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Alan Darling Obituary
May 9, 1929 - February 29, 2016
I've put my paints and brushes away and I've got my jug of maple syrup with me. What a wonderful life! I've enjoyed the warmth of a terrific family, the love and companionship of my wife Pat and the satisfaction of gaining so many interesting and loyal friends along the way. I did everything I ever wanted to do and leave you now with no regrets whatsoever.
My first wife Joan and I raised a beautiful family together: sons Mark (Terri) and Blake (Lynda Thomas), and daughter Dana (John Frankruyter). In turn, from three children we gained 11 grandchildren and -- so far -- 18 great-grandchildren. And even though our marriage didn't last, I'm happy to say that Joan and I have remained friends all these many years.
I loved my job as a Graphic Designer and all the people I worked for and with. In retirement, I derived enormous pleasure out of painting in watercolour and was fortunate to become a member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour, the Central Ontario Art Association and the Toronto Watercolour Society. To all my patrons, thanks so much for your support.
The outdoors was another of my passions and I spent many a happy day hiking and snowshoeing with the Bruce Trail Club, or canoeing and portaging with my son Blake and a great group of friends. As for the garden, it was both my joy (the blooms!) and my frustration (the bloomin' squirrels!). But my happiest times were those I spent travelling with Pat, especially the trips we made across Canada living in a tent -- now what woman would do that and love me at the same time? She is my wife, my lover, my nurse, my mentor, my chief cook and bottle washer and my best friend.
Three special shout-outs: first, to all the fine people we met at the Toronto Sheppard Ave. YMCA, who made exercising so much fun. We did exercise, you know. Well, Pat did some. And thanks especially to the remarkable staff at the St. Michael's Hospital Orthopedic Department and at the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care at Mount Sinai Hospital -- where else can you find a health-care system as caring and compassionate as ours? In my book, Canada is the greatest country on earth.
I do not want you to send flowers or feel obliged to make donations to any charities. Instead, I'd like you to have a nice dinner with a loved one, with a bottle of good wine and, of course, dessert -- the sweeter, the better.
Goodbye everyone. I love you all.
A Celebration of Al's life will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the Thornhill Golf and Country Club, 7994 Yonge Street, Thornhill, Ontario, from 2 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Al would really like it if all his friends could be there.
www.jerrettfuneralhometoronto.ca
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Memories and Condolences
for Alan Darling
15 Entries
Susan Tietavainen
March 15, 2016
Al, what a wonderful and genuine human being. I have been touched by your existence, your humor and your art. Always to be remembered and truly missed now knowing that I won't see you coming through the gallery doors. My condolences to Pat and family.
Kathleen Porch
March 7, 2016
I did not know this gentleman, I wish I had. Reading the Globe and Mail this morning, checking the obits to see if I am missing an old friend, I'm at the age when one does that, I read Mr.Darling's 'goodbye'. The 'goodbye' gave me smiles and tears, a wonderful memory to leave with family and friends ... and even strangers.
March 6, 2016
I have fond memories of my cousin Alan his visits to our farm in the 50's/60's. It always seemed a big event when Al was coming to visit. He was much admired by my mother Helene (his aunt) for his talent as an artist and because he was Al, her nephew. My mother was an artist as well but admitted that Alan was much better than her. He was always very personable and interested in the world. Our condolences to Pat and family. Jim and Lou Baker, Guelph, Ontario
Barb Haynes
March 5, 2016
What a wonderful, fine man Al was, and what an honour to have spent time in conversation with him. His gentleness, friendly civility, and warmth for anyone with whom his path crossed are lessons to cherish. Thinking of Al's family, with warm memories and gratitude.
Alan, winning his last award at COAA, Sept. 2014.
Brenda Turnour
March 5, 2016
A wonderful gentleman who will be much missed. A remarkable artist & a kind, gentle soul...RIP Alan!
Caralee Cyr
March 5, 2016
i have no words that can comfort or heal at this time.
I'm sorry for your loss, know that you are in my thoughts.
Doug Mays
March 5, 2016
I so enjoyed working with Alan while we were members of COAA and then CSPWC. Alan was such a talented artist and his personality came through in all his work. The art world will miss his gentle approach but his work will be around for a long time for many people to enjoy.
Gloria Thompson
March 5, 2016
Sonny Alan Preston Darling -How I loved it when you came to visit your grandfather, Dr. Robert E. Darling in Goodwood, Ontario.The vacant lot between my house and that of your grandfather came alive when you ran from end to end chasing butterflies with your butterfly net held high in the air.(circa 1940)
Sometimes you and I played in the sand outside my house.other times you and your grandfather would drive away in his car with the rumble seat and i would feel very sad as you disappeared down the road.
Many years later by chance we met again at an event held by the Central Ontario Art
Association in Toronto.
Thanks for the memories. I do plan to have a nice dinner with someone I love.(Some good wine and a sweet dessert).
Gloria (Hood) Thompson.
March 4, 2016
Very fond memories of working with Al at Bruce Hefkey many years ago. Al was a lovely, caring person and was always very kind to me. I have never forgotten him and have thought about him often over the years. My sincere condolences to Pat and his family. Judy Horwood (Richmond Hill, Ontario)
Ralph & Carolyn Crouch
March 4, 2016
Our most heartfelt condolences to Pat and all the family. It's very hard to believe that we have lost such a good friend. We will miss our too seldom dinner get-togethers. Al was a true gentleman in every way and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Ralph & Carolyn Crouch and family
March 4, 2016
I met and worked with Alan at Sampson Mathews. I was just 21years old at the time and in the sales dept. Frequently had a drive home with Alan.
Never forgot him ... Great memories. Don Taggart
Patricia Cyr-Meyer
March 3, 2016
Saying goodbye to a very gracious and wonderful person is never easy. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. Al will always be loved and cherished.
Brian & Jennifer Bedwell
March 3, 2016
Memories of Alan stem mainly from the late 1960's or early 70's. There were visits to our place on Kawagama or Stoney Lakes and to the Darling cottage on Drag Lake, Haliburton, Highlands. Famous quotes in the Bedwell family include a contribution from Alan's son Blake after a car left the road, "Mommy look at the butter tarts." Also, in a Sporting Goods Store, Alan was viewed admiring an overhead advertisement of a sportsman relaxing after a successful duck hunt. The sportsman looked familiar. Alan's admission was, "Yes it is me, the model did not show that day. Since I do not smoke they had to teach me to handle the cigarette."
Thank you for all of the good times.
wendy & bill gilmore
March 3, 2016
One of the nicest gentlemen we've ever known, you will be missed.
Ruth & Brian Pallett
March 3, 2016
Goodbye to a pure gentleman. Brian & Ruth Pallett.
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