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Darwyn Brian John Hildebrandt

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Darwyn Hildebrandt Obituary

Published by The Province on Mar. 9, 2007.

HILDEBRANDT _ Darwyn Brian John It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darwyn at Vancouver General Hospital early on Sunday, March 4th, 2007 after a brief battle with leukemia at the age of 54. Darwyn is survived by his loving wife Barbara Burkett; parents John and Doreen Hildebrandt; sisters Diane (Frank) Odell; Brenda (Jim) Carman; brothers Carey (Heidi) Hildebrandt; Randy (Karen) Hildebrandt and many nieces and nephews. Barbara's mother, brothers, sisters and nieces and nephews will miss him greatly. He was predeceased by his first wife Rosemary. Darwyn worked for 26 years at Domtar before moving on in 1998 to pursue a job as a longshoreman on the docks of Vancouver. He was proudly received into membership of the ILWU, Local 502 on February 16, 2005. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, March 13th, 2007, 1:00 p.m. at Henderson's Funeral Home in Langley, with a tea to follow the service. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at VGH for their compassion and wonderful care. Should family and friends so desire donations in Darwyn's memory may be made to Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program of BC.

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Recent Activity

March 21, 2007

Barb Burkett posted to the memorial.

March 10, 2007

Heather, Kevin and little Kiara Warkentin posted to the memorial.

March 10, 2007

Koreen Gurak posted to the memorial.

5 Entries

Barb Burkett

March 21, 2007

My Dearest Darwyn
I miss you, seems like I am still waiting for you to come home from your shift.
We had such a short time together, we had fun, we worked hard and we loved each other so much. You will always be an important part of my life.
Love you....your darling wife

Heather, Kevin and little Kiara Warkentin

March 10, 2007

Uncle Darwyn,

Inadvertently you brought this family together like never before. Unknowingly you gave us the hardest blessing of all. That you're truly Home with God and at peace is the biggest gift anyone left behind could ever receive.

Koreen Gurak

March 10, 2007

It is with sadness but fond memories that I sign this guest book. I got to know both Barb and Darwyn at the YMCA in Surrey (they attended my water fitness class together). I do believe this was the starting point of a true friendship...a couple that would share there love of life with people like myself. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and to my special friend Barb.

Marilyn, Barb & Darwyn's sister-in-law

March 9, 2007

Dear Barb (& Darwyn's family),
I am so sorry for your loss. Darwyn was a great guy, a big-hearted man, and a truly best friend to Barb. Although they shared that friendship and their love for a very short time, Darwyn will always be in Barb's heart. I really do feel that Darwyn is healthy now and in a better place and he will always be at your side to watch over and guide you. He will be fondly remembered. Sincerely,

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Randy Hildebrandt

March 9, 2007

Dear Darwyn,

Your time was cut short. It just wasn't fair. We had so much more to talk about, so much more to share.

The shock of your illness took us all by surprise. The speed that it attacked you brings tears to my eyes.

You couragously fought with all your might. Your pain was immense but you continued to fight.

You called for your family and we all came to your bed. The nurses were like angels as they cooled your head.

Our hopes were buoyed as a donor was found. We made preparations to fight the next round.

When Dr. O'Leary came to tell the bad news, she gave two options from which to choose.

"I'm not ready to go" you said to Barb and me, "bring on the chemo, I don't have a choice you see."

When next the doctors came, Barb, Brenda & Jim witnessed your pain again.

Your last option was gone, the cancer was too strong, and now nothing more could be done.

You looked to your companion and partner in life. You asked dear Barb to please be your wife.

It didn't take a year. Mere hours in fact. The familys were called and the nurse's did act.

A small room was supplied and decorations found. Pastor Laten called us all around.

The nurses brought you in and you held your head high. The smile on your lips, made everyone cry.

You struggled to sign the license, but no scribble would do. You steadied your hand proudly, and showed who! Darwyn Hildebrandt, that's who!

Your heart's wishes fullfilled, you grew tired. The nurses were called and you were rewired.

On Friday morning the word came. Your treatments had been stopped but there was no one to blame.

The doctors and nurses had all done their best,
but the battle was over,
and it was time to rest.

Your family and friends, rallied to your side. We shared memories and stories and laughed and cried.

But you showed us, one and all, there was still fight left in you and wouldn't fall.

The vigil lasted, with your wife at your side for 3 more days before your demise.

Your pulse was strong and full of zest. We finally felt ok to take a rest.

The call came at 3 am.

You had waited until we left to be with "HIM".

Your pain and suffering have come to an end.

Your bravery and love stand paramount.

Good-bye Bro. You are gone but never forgotten. I will miss you dearly.

You made me proud and I love you.

Your little brother ... Randy