Darrel Dean Mack

1939 - 2025

"A Gentleman to Those Privileged to Know Him"



Darrel Dean Mack passed away on March 15, 2025, in Puyallup, Washington, surrounded by family. Although he had been diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia 7 years ago, he died of heart and kidney failure. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Mack, and his daughter, Tracy Mack, of Winlock, WA. He leaves behind two stepdaughters, Leslie Pickering (Dave) and Trova O'Heffernan (Mike), and step-grandchildren, Cole and Jade Pickering, and Aiden and Hannah O'Heffernan. He is also survived by his niece, Kathy Stubblefield (Herb), his two nephews, Craig Mack (Denise), Jeff Mack (Nancy), and his ex-wife, Kathy Roth (Howard). He was pre-deceased by his parents and his brother.



Darrel's remarkable life began on July 14, 1939, in Borup, Minnesota, where he was born in a hardware store and delivered by his grandmother, a skilled midwife. He grew up on a small farm in rural Mahnomen, Minnesota. In school, he excelled in all sports, but especially basketball.



After graduating from high school, Darrel attended Moorhead State University in Minnesota on a basketball scholarship. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education. In 1961, Darrel earned distinction as an Honoree of the prestigious Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities. He continued his education at Washington State University, where he received his Master's in Physical Education.



Darrel and his first wife lived in Spain and Germany for a number of years. He taught school in Madrid, Spain, and West Germany, where he was appointed Principal of Rhein Main Junior High School-an American Department of Defense Dependents School educating 1100 students of U.S military personnel on the Rhein Main Air Force Base.



After returning to the States, Darrel embarked on a new career as a financial advisor and stockbroker, advancing to the role of Vice President at Morgan Stanley before his retirement at age 60. He and Pat settled in the golf course community of High Cedars, located in Orting, Washington. They loved hiking on Mt. Rainier, especially the trails at Sunrise. Many of their retirement years were spent travelling abroad as well as within the United States. When at home, they enjoyed playing golf, socializing, and exploring golf courses throughout Washington and Oregon with their good friends in the High Cedars community. Darrel continued to play tennis at the Lakewood Racquet Club for years, where he was considered an excellent player among his peers.



Beyond all his achievements and good fortune in life, Darrel's generosity will endure for generations. In honor of his daughter, he established the Tracy Lynn Mack Scholarship Fund for students majoring in Special Education at Moorhead State University. He provided college tuition support for several of his grandchildren. His continued steadfast support of many charities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Fred Hutch Cancer Center, will impact research and improve patient lives for years to come.



With deep appreciation, the family of Darrel Dean Mack extends heartfelt gratitude and thanks to Dr. Ajay Gopal and his team at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center for providing exceptional care and expertise during Darrel's journey with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. A "Celebration of Darrel's Life" will be held at the home in 2026, date to be determined.