Owen J. "Duke" Darnell

The Alzheimers Poem I read out at my Mothers funeral May 2024 after giving a tribute to my Mum. It was so poignant & well written. There were approx. 140 in attendance and many more online. Thanks to Owen Darnell who looked into the heart of those trapped in their world of dementia and into the world of the families who are also somewhat helpless. Stick with your loved ones, be their voice, never fail them, love them to the end.

Your poem has helped me so much. I treasure it. My mum is in a home now. That poem helps me cope. Sorry you are gone.

You are the kind of man who makes people want to try to get better. You are an inspiration to everyone. Your body has left us but your spirit grows for everyones recovery and blessings

One of the first people that inspired me on my road to recovery was "Duke", he had a great sense of humor and I could always be assured to hear great words of wisdom when he spoke. My thanks to God for having blessed the world with such an endearing soul

I knew Duke through AA and always looked forward to seeing him. He was a person whose message was one of encouragement and notwithstanding his many years of sobriety he didn't flaunt his "seniority". His message was simply that you can do this one day at a time just like everyone else in the fellowship. On my periodic visits back to Florida I usually saw him at a meeting or the state convention. I'll miss him and so will so many other people.