DARRYL WALTER SPEERS

1933 - 2016

Speers, Darryl Walter

Darryl Walter Speers, age 82, passed away on January 31, 2016 at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Irvine, California. Darryl was born on April 25, 1933 in Salem, Michigan to Ivan Russell Speers and Velma Edna Kahler Speers.

Darryl grew up in Michigan. He graduated from high school in Plymouth, Michigan and attended college for two years at Michigan State University. Darryl enlisted in the United States Army on November 16, 1953, served honorably and was discharged on October 16, 1956. Following his military service Darryl was employed by Unisys Corporation (formerly Burroughs Corporation), and worked for the Company in various engineering capacities. He retired in June 2000 after a long career as a software engineer.

Darryl married Dawn Sternal on February 14, 2001. They were happily married for 15 years, and lived in Mission Viejo, California. Darryl is survived by his spouse Dawn; his daughters (by previous marriage) Colleen James-Thiesen of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Linda Speers of Phoenix, Arizona; brother Robert Speers (spouse Georgie Speers) of Texas; his granddaughter Alexandrea René Theisen; and his nephews Richard Dean Speers, Bruce Alan Speers, Douglas Duane Speers; and other relatives. He was especially close to his wife's family, Branch Sternal of Burlington, North Carolina, Guy Sternal of Steilacoom, Washington, and Drew Sternal of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Darryl was preceded in death by his parents Ivan Speers and Velma Kahler Speers; his brother Maurice Speers; and his daughter Mary René James.

Darryl loved cars and auto racing. He always wished he had become a professional race car driver. He bought his beloved 1973 Lotus Europa from an advertisement and drove it across the country from New York to California, when it was a brand new car. He had his dream car totally restored in 2006, but couldn't drive it for a few years after hip replacement surgery. He also loved fine dining and wine, and he took great pleasure in his extensive home wine collection.

Darryl and his wife Dawn, planned to attend every Formula 1 racing event in the world. Their first F1 race together was the 1986 Monaco Grand Prix. The last F1 race they were able to go to was the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul, in 2005. They also traveled to and enjoyed various NASCAR races around the USA. He and his wife went to the Indianapolis 500 every year for many years until Darryl was no longer able to travel.

Darryl loved to bowl until his health no longer allowed him to. He also loved to play bridge, and in his later years found much enjoyment in the game, especially at the Mission Viejo Bridge Club and other locations in the city. His bridge playing friends were very dear to him. Darryl was a much loved husband, family member and friend. All who knew him will miss him.