EDWIN SPEIGHT DARDEN

Edwin Speight Darden II, FAIA, a Fresno resident since 1950, was born in Stantonsburg, North Carolina on October 14, 1920. He passed away at his home in Fresno on Saturday, June 16, 2012, at the age of 91. Ed loved life. He was a track star in high school and college and graduated from his beloved Kansas State University with a degree in Architectural-Engineering. He was a very active member of Sigma phi Epsilon Fraternity during all those years. He served four years during World War II in the United States Army and was attached to the United States Air Force for the last two years. Ed's professional life was full of accomplishments. He worked hard and loved it. He was the founder of Darden Architects in 1959. He is credited with many innovations in school planning and design. He was very active in the American Institute of Architects, elected to Fellowship in 1975 and was certified Who's Who in America in 1986. Ed served as a professional advisor to Fresno County and on the California State Advisory Board to the Office of Architecture and Construction. Ed had many endeavors. He loved to travel. His travel adventures with Paula took them to all corners of the world. He served as Trustee, Deacon and Usher for many years at First Presbyterian Church. He was on the Board of Directors for Murphy Bank. Was Past President of Merced Lions Club, Charter Member of Fresno Breakfast Lions Club. A Fresno Rotarian, instrumental in the planning of Rotary Amphitheater and served ten years as District Chairman of Rotary Camp Royal. Ed and Paula are charter members of San Joaquin Country Club. Ed Darden truly blessed all those who knew him for 91 years. He let his love for the Lord be known, especially through his prayers, which he was often called on to give. He is remembered for his strength, his moral character and faith, his love of country, his generosity and his love of people. He was a true gentleman. Ed's life was a celebration of family as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife Paula: son Ed III and his wife Jan and children Holly and her husband Jesse Smith, Brooke and her husband Jeff Bergman and Ed Darden IV; daughter Judy and her husband John Hulstrom and children Jenny and her husband Matt Gorans and son Brent Hulstrom and his wife Bre; daughter Diane and her husband Ed Morgan and son Scott Morgan and his wife Tiffany; There are 15 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 23, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Rotary Club of Fresno Foundation, 2307 N. Fine Avenue, Fresno, Ca. 93727; or the First Presbyterian Church, 1540 M Street, Fresno, Ca. 93721.