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David Darnell Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for David Darnell
Stella Ye
February 10, 2011
Darnell, you are one of the best managers and colleagues I ever have. Your courage, your smile, your friendship, ... I will always treasure. My deepest condolences to your family.
Stella Ye
February 10, 2011
Darnell, you are one of the best managers and colleagues I ever have. Your courage, your smile, your friendship, ... I will always treasure. My deepest condolences to your family.
Dave Bradlee
February 8, 2011
I just got the news. I worked closely with David for a few years at Microsoft. What a wonderful person. I am so sad to hear about this.
Brenda Angel
February 3, 2011
Sharilyn, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. We happened to be in Destin when I heard, and I immediately called my children Brad and Amy. Brad graduated with David. They were both saddened and both said how they remembered his smile and his intelligence. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers.
Angela Taconi Green
February 2, 2011
Looking back at David in high school and remembering his special smile that would instantly put you in a good mood--we have lost an angel on earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Perry Bell
February 2, 2011
Darnell Family,
May the memories you have keep your soul full and the love that surrounds you help your heart heal.
Our deepest sympathy,
Perry, Jennifer & Patton Bell
Carolyn Scott
February 2, 2011
Betsy,as David's godmother,I only knew him as a boy and college kid, whereas you knew him as a husband, partner, and best friend. I know how much he loves you still and will watch over you to give you strength and courage as you bring up Jasper, Ruby, Benjamin, and Kai the way you both had planned.When you said,"David was the finest man I ever knew," it made me cry because that alone is a great legacy for his sons to aspire to become themselves. David's spirit was there on the beach with you. The shrimpboat and dolphins were a sign.
As someone who grew up as a water baby, David talked me into going down a water slide and tried to show me how to wind surf. He laughed his butt off when I fell. We both did. On your wedding day, you reminded me of Princess Grace. I have never seen a happier or prouder groom. We jingled the bells when you left. As in the movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," I know a bell is ringing because Heaven has admitted a new angel. And David is hugging everyone and making them laugh.
Mary Carrigan
February 1, 2011
Cloyce, my grandmother Debbie Mayo and aunt Elsie Galloway lived next door to your family as you were growing up in Boaz, AL on Mann Avenue. Your family was always so good to them. This is a huge loss for your family, but please know that David's wonderful legacy will live on through his wife and his children. Our prayers and love are with you and your entire family. I just found a picture (in an old album )of your father, Earl, holding my nephew, at least 50 years ago. It is a great picture of a wonderful man.
Mary Hall Carrigan
Jessica Winslow
February 1, 2011
Although I didn't work closely with David at MDI, it was hard not to notice what a happy person he was. He always had a smile on his face and never a care in the world. My thoughts are with you and your family..
richard lungen
February 1, 2011
Our company works with MDI and we enjoyed every time we had the chance to see David. He was one of the nicest people I have had the chance to meet. Always with a smile and a sincere greeting and conversation. In addition, he was a bright executive, a visionary who was instrumental to helping his company become a national leader.
He will be missed personally and professionally. Our condolences to his wife and children
Richard Lungen and Leverage Health Solutions
Michelle Sheraga
February 1, 2011
Although I didnt know David well, I met him when he came to Ruby and Ben's preschool art show last year. He had a blast and he sure loved all his kids! He smiled the whole time. Betsy- we are here for you for whatever you need....
Louise Fortenberry (Hartman)
February 1, 2011
Dear Betsy and Mr. and Mrs. Darnell,
I have so many great memories of David from childhood. (who knew when we were all little that he would end up marrying Betsy Totten???) Even as a small child he had a charisma and smile that seemed to attract people. I'll never forget swimming in Poquito Bayou, riding bikes, playing football, riding Jenny's go cart behing Longwood elementary, car-pooling to swim practice, neighborhood birthday parties, wow, I could go on and on. While I lost touch with David as we aged (and then recently found him again on Facebook) I was able to learn of his career success, marriage, and children thanks to all of the "other" moms in the neighborhood.
Please know that your entire family is being lifted up in prayer.
Cyndy and Bill Evitt
February 1, 2011
Our sincere condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Darnell, Betsy, the children and family and friends of such a remarkable young man. Dave was best man at our daughter, Emily and son-in-law, Chad Wilson's wedding. We remember well his wit and graciousness at the wedding. Dave, Chad and Em were college friends and the friendship endured through the years since. They and their children were looking forward to spending time with Betsy and Dave and the children in Florida at Spring Break again in March.
Such a tragic loss and so senseless. We can only hope that one day, when it is appropriate, your sadness can be replaced with joyful memories.
Beulah Simmons
February 1, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Besty please know David was a joy to work with here at MDI that smile and all the talks about you and the kids he love you all so much. He will be miss dearly.
Patti Lowry Minnis
February 1, 2011
I am truly sorry for your loss. May your memories bring some peace and help your heart heal. I will keep you in my prayers.
Erika Freeman
February 1, 2011
Mrs. Darnell, although I have never met you or your husband, from everything I have heard and read about him, I know he was a great person. My daughter, Jordynn, is a classmate of Jasper and she is so concerned for him. We are keeping you, Jasper, and your entire family in our prayers.
Wendy Perry
February 1, 2011
While I didn't know David well, I would frequently run into him in the kitchen at MDI for coffee or lunch. His positive, upbeat attitude was infectious and his smile lit up the room. He will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ellen Jones
January 31, 2011
I knew David from passing him in the hallways of MDI, and he always smiled and enjoyed the day. I am so very sorry for your family.
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
~ Revelation 21:4
Renee LaPierre Williamson
January 31, 2011
It is impossible to find the words to express my depth of sorrow. So many of my fondest high school memories include David. Special doesn't begin to describe him. My heart breaks for your loss and my prayers will be with all of you. May God surround you with His peace.
Joy Cobb
January 31, 2011
Sharilyn- I am so sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember coming over for a visit years ago right after you gave David the red truck. You showed me the pictures of him coming out the front door and the look of surprise on his face! You were so proud of him. I am so sorry and I am thinking of you, Betsy, the kids and the rest of the family.
Erin Lichty
January 31, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you try to cope with the loss of a husband and father. Deepest sympathy.
Yan Zhen
January 31, 2011
David was such a wonderful person. I still remember he took me out for lunch on my interview day and we had a pleasant conversation. Then I had the honor and pleasure to work with him for the next 2+ years. My deepest condolence to your family.
Maria
January 30, 2011
Darnell... Funny, I always called you by your last name. You were such a fun character at work, and we had some good times outside of work too. I haven't seen you for a long time but I have a perfect recollection of your voice and smile. You were always fun to talk to. I remember when you and Betsy got together finally, you were so excited about it, and I thought it was such a romantic story. We haven't been in touch but I never doubted I would see you again, one of these days--maybe I'd run into you around Seattle sometime. I keep trying to find more news about the accident, like if I can find more details I can figure out how to make it un-happen. Betsy, I never knew you, but I always enjoyed hearing about how happy Darnell was with his family life--the house projects going on forever, kids being born, something about Betsy in every other sentence... My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so sorry.
Bill Petrakos
January 30, 2011
I always remember David laughing or with a smile on his face. He was a very generous person and a wonderful colleague. You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Ananth Bhat
January 30, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with David's family.
Cathy Church Linton
January 30, 2011
David was an amazing man. Anytime you saw him, he had a smile and made you smile. He was a friend to all. He loved his family. He was always there for his friends. Betsy, my thoughts and prayer are with you and the entire Darnell family. Know your children are surrounded by love.
Jason Fetter
January 30, 2011
After the Sunday's memorial, I found that the palce was where you took me for fishing a little more than a year ago. Eevery time I go fishing, I remember you. It is very sad that we cannot go fishng together any more. But, I keep catching reds and sheepshead for both of us.
Billi Dunning
January 30, 2011
My last memory of David is him working on the Leschi house deck in flip flops and stepping on a nail. Smiling even then at how ridiculous he was. I loved the way he said my name. It was always with such enthusiasm and that was Dave in a nut shell....always happy and spreading that infectious smile of his. I am glad I knew him and he will be missed by many! Betsy I know you can be strong for your family and I know that they will get you through this.
Peggy Fischer
January 30, 2011
Betsy, you and David brought so much light and love to our neighborhood in Leschi. We are grieving with you.
Embrace the pain and know you will get through this over time. Take strength from the love of your friends and family who here to help you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and children, morning, noon and night. Love, Peggy
Patt Howard
January 30, 2011
You will be terribly missed by many, many people David. It was an honor to have known you. Deepest condolences from Munich.
Paige Hyland
January 30, 2011
David, I will always remember the day you came across the street on your bike and told me you had a baby sister in your house! You had such a HUGE smile on your face. Mr. and Mrs. Darnell, I am so sad for you, the Gilberts, the Nabors and for David's wife and children. I am praying for you all...
Lisa Goldman
January 30, 2011
There is no way to express how heartbreaking this tragedy is but know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. And know I'm here for you all - whatever you need.
Mo Corston-Oliver
January 29, 2011
My heartfelt condolences to David's family. I knew him briefly during his time at Microsoft; his smile always made the worst days better.
Lara Long (Thrush)
January 29, 2011
David, you were so much FUN to be around. You didn't have a judgmental bone in your body. You were just happy and silly and smart and witty and so special. We have lost "one of a kind".... Betsy, my heart goes out to you. Those 4 beautiful kids. What a gift from David. Know that our small community (though most of us live elsewhere now) love you and support you and want to help you. The Thrush and Long families will be praying for you. And we all share with you those happy memories of David....
January 29, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We are so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during these coming days.
Max and Sandra Darnell
Suzanne (Suzy) McCool
January 29, 2011
David, your laughter will always be ring loud and true in my memories. I will miss you always
Betsy, my prayers and deepest sympathies go to you and the children. You will get through this. Life will never be the same but will be good again. You are loved.
To the Darnell and Gilbert families, peace be with you.
Cabell Wilbraham
January 29, 2011
Unfortunately I never got the opportunity to meet David, but I know he has a loving wife and beautiful children. My heart and prayers go out to David's family.
Chuck Stacey
January 29, 2011
My prayers are with Betsy, the children and your families. You were a great friend, and one of the most real people I have ever met in my entire life. You will be missed. I will always remember our friendship from High School, and how you never judged people, but yet accepted everyone that wished to call you friend.
January 29, 2011
God Bless David Shearon
Ashley Overmoe Cannon
January 29, 2011
My heart aches for your loss. Let your heart feel the pain & sadness, then move forward & relish in all the joys and happiness you shared. May you know deep within, that you & your family are loved and that you have so many that are there to help you. Find peace and comfort in those that share your pain today but can also help you smile and laugh in the weeks to come.
Jane Johns
January 28, 2011
David....I will miss your laugh every single day. Thank you for believing in me and encouraging me to live up to my full potential. Today was like no other at MDI....we miss you.
Keryn King (LaPierre)
January 28, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
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