Darren E. LUND

1961 - 2021

DR. DARREN E. LUND 1961 - 2021 Calgary, Alberta It is with a great deal of sadness and grief that we announce the swift and peaceful passing of Dr. Darren E. Lund on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. Darren was an exceptional and internationally respected human rights activist and advocate, inspiring educator, effortless mentor, intuitive community leader, devoted father, caring brother, beloved uncle, and an unconditionally loving life partner. Darren Lund was born in Calgary, AB, in 1961. His grandparents emigrated from Denmark in the early 1900's and settled in Wayne, AB, where both of Darren's parents were born. Darren was an intelligent, outgoing, and charismatic student, and proudly attended Forest Lawn High School. He backpacked around the world after High School, developing an appreciation and understanding of international cultures and norms. With the encouragement of his parents and professional mentors, Darren received his BEd (with distinction) and Professional Diploma from The University of Calgary, his MA from the University of Victoria, was a Rotary Scholar at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and finally completed his PhD at the University of British Columbia. It was in a classroom upgraded with posters of hip-Canadian bands, recent blockbuster movies and a mini-student café at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer, AB, where Darren inspired and mobilized students on issues of equity and justice. The group, Students and Teachers Opposing Prejudice (STOP), was formed in 1987 and contributed to Darren being awarded the inaugural Alberta Human Rights Award (1987). Following this leading-edge work over thirty years ago, Darren has taken similar initiatives outside the walls of his classroom to the University of Calgary and worldwide. Darren has earned a reputation as a leading international equity scholar-activist with a strong commitment to community engaged research and social justice advancement. His ongoing community work and human rights activism have resulted in innovations to the community engagement of faculties and institutions. As demonstrated through his leadership of the Service-Learning Program for Diversity and related scholarship, he has been successful in bringing a wide range of scholars and agencies together for common purposes in the fields of equity, diversity, and inclusion. He will be most remembered for his effortless humour, compassion, humility, inspiration to others, tireless advocacy, and being an exceptional lover and partner. Darren is survived by his soulmate and loving spouse, Nina; sister Laurette Lund (Harvey Dick); and children, Tatiana and Stefan Lund, all of Calgary, AB. Darren is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Ernie "Moose" Lund, a respected police officer for 30 years with Calgary Police Services, mother Rita Lund (nee Jensen), a wonderful homemaker and part-time banker; and several aunts and uncles. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Darren's obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 - 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222, or to Prostate Cancer Centre, Rockyview General Hospital, 6500-7007 14 Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2V 1P9 (403) 943-8888 https://www.prostatecancercentre.ca/support-us/ or to any charity of your choice. We would love to profoundly thank all of the excellent, warm, and helpful doctors, nurses, and support teams involved in the last few months of Darren's life: Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Prostate Cancer Centre, South Health Campus, Foothills Hospital Unit 46, and Rosedale Hospice. In living memory of Dr. Darren E. Lund, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.