "Uncle Din-Din". If you come to the service on Friday, you might see some of the kids with bubblegum in their hands remembering "Uncle Din-Din". In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a new Foundation that will be developed in Daren's honor, which will be "Dr. Edwards Research for Daren T. Yurosek" in care of: LPFCH, 4000 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 340, Palo Alto, CA 94301 A memorial service for Daren Trevor Yurosek will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th Street, in Bakersfield. Graveside services will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. A time for fellowship and lunch will follow at the Bakersfield Country Club, 4200 Country Club Drive. Daren Trevor Yurosek 1973 - 2009 Doughty-Calhoun-O'Meara Funeral Directors